Country Profile: Aruba

Aruba is a small, tropical island located in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela. It has a total land area of about 180 square kilometers and is characterized by a flat terrain with white sandy beaches. The population is approximately 125,063, with a vibrant mix of ethnicities and a strong tourism-driven economy. Aruba operates as a parliamentary democracy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, having gained autonomy in its internal affairs since 1986.

Geography

Aruba is situated in the Caribbean, approximately north of Venezuela, and covers an area of 180 square kilometers. The island's terrain is mostly flat with few hills, and it enjoys a tropical marine climate, moderated by trade winds. Most of the population resides in or around the capital, Oranjestad, while the island's coastline stretches for about 68.5 kilometers.

12 N, 70 W: Geographic coordinates
180 sq km: Total area
68.5 km: Coastline length
188 m: Highest point (Ceru Jamanota)
12 nm: Territorial sea
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone

People and Society

The population of Aruba is estimated to be about 125,063, with a higher number of females than males. The majority of its residents identify as Dutch, and Papiamento is the official language, reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences. The population is relatively old, with a median age of 41.2 years and a life expectancy of 78.5 years.

41.2 years: Median age (2025 est.)
125,063: Total population (2024 est.)
78.5 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
1.05%: Population growth rate (2025 est.)
11.44 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
44.3%: Urban population (2023)

Economy

Aruba's economy is predominantly based on tourism, oil refining, and banking, with tourism accounting for a significant portion of GDP. The island has been recovering from the economic impacts of COVID-19, leading to a projected GDP growth of 4.3% in 2023. The government is also exploring the reopening of its oil refinery to stimulate economic activity further.

$4.35 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2023 est.)
4.3%: Projected GDP growth rate (2023 est.)
$40,500: Real GDP per capita (PPP, 2023 est.)
78.3%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2019 est.)
$3.153 billion: Exports (2023 est.)
$2.565 billion: Imports (2023 est.)

Government

Aruba is a parliamentary democracy and a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with full autonomy in internal affairs since 1986. The capital city is Oranjestad, and the legal system is based on Dutch civil law. Suffrage is universal, allowing citizens aged 18 and older to vote.

1986: Year of autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles
21: Seats in the unicameral legislature
$793 million: Budget revenues (2019 est.)
18 March: National holiday (National Anthem and Flag Day)
38.1%: Percentage of women in the legislature

Military and Security

Aruba does not maintain regular military forces, with defense responsibilities handled by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Local security is provided by the Aruban Militia and the Police Department, which collaborates with Dutch law enforcement agencies. The focus of security services includes the fight against organized crime and terrorism.

No regular military: Defense responsibility lies with the Dutch government
Aruban Militia: Local defense force
Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard: Provides maritime security
Police Department: Local law enforcement agency

Energy

The total electrification rate in Aruba is nearly complete, with 99.9% access reported. The primary energy generation comes from fossil fuels, though there is a growing share of renewable energy sources. The island has installed a generating capacity of 305,000 kW as of 2023.

99.9%: Electricity access (total population, 2022 est.)
305,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
824.036 million kWh: Electricity consumption (2023 est.)
83.6%: Fossil fuels' share in total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Aruba faces environmental challenges, including waste management issues stemming from tourism and pollution from plastics. The island's climate is tropical marine, which affects land use primarily devoted to tourism and limited agriculture. Urbanization continues at a rate of 0.77% annually.

2.7%: Forest area (2023 est.)
11.1%: Agricultural land (2023 est.)
1.163 million metric tons: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
88,100 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)

Transportation

Aruba has one airport and a developing transportation network that includes ports for maritime activities. The key port is located at Paardenbaai in Oranjestad, which serves as an essential hub for the island’s shipping and trade activities.

1: Number of airports (2025)
2: Total ports (2024)
1: Merchant marine vessel (2023)

Communications

Aruba's telecommunications infrastructure is well-developed, with a high percentage of mobile and internet subscriptions. The presence of multiple broadcast media outlets ensures a diverse flow of information, with freedom of the press respected under Dutch law.

97%: Internet user percentage of the population (2017 est.)
140,815: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
19,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Total Population	125,063	(2024 est.)
Area	180 sq km
Real GDP (PPP)	$4.35 billion	(2023 est.)
Real GDP per Capita (PPP)	$40,500	(2023 est.)
Electricity Access	99.9%	(2022 est.)
Birth Rate	11.44 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	78.5 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	44.3%	(2023 est.)
CO2 Emissions	1.163 million metric tons	(2023 est.)
Unemployment Rate	Not specified