Towards the year 1000 the Caiquetios coming from Venezuela began to populate the island. In 1499, the Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda arrived. Many Spanish pirates and buccaneer find refuge. Contrary to the vices and customs of the time, the Spanish did not completely exterminating them but let them raise sheep, goats, pigs, etc. until 1636, then became colony of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. From 1800, the island is experiencing a great development thanks to the discovery of gold (1825) and the excellent turf of the Aloé Vera. In 1924, Aruba took advantage of its geographical position with Venezuela to open a oil refinery. It forms a full state of that kingdom since the island separated from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986. The Netherlands Antilles takes their autonomy on 29 December 1954 and Aruba is part of this set of «Islands under the wind» (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). The official language is Dutch, but the majority of indigenous people master Spanish and quite well local Creole: " papamiento. " Some include French and German. The currency is Aruba guilder (in 2009 € 1 equals 2,3 AWG).GeographyThe island is 20 km from the coast of Venezuela. Aruba is located at latitude 12 ° 30 ' north latitude and 69 ° 58 ' west longitude. Aruba is part of the small Antilles, with 100 000 inhabitants, the island has 40 nations. It is located off the coast of Venezuela (20 km). The island is flat, its peak is 188 m, at Mount Jamanota. The main cities are the capital Oranjestad (the capital), Sint Nicolaas, Santa Cruz and Noord.A tourist islandTourism accounts for 35% per cent of jobs and 38% per cent of the island's GDP. Exceptional weather, stable political regime, security, idyllic landscapes, clear waters and white sand make this place an ideal place for relaxation and romanticism. The caution and quality of transportation contrast with what you live in everyday Life in Latin America. In 2006, 15 fatal accidents were recorded. In the same way, if you want to walk on foot, the pedestrian has priority. There are different alternatives to visit the island: by bike (even Harley Davidson!), 4 x 4, horse-back, helicopter or aboard a sailboat.Nautical activities will go to Palm Beach where most of the island's hotels, windsurfing, water skiing, Jet-Ski, sailing, etc. To observe coral funds, there are boats such as Atlantis. After gold, refined oil and tourism, the government is looking for other resources and has been concentrating on telecommunications and offshore financial services in recent years.

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