Country Profile: Curacao
Curacao is a Caribbean island located approximately 55 km off the coast of Venezuela. The island features a tropical marine climate and has a population of about 153,289 (2024 estimate), primarily residing in its capital, Willemstad. Economically, Curacao operates a high-income, tourism and financial services-based economy, with significant investments in its infrastructure and oil refining sectors. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Curacao enjoys full autonomy in internal affairs as a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while defense and foreign policy remain under Dutch control.
Geography
Curacao lies in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Windward Islands group in the Lesser Antilles. It has a generally low and hilly terrain, with its highest point being Mt. Christoffel at 372 meters. The island encompasses an area of 444 square kilometers and has a coastline stretching 364 kilometers. Curacao's climate is semiarid, characterized by mild temperatures due to northeast trade winds.
- Area: 444 sq km
- Coastline: 364 km
- Highest Point: Mt. Christoffel at 372 m
- Climate: Tropical marine, average rainfall of 60 cm/year
- Natural Hazards: Rarely threatened by hurricanes
People and Society
As of 2024, Curacao's population stands at approximately 153,289, with a gender distribution of 73,755 males and 79,534 females. The island's ethnic composition includes a majority of Curacaoans, along with Dutch and other nationalities. Papiamento and Dutch are the official languages, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. The population is primarily urban, with 89% living in urban areas.
- Population: 153,289 (2024 estimate)
- Urban Population: 89%
- Median Age: 37.8 years (2024 estimate)
- Life Expectancy: 79.9 years (2024 estimate)
- Birth Rate: 12.9 births/1,000 population (2024 estimate)
Economy
Curacao's economy is characterized as high-income, largely driven by tourism and financial services, as well as oil refining. The GDP (PPP) was estimated at $4.312 billion in 2023, showcasing steady growth rates. The island's economic composition reveals that services represent 73.3% of GDP, while the agricultural sector contributes just 0.3%. Curacao engages significantly in international trade, importing mainly from the U.S. and the Netherlands.
- GDP (PPP): $4.312 billion (2023 estimate)
- GDP Growth Rate: 4.2% (2023 estimate)
- GDP per Capita: $27,700 (2023 estimate)
- Exports: $2.107 billion (2023 estimate)
- Remittances: 5.4% of GDP (2023 estimate)
Government
Curacao operates as a parliamentary democracy, having gained full autonomy in 2010 as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The head of state is King Willem-Alexander, represented locally by Governor Lucille A. George-Wout. The legislative body comprises a unicameral Parliament with 21 seats, elected through proportional representation. The legal system is based on Dutch civil law, and citizens enjoy universal suffrage at 18 years.
- Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
- Capital: Willemstad
- Number of Seats in Parliament: 21
- Last Election: March 2025
- Legal System: Based on Dutch civil law
Military and Security
Defense and security in Curacao are the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The local security forces receive support from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the Dutch Caribbean Police Force, and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The island is home to two Dutch naval bases, while the Curacao Militia and Volunteer Corps assist in local defense.
- Local Security Forces: Curacao Police Force, Curaçao Militia
- Defense Oversight: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Naval Bases: 2 on Curacao
Energy
Curacao boasts 100% electrification for its population as of 2022. The energy sector plays a crucial role in supporting the island's economy, particularly for its oil refining industries.
- Electricity Access: 100% of population (2022 estimate)
Environment
Environmental challenges for Curacao include waste management and pollution from domestic sewage and industrial activities. The island's land use shows minimal agricultural activity, with 0% classified as agricultural land as of 2022. The urban population is steadily increasing, further intensifying environmental pressures.
- Urbanization Rate: 0.57% annual growth (2020-2025 estimate)
- Municipal Waste Generated: 24,700 tons (2024 estimate)
Transportation
Curacao's transportation infrastructure includes a single airport and multiple ports, with a merchant marine fleet supporting international trade. The island's transport networks are vital for tourism and commerce.
- Airports: 1 (2025 estimate)
- Ports: 4 (2024 estimate)
- Merchant Marine: 57 vessels (2023)
Communications
The communication sector in Curacao includes various forms of media and a growing number of internet users. Access to mobile and broadband communications is widespread, contributing to economic activity and social interaction.
- Fixed Telephone Subscriptions: 51,000 (2022 estimate)
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 172,000 (2022 estimate)
- Internet Users: 68% of the population (2017 estimate)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,289 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 444 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $4.312 billion | 2023 estimate |
| GDP per Capita | $27,700 | 2023 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 12.9 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 79.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 89% | 2023 estimate |
| Municipal Waste | 24,700 tons | 2024 estimate |
| Number of Seats in Parliament | 21 | Current legislative structure |
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