Introduction: Aruba Download PDF

Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Capital City: Oranjestad (-4 GMT)  
Chief of State: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands represented by Governor General Fredis Refunjol  
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Nelson O. Oduber  
Currency: Aruban Florin  
Major Languages: Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%, Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3%  
Calling Code: 297  
Voltage: 127  
Primary Religions: Roman Catholic 80.8%, Evangelist 4.1%, Protestant 2.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%, Methodist 1.2%, Jewish 0.2%, other 5.1%, none or unspecified 4.6%  

Main Airports

Reina Beatrix (AUA)

U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Consulate General for Aruba is at J.B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao
tel. 599-9-461-3066

Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA
$21,800 (2004 est.)
Inflation Rate
3.4% (2005)
Population
103,065
Country Risk Ratings
-
Ease of Doing Business
-/181
Global Competitiveness
-/134

Statistics

Labor force:
41,500 (2004 est.)
Exports:
$124 million (2006)
Exports - partners:
US 69.4%, Brazil 8.7%, France 6.4%, UK 4.5% (2008)
Imports:
$1.054 billion (2006)
Imports - partners:
US 57%, Netherlands 7.6%, Brazil 3.8% (2008)
Major Industries:
tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining

Rankings

E-readiness Rankings
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The E-readiness Ranking is reported yearly by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a research and advisory firm. The E-readiness Ranking evaluates the technological, economic, political and social assets of countries to assess the information and communications technology infrastructure, and the infrastructures benefits on the country's consumers, businesses and governments. The higher ranked countries have a better ability to leverage digital channels for communication, commerce, and government in order to further development.

Data collected in 2007

Source: EIU

Global Services Location Index
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The Global Services Location Index is published annually by A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm. The Global Services Location Index measures the viability of countries as a potential offshore destination for services, based on their financial attractiveness (0-4 points), people and skills availability (0-3 points), and business environment (0-3 points). The highest ranked country is the most attractive as a potential offshoring destination. Index units, 0=location does not provide offshore support, 10=location does provide offshore support.

Data collected in 2007

Source: A.T. Kearney

Index of Economic Freedom
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The Index of Economic Freedom is reported annually by the Heritage Foundation, a research and educational institute. The Index of Economic Freedom analyzes a wide range of issues including trade barriers, corruption, government expenditures, property rights, and tax rates to generate an overall ranking of economic freedom. The highest ranked country is the country with the least number of restrictions and constraints on businesses.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Heritage Foundation

Tax Misery & Reform Index
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The Forbes Tax Misery Index is annually compiled by Forbes, an American publishing and media company. The Tax Misery Index reflects the sum of corporate income, personal income and wealth taxes plus employer social security, employee social security and VAT/sales taxes at the highest marginal rate in each locale. The highest ranked countries impose the harshest taxes while those at the bottom are the most tax friendly.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Forbes

The Globalization Index
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The Globalization Index is compiled annually by A.T. Kearney and Foreign Policy. The Globalization Index ranks the major developed and developing countries in the world by analyzing key components of global integration, such as economic, personal, technological, and political integration. The highest ranked country is the most globalized.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Foreign Policy