Curaçao is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, specifically in the Dutch Caribbean.
As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao enjoys autonomy, with its own government and independent operations in most areas. However, it remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
According to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom is responsible for defense, foreign policy, and citizenship, while Curaçao handles its internal affairs.
The history of Curaçao begins with the Arawak people, particularly the Caiquetio tribe, who are believed to have migrated from the South American mainland around 2500 BC. On Curaçao, they lived in small villages and subsisted on fishing, agriculture, and hunting.
The Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda came to Curaçao in 1499, but the Spanish did not consider it valuable because it lacked precious metals. However, in the early 16th century, the Spanish began colonizing the island, enslaving the local population, and using it as a hub for explorations.
In 1634, the Dutch West India Company seized the island to use it as a strategic trading post. Curaçao became a significant center for the Atlantic slave trade, with Willemstad as a major port. Over the years, the island developed a more diversified economy based on trade, shipping, and the refining industries. People from Europe, Africa, and the Americas made their homes in Curaçao.
Even after the decline of the slave trade, the island remained under Dutch control. In the 20th century, its oil refining industries expanded, with the construction of the Isla Refinery in 1915. This resulted in economic prosperity and modernization. In 1954, Curaçao became part of the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. When the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2010, Curaçao became a constituent country within the Kingdom, as it is today.
The island is home to a mix of native plants, such as cacti and divi-divi trees, and introduced species like aloe vera and tamarind. Its landscape is characterized by its hilly terrain, limestone formations, and rugged coasts.
Curaçao's tropical savanna climate has a dry season from January to September and a wet season from October to December. Temperatures average around 81°F year-round. The island has over thirty-five beaches and is famous for snorkeling and diving.
While Curaçao's oil refinery continues to be important in the island's economy, tourism has become a crucial part of it in recent years. Financial services, including offshore banking and international trade, also contribute.
Significant architecture and infrastructure in Curaçao include Willemstad, its capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture. Built in 1635, Fort Amsterdam is a historical fortification in Willemstad that currently serves as the seat of the Governor of Curaçao. Also in Willemstad, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, founded in 1651, is the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the Americas.
Besides Fort Amsterdam, the oldest, there are five other historical forts in Curaçao. These include Fort Beekenburg (1703), Fort Piscadera (1701-1704), Fort Nassau (1797), Waterfort (1826), and Rif Fort (1828).
Given Curaçao's colonial history as a slave port, the majority of Curaçaoans are of African descent. There are also several people of Dutch, French, Portuguese, Latin American, South Asian, East Asian, and Levantine descent. Curaçao's official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English, although Dutch is the sole language for administrative and legal matters. The most widely spoken language is Papiamentu, although most of the island's population are conversant in at least two languages.
Nearly 70% of Curaçao's population are Roman Catholic. Other denominations, representing far fewer people, include Adventist, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Jehovah's Witness, and other Protestant bodies. The island also has a small Jewish community, which has been active since the 17th century.
Baseball is a popular sport in Curaçao. In 2004, Willemstad's Little League Baseball team won the world title against the United States champion team from Thousand Oaks, California. The country has produced several professional baseball players, including three (Andrew Jones, Ozzie Albies, and Kenley Jansen) who have appeared in Major League Baseball All-Star Games.
This section of our guide focuses on Curaçao. The country has only one major city, the capital, Willemstad, and several small villages, which may be included as subcategories. Governmental agencies or departments, businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, libraries, art galleries, organizations, attractions, and events in Curaçao are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Situated in Willemstad, Curaçao, the luxury beachfront resort hotel is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city while enjoying the beach. The accommodations feature two private beaches, a house reef, an infinity pool, a spa, a luxury gym, and five on-site restaurants and bars. The family-operated hotel also organizes cultural and culinary events for its guests and others. Photos, descriptions, booking options, contacts, and career opportunities are posted.
https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/
Based at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Curaçao Activities offers information on tours and activities on the Caribbean island. With more than twelve years of experience, the team provides a broad selection of tours, activities, and cultural or aquatic adventures, including online bookings. A travel guide consists of several articles on various activities, tours, and other topics, as well as a list of available tours and activities, with prices and booking options.
