Official Name: Country of Curaçao (Land Curaçao in Dutch)
Capital: Willemstad
Curaçao is an island country in the southern Caribbean Sea, approximately 65 kilometers north of the Venezuelan coast, and it is one of the islands that form the Dutch Caribbean, or the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao). The island features diverse landscapes with hills, valleys, and stunning beaches.
Area: Approximately 444 square kilometers (approximately 171 square miles).
Population: Approximately 160,000 people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English.
Curaçao has a tropical savannah climate with a dry season from January to September and a wet season from October to December. The island falls outside of the Hurricane Belt, which means it’s less likely to be hit by hurricanes compared to other Caribbean islands.
Curaçao’s economy is mainly driven by tourism, with visitors drawn to the island’s beaches, marine life, and historic architecture. Other important sectors include international trade, oil refining, and financial services. The port of Willemstad is one of the busiest in the Caribbean.
Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch monarch is the head of state, represented on the island by a Governor. The Prime Minister of Curaçao is the head of government.
Education in Curaçao is compulsory for children between the ages of 4 and 18. The education system reflects the island’s Dutch heritage, and there are several universities on the island offering a variety of programs.
Curaçaoan culture is a blend of European, West African, and indigenous influences. The island is known for its music, such as tambú and tumba, and the annual Carnival, which features parades, music, and dancing. The traditional cuisine often features seafood, local fruits, and stews.
Among the most notable people from Curaçao are baseball player Andruw Jones, and artist and poet May Henriquez.
This is a general overview of Curaçao and there’s so much more to learn about this unique country, from its vibrant culture to its colorful underwater world.
