Country Profile: Curacao
Curacao is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, situated approximately 55 km off the coast of Venezuela. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curacao has a population of about 153,289 (2024 estimate) and its economy thrives on tourism and financial services, bolstered by oil refineries servicing Venezuela and China. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Curacao has made significant strides towards autonomy, achieving self-governance within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.
Geography
Curacao is characterized by its tropical marine climate, generally low and hilly terrain, with Mount Christoffel being the highest peak at 372 meters. The island covers an area of 444 square kilometers and features a coastline of 364 kilometers. It has no land boundaries, making it an island paradise with protected harbors and average annual rainfall of 60 cm.
- 12°10'N, 69°00'W: Geographic coordinates.
- 444 sq km: Total area.
- 364 km: Coastline length.
- 0 km: Land boundaries as an island.
- 372 m: Highest elevation at Mount Christoffel.
People And Society
The estimated population of Curacao stands at 153,289 in 2024, with a demographic makeup that includes predominantly Curacaoans (75.4%), along with smaller communities of Dutch, Dominican, and Colombian descent. The official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, followed by various Protestant denominations. The median age is approximately 38.1 years, indicating a relatively mature population structure.
- 153,289: Total population (2024 estimate).
- 79,534: Female population.
- 38.1 years: Median age (2025 estimate).
- 12.71 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2025 estimate).
- 79.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
- 89%: Percentage of urban population (2023).
Economy
Curacao's economy is categorized as high-income, primarily driven by tourism, financial services, and its oil refining capabilities. The island's GDP (PPP) is projected to reach $4.312 billion in 2023, with a growth rate of 4.2%. The services sector dominates the economy, contributing about 73.3% of the GDP, while the agricultural sector remains minimal at just 0.3%. The nation also has an active export market, with refined petroleum being the largest commodity.
- $4.312 billion: Estimated GDP (PPP) in 2023.
- 4.2%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2023.
- 73.3%: Contribution of services to GDP (2023).
- 0.3%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2023).
- $27,700: GDP per capita (PPP) for 2023.
Government
Curacao is a parliamentary democracy with a legal system based on Dutch civil law. The island is governed autonomously under the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which retains responsibility for defense and foreign relations. The capital, Willemstad, is a significant cultural and political center, and elections are held every four years, with universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
- Willemstad: The capital city.
- 21: Number of seats in the unicameral Parliament.
- 18 years: Age for universal suffrage.
- 10 October 2010: Date of autonomy in governance.
Military and Security
Curacao's defense is coordinated by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with local security forces supplemented by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and other Dutch military entities. The island's security forces comprise the Curacao Militia and the Curacao Police Force, with the Dutch Navy maintaining a rotational presence.
- 100%: Electrification of the population (2022 estimate).
- Curaçao Militia: Local military force.
- Dutch naval bases: Two bases located on the island.
Energy
Curacao boasts 100% electricity access for its population, indicative of a well-developed infrastructure that supports its high-income economy.
- 100%: Electricity access for total population (2022 estimate).
Environment
Curacao faces environmental challenges, particularly in waste management and marine pollution from sewage and industrial runoff. It has a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall of 60 cm, and the island's natural resources include calcium phosphates and hot springs.
- 60 cm: Average annual rainfall.
- 0%: Agricultural land (2022 estimate).
Transportation
Curacao has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with a single airport serving the island and a merchant marine fleet consisting of 57 vessels. The island features four ports that facilitate trade and maritime operations.
- 1: Number of airports (2025).
- 57: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
- 4: Total ports (2024).
Communications
The island has a robust communications network with a significant number of mobile cellular subscriptions and fixed lines. Internet usage is prevalent, with 68% of the population being online.
- 173,926: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
- 51,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2022).
- 68%: Population with internet access (2017).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,289 | Estimate for 2024 |
| Area | 444 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $4.312 billion | Estimated for 2023 |
| Life Expectancy | 79.9 years | Estimate for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 12.71 births/1,000 | Estimate for 2025 |
| Urban Population | 89% | Total population (2023) |
| Electricity Access | 100% | Access for the population |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.95 children/woman | Estimate for 2025 |
| Current Account Balance | -$654.688 million | Estimate for 2023 |
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