Curacao
Curacao is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast, that forms part of the Dutch Caribbean. The Country of Curaçao, which includes the main island and the small, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao ("Little Curaçao"), is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its capital is Willemstad.
History[edit | edit source]
Curaçao was inhabited by the Arawak people from the Americas, who migrated to the island over hundreds of years. The first Europeans to see Curaçao were Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci in 1499. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Dutch West India Company occupied the island and made it a center for the Atlantic slave trade. In 1815, at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the island became a Dutch colony. It remained so until 1954, when it became an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Geography[edit | edit source]
Curaçao is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 65 km (40 mi) north of the Venezuelan coast. It has a land area of 444 square kilometers (171 square miles). The island is dominated by a range of hills known as the Curaçao Lava Formation. The highest point is the Christoffelberg in the northwest, which is 375 m (1,230 ft) high.
Economy[edit | edit source]
The economy of Curaçao is mainly based on tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance. The island has a well-developed infrastructure with a modern airport, seaport, and telecommunications network. The Curaçao International Airport is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. The Curaçao Drydock Company is one of the largest ship repair companies in the Caribbean.
Culture[edit | edit source]
Curaçao has a diverse culture with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English. The island is known for its traditional music, such as tumba, and its annual Carnival.
Health[edit | edit source]
Healthcare in Curaçao is provided by a mix of public and private providers. The main hospital is the Curaçao Medical Center in Willemstad.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
