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ARUBA
Geography and Landscape

Basic information
Official languageDutch, Papiamento
CapitalOranjestad
Area180 kmĀ²
Population106.766  (2020)
CurrencyAruban florin  (AWG)
Web.aw
Code.ABW
Tel.+297

Cities in ARUBA

Oranjestad

Geography and Landscape

Geography

Aruba is the westernmost island of the Leeward Islands. The surface of the island is over 193 km2.

Aruba Satellite photoAruba Satellite photoPhoto: Public domain

Aruba consists of a core of ancient rocks that were formed more than a hundred million years ago by, among other things, submarine eruptions. About 60 million years ago, this rock appeared above sea level. It was then surrounded by much younger deposits in the form of coral limestone.

Landscsape

Aruba Beach
Aruba BeachPhoto: Public domain

The oldest, volcanic part of Aruba is therefore located in the center of the island. Here are also the highest peaks of the island, the 189 meter high Jamanota and the 188 meter high Arikok. The north coast is steep and rocky. Due to the northeast trade wind, the sea is constantly pounding the coast with great force. The southeastern part of the island consists of limestone formations. On the west side is a kilometer-long sandy beach, which is considered among the most beautiful in the world. Almost all hotels are located here. Unlike the north side, the sea here is calm and very clear.


Sources

Bant, W. / Nederlandse Antillen
ANWB

Encyclopedie van de Nederlandse Antillen
De Walburg Pers

Helm, R. v.d. / Reishandboek Aruba
Elmar

Paula, M. / Nederlandse Antillen & Aruba
Van Reemst

CIA - World Factbook

BBC - Country Profiles

Last updated September 2024
Copyright: Team The World of Info