Country Profile: Curacao

Curacao is a small island nation located in the Caribbean, situated about 55 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela. It has a population of approximately 153,289 (2024 estimate) and is recognized for its high-income economy that heavily relies on tourism and financial services, alongside oil refining. The island is governed as a parliamentary democracy, having become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010 after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Geography

Curacao is part of the southern Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, with a total area of 444 square kilometers, making it more than twice the size of Washington, D.C. The island features generally low, hilly terrain with an elevation that reaches a maximum of 372 meters at Mt. Christoffel. Curacao enjoys a tropical marine climate and is positioned outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, making it relatively safe from severe weather.

Location: Caribbean Sea, 55 km off Venezuela
Coastline: 364 km
Climate: Tropical marine with semiarid conditions
Highest Point: Mt. Christoffel at 372 m
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea at 0 m

People and Society

Curacao has a diverse population of 153,289, with a slight majority of females. The country recognizes several ethnic groups, predominantly Curacaoans, along with a variety of other nationalities, including Dutch and Dominican. The most widely spoken language is Papiamento, which is an official language alongside Dutch. The society exhibits a mix of cultures and religions, primarily Roman Catholicism.

Urban Population: 89% (2023)
Median Age: 38.1 years (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy: 79.9 years (2024 est.)
Population Growth Rate: 0.25% (2025 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

The economy of Curacao is characterized as a high-income island economy with a focus on tourism and financial services. In 2023, the Real GDP (purchasing power parity) was estimated at $4.312 billion, with a growth rate of 4.2%. Oil refining, particularly servicing Venezuela, remains a significant industry, alongside light manufacturing and business services.

GDP (Official Exchange Rate): $3.281 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP per Capita: $27,700 (2023 est.)
Industry Composition: Services (73.3%), Industry (11.7%), Agriculture (0.3%) (2023 est.)
Current Account Balance: -$654.688 million (2023 est.)
Exports: $2.107 billion (2023 est.)

Government

Curacao operates as a parliamentary democracy and is one of four constituent countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The country has its own constitution and legislative assembly, with a unicameral Parliament that consists of 21 seats. The governance is responsible for internal affairs, while defense and foreign relations are managed by the Dutch government.

Capital: Willemstad
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Legal System: Based on Dutch civil law
Most Recent Election: March 21, 2025
Prime Minister: Gilmar Pisas (since June 14, 2021)

Military and Security

The military and security forces in Curacao include the Curacao Militia (CURMIL) and the Curacao Police Force. Defense responsibilities largely lie with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with local security supported by Dutch military units and coast guard. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the Dutch Caribbean Police Force are also active in maintaining law and order in the region.

Local Forces: Curacao Militia, Police Force
Defense Responsibility: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Support Forces: Dutch Caribbean Police, Coast Guard
Naval Bases: 2 Dutch naval bases on the island

Energy

Curacao has achieved 100% electricity access for its population as of 2022, highlighting the island's commitment to providing reliable energy resources to its inhabitants.

Electrification Rate: 100% (2022 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues in Curacao include challenges with waste management and pollution, particularly affecting marine areas due to inadequate sewage treatment and agricultural runoff. The island faces ongoing challenges related to regulatory effectiveness concerning industrial and toxic waste management.

Annual Solid Waste: 24,700 tons (2024 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 0.57% annual change (2020-25 est.)

Transportation

Curacao maintains a well-developed transportation infrastructure, which includes an airport and a merchant marine fleet. The country has four ports, three of which are equipped with oil terminals, supporting its significant oil industry.

Number of Airports: 1 (2025)
Merchant Marine Vessels: 57 (2023)
Total Ports: 4 (2024)

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Curacao includes a mix of fixed and mobile telecommunications services. The island has a relatively high rate of mobile cellular subscriptions and a growing internet user base.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 173,926 (2023 est.)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 51,000 (2022 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 61,000 (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	153,289 (2024 est.)
Area	444 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$4.312 billion	(2023 est.)
GDP per Capita	$27,700	(2023 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Birth Rate	12.71 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	Not available
Life Expectancy	79.9 years	(2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate	7.4 deaths/1,000	(2025 est.)
Current Account Balance	-$654.688 million	(2023 est.)