Country Profile: Curacao

Curacao, a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With an estimated population of 153,289 in 2024, it boasts a diverse cultural heritage and a high standard of living, largely driven by its tourism and financial services sectors. The economy has shown resilience with a projected real GDP growth of 4.2% for 2023, supported by the island's developed infrastructure, particularly in oil refining and information technology. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Curacao has enjoyed significant autonomy since 2010, taking charge of most internal affairs, while defense and foreign policy remain under the purview of the Dutch government.

Geography

Curacao is situated in the Caribbean, approximately 55 km off the coast of Venezuela, and forms part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. The island covers an area of 444 square kilometers and features generally low, hilly terrain with a tropical marine climate. It has a coastline of 364 km and is characterized by a semiarid climate with average annual rainfall of 60 cm.

Highest Point: Mt. Christoffel at 372 m.
Total Area: 444 sq km.
Coastline Length: 364 km.
Maritime Claims: 12 nm territorial sea and 200 nm exclusive economic zone.
Natural Hazards: Rarely threatened by hurricanes.

People and Society

Curacao has a population of approximately 153,289, with a diverse ethnic composition that includes Curacaoan (75.4%) and Dutch (6%) among others. The official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, reflecting the island's colonial history and cultural influences. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic (72.8%), with a life expectancy at birth of 79.9 years as of 2024.

Population Growth Rate: 0.28% (2024 est.).
Urban Population: 89% of total population (2023).
Median Age: 37.8 years (2024 est.).
Infant Mortality Rate: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.).
Birth Rate: 12.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.).

Economy

Curacao's economy is classified as high-income and is primarily based on tourism, financial services, and oil refining. As of 2023, the real GDP is estimated at $4.312 billion, marking a growth rate of 4.2% from the previous year. The economy has seen investments in information technology and maintains significant ties with Venezuela, especially concerning oil refinery services.

Real GDP (PPP): $4.312 billion (2023 est.).
Real GDP Growth Rate: 4.2% (2023 est.).
GDP per Capita: $27,700 (2023 est.).
Exports (2023): $2.107 billion.
Imports (2023): $2.764 billion.

Government

Curacao is a parliamentary democracy and a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, granted full autonomy in internal affairs in 2010. The capital city is Willemstad, with a unicameral legislature comprising 21 directly elected seats. The political landscape is characterized by various political parties, and elections are held every four years.

Government Type: Parliamentary democracy.
Capital: Willemstad.
Latest Constitution: Adopted on 5 September 2010.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Next Election Date: Expected in 2025.

Military and Security

The defense of Curacao is primarily the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Local forces include the Curacao Militia and the Curacao Police Force, with support from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The country maintains a small naval presence to ensure security.

Local Militia: Curacao Militia (CURMIL).
Defense Responsibility: Managed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Dutch Naval Presence: Two naval bases.
Local Security Support: Provided by the Dutch Caribbean Police Force.

Energy

Curacao has achieved 100% electricity access for its population as of 2022, reflecting the island's commitment to infrastructure development.

Electrification: 100% of the population (2022 est.).

Environment

Environmental challenges in Curacao include waste management issues, pollution, and inadequate sewage treatment. The local government is working towards addressing these problems, particularly regarding the neglect of industrial areas.

Urbanization Rate: 0.57% annual change (2020-25 est.).
Air Pollutants: Carbon dioxide emissions were 5.39 megatons in 2016.
Municipal Solid Waste: 24,704 tons generated annually (2013 est.).

Transportation

Curacao has developed transportation infrastructure including one airport, four ports, and a merchant marine fleet comprising 57 vessels. The island's transportation system supports both tourism and trade.

Airports: 1 (2025).
Merchant Marine: Total of 57 vessels.
Total Ports: 4.
Civil Aircraft Code Prefix: PJ.

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Curacao includes a substantial number of mobile and fixed-line subscriptions, alongside government-run and private broadcasting services.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 172,000 (2022 est.).
Internet Users: 68% of the population (2017 est.).
Fixed 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.)
Birth Rate	12.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	79.9 years (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	NA
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Urban Population	89%	(2023)
Median Age	37.8 years (2024 est.)