Caribbean Netherlands

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Caribbean Netherlands

Caribisch Nederland
Special municipalities of the Netherlands
CountryNetherlands
Established10 October 2010
Area
 • Total328 km2 (127 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)
 • Total25,000
 • Density76/km2 (200/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-4 (AST)
Calling code+599


The Caribbean Netherlands (Dutch: Caribisch Nederland) refers to the three special municipalities of the Netherlands that are located in the Caribbean Sea. These municipalities are Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Collectively, they are also known as the BES islands.

History[edit | edit source]

The Caribbean Netherlands was established on 10 October 2010, following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. The dissolution resulted in the integration of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba into the Netherlands as special municipalities, while the other islands of the former Netherlands Antilles became constituent countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Geography[edit | edit source]

The Caribbean Netherlands is located in the Caribbean Sea, with Bonaire situated off the coast of Venezuela, and Sint Eustatius and Saba located in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles. The total area of the Caribbean Netherlands is 328 square kilometers.

Bonaire[edit | edit source]

Bonaire is the largest of the three islands, known for its rich marine life and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sint Eustatius[edit | edit source]

Sint Eustatius, also known as Statia, is known for its dormant volcano, The Quill, and its historical significance as a former trading hub.

Saba[edit | edit source]

Saba is the smallest of the three islands and is known for its rugged terrain and the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mount Scenery.

Government[edit | edit source]

As special municipalities, the Caribbean Netherlands are part of the Netherlands but have a different administrative structure compared to municipalities in the European part of the country. They are directly administered by the central government of the Netherlands, and residents have the right to vote in Dutch national elections.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of the Caribbean Netherlands is primarily based on tourism, particularly eco-tourism, due to the islands' natural beauty and biodiversity. Other important sectors include fishing, agriculture, and services.

Culture[edit | edit source]

The culture of the Caribbean Netherlands is a blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences. The official language is Dutch, but Papiamento and English are also widely spoken.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Categories[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD