Everything You Need To Know About Aruba (Location, Language & More)

“Is Aruba in South America?” – The quick answer is no (despite what many people believe).

There is a lot of geographical info about Aruba out there, and not much of it is accurate.

Whether you go to Aruba on vacation or are just interested in the geographical data of the beautiful island, there is much to learn.

I have been to Aruba just recently, and done my homework.

If you want to know exactly where Aruba is situated and how it is governed – keep on reading!

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Is Aruba Part of South America?

Are you wondering if Aruba is in South America? The short answer is: no. Aruba is not part of South America.

The long answer is: While Aruba is technically situated on the continental shelf of South America it is not officially part of the continent.

Together with its sister islands Bonaire and Curacao, Aruba is geologically listed as part of South America.

So yes, Aruba is technically situated on the South American continental shelf.

However, on the South American continental shelf, we can find the Caribbean Tectonic Plate.

The Caribbean Tectonic Plate is an oceanic plate, made up of a thin, dense lithosphere.

So is Aruba South America?

No, Aruba is situated on this Caribbean Tectonic Plate – which technically makes Aruba part of the Caribbean Region.

Is Aruba Part of a Continent?

No, Aruba is not part of a continent.

The Caribbean Tectonic Plate is bordering on the South American Plate, the Cocos Plate, and the North American Plate.

However, it is considered its own geographic area.

So, Aruba is part of the Caribbean Region.

Where is Aruba Located?

Aruba is located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela.

Aruba is situated about 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of the Venezuelan mainland.

Curacao is located around 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the west of Aruba. Bonaire is situated around 130 kilometers (80 miles) to the west of Aruba.

Aruba is part of the Lesser Antilles, specifically the Leeward Antilles.

Is Aruba an Island?

Yes, Aruba is an island.

Aruba is an individual island because it is not part of a larger landmass.

As mentioned before, Aruba is part of the Leeward Antilles islands, which are part of the Lesser Antilles.

Is Aruba Part of the Southern Caribbean?

Yes, Aruba is part of the southern Caribbean region.

Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, specifically in the southwestern Caribbean. Aruba is located near the coast of Venezuela.

The island is situated within the geographical boundaries of the southern Caribbean, along with other nearby islands such as Bonaire, Curaçao, and the Venezuelan coastal islands.

What Are the ABC-Islands?

The ABC Islands are a group of three islands in the southern Caribbean Sea.

The name “ABC” stands for the initials of the islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

All three islands have a lot in common. Great weather, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse marine life. The islands also share a similar colonial past as part of the Dutch government.

Aruba Bonaire and Curacao also have many differences, despite being close to one another:

• Aruba: Aruba is the westernmost island of the ABC chain. Is Aruba Dutch? – Kinda. It is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• Bonaire: Bonaire is situated to the east of Aruba, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Curaçao. Bonaire is a special municipality in the Netherlands.
• Curaçao: Located to the east of Bonaire, Curaçao is the largest of the ABC Islands. It is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Since the three islands are so close together, Aruba Bonaire and Curacao are prime destinations for island-hopping.

Aruba On a World Map

What Country is Aruba Part Of?

Aruba is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

This means, Aruba is not entirely an independent nation.

Aruba does have a high degree of autonomy and self-governance.

Aruba has its own government, laws, and constitution. But Aruba still has close ties with the Netherlands.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands also includes the countries of the Netherlands (sometimes referred to as Holland), Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is responsible for foreign relations, Dutch nationality, and defense.

Aruba is responsible for healthcare, education, and judicial system, as well as tourism and employment.

Why is Aruba Part of the Netherlands?

Aruba’s status as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands has its roots in the colonial history of the island.

Here is a short overview of Aruba’s colonial history – and the reasons why it is still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

1. Colonial History: Aruba was colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century. For centuries, it was under Dutch control as part of the Dutch West Indies and later the Netherlands Antilles.
2. Autonomy: In the 20th century, Aruba wished for greater autonomy and self-governance within the Dutch Caribbean islands.
3. Status Aparte: In 1986, Aruba officially obtained its status aparte. This status granted Aruba more autonomy. It was allowed to have its own government, constitution, and control over internal affairs.
4. Economic Considerations: The Kingdom of the Netherlands provides benefits such as access to Dutch development aid, economic support, and security guarantees. The remaining part of the Kingdom also allows for cooperation in areas such as trade, transportation, and defense.
5. Cultural and Historical Ties: Aruba has many cultural ties with the Netherlands, including a common language (Dutch) and legal system. Additionally, many Arubans have the Dutch citizenship.

Is Aruba Culturally Diverse?

