Country Profile: Aruba

Aruba, an island located in the Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela, has a total area of 180 square kilometers and boasts a tropical marine climate. With an estimated population of 125,063 in 2024, Aruba's economy is predominantly driven by tourism, alongside significant contributions from oil refining and banking. The island operates as a parliamentary democracy and a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, maintaining a unique blend of cultural influences and a rich heritage.

Geography

Aruba is a flat island characterized by its white sandy beaches, with a coastline of 68.5 kilometers and no significant water bodies. The highest point on the island is Ceru Jamanota, reaching 188 meters above sea level. Its terrain is primarily flat with a few hills, and the island enjoys a tropical climate moderated by trade winds.

180 sq km: Total area of Aruba.
68.5 km: Length of the coastline.
188 m: Highest point on the island.
11.1%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
2.7%: Percentage of forested land (2023).
12 nm: Territorial sea limit.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.

People and Society

Aruba's population is predominantly Dutch (78.7%), with Colombians and Venezuelans also represented. The official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, with Spanish and English widely spoken. The median age in 2024 is estimated at 41.2 years, and the island has a rich cultural tapestry influenced by various ethnicities.

125,063: Total estimated population (2024).
41.2 years: Median age (2025 est.).
11.44 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
78.5 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
99.9%: Electrification access (2022).
44.3%: Urban population (2023).
1.05%: Population growth rate (2025 est.).

Economy

Aruba has a small, tourism-dependent economy with a focus on oil refining and banking. Following a significant downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is experiencing a partial recovery driven by tourism. The tourism sector has been bolstered by timeshare residences, while the government is considering reopening its oil refinery.

$4.35 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2023.
4.3%: Real GDP growth rate (2023).
$40,500: Real GDP per capita estimated for 2023.
78.3%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2019).
$3.153 billion: Exports estimated for 2023.
$2.565 billion: Imports estimated for 2023.
1.1%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023).

Government

Aruba functions as a parliamentary democracy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with significant autonomy in internal affairs since 1986. The capital, Oranjestad, serves as the administrative center. The government is led by a Prime Minister, supported by a unicameral legislature.

18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
21: Number of seats in the unicameral legislature.
4: Current term length of elected officials.
9: Seats held by the Aruban People's Party (2024).
King WILLEM-ALEXANDER: Chief of state since 2013.
99.9%: Electrification access (2022).
38.1%: Percentage of women in the legislature.

Military and Security

Aruba does not maintain regular military forces; instead, it relies on the Aruban Militia and cooperation with the Dutch military for defense. Local security is provided by the Aruba Police Department with support from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, focusing on organized crime and terrorism.

No regular military forces: Defense responsibility lies with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Aruban Militia (ARUMIL): Local militia force.
100%: Electrification in urban and rural areas (2022).
Royal Netherlands Marechaussee: Provides support for local law enforcement.

Energy

Electricity in Aruba is predominantly generated from fossil fuels, with a notable increase in renewable energy sources in recent years. The island has a total electricity installed capacity of 305,000 kW and reaches high electrification rates.

99.9%: Electrification of total population (2022).
305,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
824.036 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
83.6%: Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels.
8,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
153.952 million Btu/person: Total energy consumption per capita (2023).

Transportation

Aruba's transportation infrastructure includes one airport and two ports, facilitating both passenger and cargo transport. The island has a merchant marine presence, ensuring connectivity for trade and tourism.

1: Total airport (2025).
2: Total ports (2024).
1 (2023): Merchant marine vessels.
P4: Civil aircraft registration code.
Paardenbaai: Key port in Oranjestad.

Communications

Aruba enjoys a high level of connectivity, with significant access to mobile and internet services. A notable majority of the population uses the internet, reflecting a well-developed communication infrastructure.

140,815: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
97%: Percentage of internet usage among the population (2017).
35,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021).
19,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	125,063	2024 estimate
Area	180 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$4.35 billion	2023 estimated (PPP)
Energy Consumption	824.036 million kWh	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	11.44 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	78.5 years	2024 estimate
Unemployment	N/A	Data not available