South Caribbean.

GMT - 4.

193 sq km (74.5 sq miles).

1010541 (2008).

526 per sq km.

Oranjestad. Population: 30,000 (UN estimate 2005).

Aruba is the smallest island in the Leeward group of the Dutch Caribbean islands, which also include Bonaire and Curaçao. They are popularly known as the ABCs. As the westernmost island of the group, Aruba is the final link in the long Antillean chain, lying 20km (12.5 miles) off the Venezuelan coast. The island is 30km (19.6 miles) long and 9km (6 miles) across at its widest and has a flat landscape dominated by Jamanota Mountain (188m/617ft). The west and southwest coast, known as Palm Beach, boasts 11km (7 miles) of palm-fringed powder-white sands while, in complete contrast, the east coast has a desolate, windswept shoreline of jagged rocks carved into peculiar shapes by the pounding surf.

Dependency of the Netherlands. In 1986 Aruba separated from the rest of the Netherlands Antilles.

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, represented locally by Governor-General Fredis Refunjol since 2004.

Prime Minister Nelson Oduber since 2001.

Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP) held onto its majority at the most recent poll in September 2005. Immigration and the economy dominated the campaign. Oduber has led the MEP since 1986. He was previously prime minister from 1989-1994 and won a second term in 2001.

The official language is Dutch. English and Spanish are also spoken. The islanders also speak Papiamento, which is a combination of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English and Indian languages.

82% of the population are Roman Catholic. There are also Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian and Jewish communities present.

120 volts AC, 60Hz.

Much of the social activity takes place in hotels where the atmosphere will be informal, often American in feel. The islanders do not wear shorts in town though it is acceptable for visitors to do so. Bathing suits are strictly for beach or poolside. In the evenings people tend to dress up, especially when visiting the casinos. Jackets are not required for men, except for official government functions.