Yes, Aruba is very culturally diverse. This diversity has quite a few different reasons:

• Indigenous and African Influences: Aruba was inhabited by indigenous peoples, the Arawak, before the European colonization. There is still a lot of heritage on the island’s traditions, folklore, and cuisine. African influences are still present in the culture (music, dance, cuisine).
• Dutch Influence: As a former Dutch colony, Aruba still has some Dutch cultural elements. Many people in Aruba speak the Dutch language. There is also some colonial influence in the colorful buildings of Oranjestad (the capital)
• Caribbean and Latin American Influences: There are influences from neighboring islands such as Curaçao and Bonaire, as well as influences from Venezuela and Colombia, which are nearby on the South American mainland.
• Tourism and International Influences: Aruba is a popular tourist destination. There is a big community of residents and expatriates from many countries. Big influences from the US are especially seen in restaurants and hospitality in general.

Key Stats About Aruba

• Population: The estimated population of Aruba is around 106,277 people.
• Capital: Oranjestad is the capital and largest city of Aruba. It is located on the western coast of the island.
• Language: The official languages of Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento. Papiamento is a creole language. Papiamentu is a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and African languages.
• Currency: The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin (AWG). However, the U.S. dollar is also often accepted
• Time Zone: Aruba has Atlantic Standard Time (AST) throughout the year
• Electricity: The standard voltage in Aruba is 127 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hz. The plug types commonly used are Type A and Type B, similar to those in the United States

How Big is Aruba?

Aruba has a total area of approximately 180 square kilometers (69.54 square miles).

This makes it a relatively small island in terms of land area.

How Long Do You Need in Aruba?

Ideally, I suggest staying at least a week in Aruba. 10 Days in Aruba is the perfect amount of time in my opinion.

The island has a lot to offer, and you should also plan enough time to relax on the beautiful beaches of Aruba.

If you are only one day in Aruba from a cruise ship, you should make sure to see the flamingos of Aruba and Oranjestad.

What is the Climate Like in Aruba?

Aruba has a tropical marine climate.

Aruba’s climate is characterized by warm temperatures and relatively constant weather conditions throughout the year.

The average temperature ranges from around 28°C (82°F) during the day to 24°C (75°F) at night. The island has only slight changes between the different seasons.

Aruba has low annual rainfall. The island receives an average of about 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of precipitation per year.

The rainy season typically occurs between October and January. Even then, rainfall is relatively rare compared to other tropical regions. December is an amazing time to visit Aruba.

Aruba is known for its abundant sunshine. The island receives an average of around 2,800 hours of sunshine per year.

Aruba has constant trade winds from the northeast. These winds help keep the island’s temperatures bearable.

Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt. However, the island is sometimes affected by the outer of the storms in the region.

What Is Aruba Famous For?

Aruba is famous for its stunning beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach are quite famous, They are ranked among the top beaches in the world.

Aruba is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The island offers great snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing. Aruba Sunset Sails are one of the most beloved excursions on the island.

Aruba’s unique cultural blend, especially the Dutch colonial heritage and Caribbean roots, set it apart. Oranjestad is full of Dutch-influenced architecture, making it the most instagrammable spot in Aruba.

Arubans are known for their warm and friendly hospitality. The island has a big range of luxury hotels, beachfront restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options.

Aruba offers more than just beaches. The rugged Arikok National Park features caves, natural pools, and unique rock formations like the Natural Bridge and Natural Pool.

Lastly, Aruba is famous for the flamingos on Renaissance Beach. While flamingos are not native to Aruba, the Renaissance Resort has a couple strolling on their beach entertaining visitors.

The Alto Vista Chapel and the village of San Nicolas are also quite famous among photographers. Aruba is an amazing island in the Caribbean for couples.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Aruba?

Yes, you do need a passport to go to Aruba.

Every visitor to Aruba must present a passport upon arrival. Your passport can’t be more than 10 years old.

Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Aruba.

You must be able to prove that you have the means to leave Aruba and enough means for your entire stay on the island.

Most nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Aruba. Make sure to check with the official Aruba Website for Travel Requirements.

Do Cruise Ships Go To Aruba?

Yes, many cruise ships go to Aruba.

Oranjestad has a big cruise port that receives many bigger cruise lines regularly.

Most cruise lines have Aruba as part of their Caribbean itinerary, mostly combined with Bonaire and Curacao.

If you are looking for a One Day in Aruba From Cruise Ship Itinerary – look no further.

Is Aruba a Third World Country?

No, Aruba is not considered a third-world country.

It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Therefore it has a developed economy with a high standard of living.

Is Aruba Safe?

Aruba is generally considered safe for tourists.

It has a low crime rate compared to many other Caribbean destinations. The local government takes measures to ensure the safety of visitors.

Walking outside of resorts at night is possible without fear.

Conclusion: Is Aruba in South America?

This post had a really close look at the question of whether or not Aruba is in South America. The short answer is: that Aruba is not in South America.

The long answer is, that while Aruba is technically situated on the continental shelf of South America, it is part of the Caribbean Region.

This post also explored the history, cultural dimensions, and other facts about Aruba.

Whether or not you are planning on going to Aruba, this is amazing information to know for everyone.

Looking for more Caribbean destinations? I got you covered.

Do you need travel insurance in Aruba? Yes, travel insurance in Aruba is highly recommended. Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy. EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

FAQ: Is Aruba in South America?