Research About Aruba

Aruba was inhabited by the Arawak Amerindian populations prior to European discovery. It was claimed by the Spanish in 1499 and, because of its lack of natural resources suitable for trade, Aruba, along with Bonaire and Curacao, was considered part of the Islas Inutiles (Useless Islands). The island was finally used for cattle raising and wood cutting. The arrival of the oil industry modernized the island during the 1920s and raised the standard of living significantly. This generated thousands of jobs, particularly at the height of World War II, when gasoline was in high demand, with the Lago Oil and Transport Company on the east end and The Eagle Oil Refining Company on the west. Aruba started to concentrate on tourism to bolster the island's economy as the war came to a close. The tourism sector expanded dramatically as soon as the oil refinery closed. Tourism and oil refining are contributing significantly to the economy to this day.

Aruba's demographics are mixed with significant shares of the majority of the population, Aruban, Columbian, and Dutch. Carnival is a staple festival on the island of Aruba, just like its surrounding islands. In 1955, the first public Aruba Carnival debuted, spawning a number of island clubs and districts. Numerous visitors are attracted to Aruba's long stretches of white sand and calm waters. Throughout the year, the Cultural Center in Oranjestad offers concerts, dance, folklore performances, and art exhibitions. 

The cornerstone of the Aruban economy is services. These activities concentrate mainly on tourism, but it is also important to provide offshore banking and other services. Aruba was used for horse breeding by the colonial authorities until the end of the 18th century, and local and mainland Indians acted as herdsmen. Land was only sold to individual settlers from the early 19th century onwards. When oil refining began at the port of San Nicolas (Sint Nicolaas) in the 1920s, Aruba's economy improved; crude oil was imported mostly from Venezuela. In 1985, the refinery closed, provoking a major economic crisis. In order to exploit the idyllic island climate, the Arubans responded by actively promoting and expanding tourism, including building luxury hotels and casinos. The refinery reopened in 1990 and resumed full production by 1993, but closed again in 2012 after running at a loss for several years.