Aruba is an island set in the heart of the Caribbean located a short distance some 15 miles north of the Venezuelan Peninsula Paraguana. Aruba Island is a principality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands however the choice of independence was rejected by the islanders themselves. Major differences of Aruba to the other islands in the Caribbean are its dry and arid climate which is quite uncommon. The warm and sunny weather of the island attracts many tourists, the local climate of Aruba is very pleasant year round - there are some seasonal temperature variations, but this is what helps tourists plan their year round vacations to Aruba. It is little wonder that tourism is the major industry of Aruba and it has experienced exponential growth in recent years from 206,747 visitors in 1985 to 641,906 visitors in 2003.

The population of Aruba is around 103,050 (2004). Aruba is a mostly flat, river-less island renowned for its white sandy beaches. Some beaches of the island are more prone to the fury of the sea than others so it pays to pick your sun lounging spots carefully. Some of the most notable beaches of the island are SURFSIDE, PALM BEACH, HADIKURARI and PUNTA BRABO. For those who love their water sports you are really spoiled for choice - you can go swimming, snorkeling, diving, sailing, go fishing, parasailing, wind surfing all are easily available on Aruba

There are some rolling hills in the interior of Aruba and tourists can enjoy long treks in the National Park, hire a Jeep, go horse riding or mountain bike riding. There is also a safari park and for the golfer a links course and the course Tierra Del Sol. Aruba has many sites for the visitor including museums and art galleries, and there is something for everyone who chooses to visit this beautiful island.

Aruba is an island that caters both those looking for luxury and also those on a tighter budget looking for a more moderately priced holiday. Luxury high rise hotels provide excellent service. And there are villas with their own private beaches. Alternatively you can rent apartments that offer more easily affordable accommodation all year round.

A multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation project has made Aruba’s airport the Queen Beatrix International Airport a hub of the Caribbean. A number of airlines service Aruba, and connections can be made from anywhere in the world.