https://curacaoactivities.com/
Curaçao Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Chamber represents the general interests of business and industry in Curaçao and has provided leadership to private enterprises for over a century. The Chamber is a premier source of orientation regarding business ecosystems and guidance for business ventures and individuals interested in doing business in and through Curaçao. Its background, products, services, and leadership are introduced, and a business registry, position papers, and other publications are available online.
https://www.curacaochamberofcommerce.com/
The English-language news website covers a wide range of topics relevant to Curaçao and its residents, providing news on local politics, events, the economy of the island, tourism, and community issues. The news website serves prospective or current business investors, local English-speaking residents, international tourists, and all residents of Curaçao. An Android mobile application may be downloaded from the website, which includes advertising information and contact data.
https://www.curacaochronicle.com/
Formerly known as Dr. Albert Plesman International Airport and also known as Hato International Airport, the airport is the only airport for the Dutch Caribbean island nation of Curaçao. Situated on the island's north coast, the airport connects Curaçao to Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, boasting the third longest commercial runway in the Caribbean region. Flight schedules, trip preparation tips, general aviation, cargo stops, and advertising information are provided.
https://curacao-airport.com/
The CPA is responsible for managing all ports in Curaçao. Established in 1981, the Ports Authority ensures quality nautical services, safety, and security in the ports while promoting economic activity around the harbors. The main port is the Port of Willemstad, which offers facilities for cruise ships, cargo shipments, and crude distribution. Other ports include Fuik Bay, Caracas Bay, Bullen Bay, and St. Michiel’s Bay. Its ports are featured here, along with information on its services.
http://curports.com/
Located in Willemstad, Curaçao, the aquarium is one of the most unique in the world because of its open-water system, allowing marine creatures to live in natural habitats without sophisticated technical equipment. The aquarium immediately interacts with the open sea, and natural sunlight falls directly on its tanks. Photos of the aquarium are provided, along with information about its programs, exhibits, school and social projects, research facilities, and contact data.
https://curacao-sea-aquarium.com/
Established in 1989, the CTB is responsible for promoting tourism on the island. Among its objectives is to enhance Curaçao's image as a premier tourist destination by providing information, resources, and support to visitors and stakeholders. The CTB organizes events, manages marketing campaigns, and works to ensure that the island remains an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. Island developments, its Recreation Area Reservation, and contacts are featured.
https://www.curacaotouristboard.com/
The DI Card is a mandatory requirement for all foreign travelers coming to Curaçao. It can be completed online through this official portal. The card must be completed within seven days of departure for Curaçao. Residents of Curaçao are exempted from completing this immigration card. A FAQ page and explanation of the process are available for those who have questions regarding the Digital Immigration Card. An Express Pass may also be available. A travel guide application is also available.
https://dicardcuracao.com/portal
Focusing on scuba diving in Curaçao, Dive Curaçao is a comprehensive website that provides a detailed diving guide and an interactive dive site map that can be used to help divers plan their underwater adventures on the island. The website covers more than seventy diving and snorkeling sites along the southern coastline of the island, offering information on boat diving, shore diving, freediving, and snorkeling, as well as private boat trips, accommodations for groups, and reviews.
https://www.divecuracao.info/
Provided by a team of local volunteers passionate about sharing the history and culture of Willemstad, these tours offer guided walking tours through the historical districts of Otrobanda and Punda in Willemstad. They provide an educational and entertaining means of exploring the city's history, with knowledgeable guides sharing interesting anecdotes and stories along the way. The tours are free, although tips for the guides are encouraged. Tour schedules and booking details are posted.
https://www.freewalkingtourscuracao.com/
The vacation rental is in Coral Estate, on the west side of Curacao. The oceanfront villa offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, a private pool, and a thatched-roof cabana, and is perfect for its beaches, shore diving, and snorkeling. The vacation rental offers a coastal feel with well-equipped kitchens, as well as four bedrooms that sleep eight persons, all with an ensuite bathroom. The facilities are shown in photos, along with a list of amenities, reviews, and a blog.
http://www.villaseashell.com/
