Originally a Spanish discovery, the Dutch assumed control in the 1600's. Although it is known who controlled the island it is still a mystery as to which group named it., the Spanish or the original inhabitants, the Arawaks.
Aruba, nominally sovereign from Holland, had been part of the Netherlands Antilles. The other islands, Bonaire and Curacao made up the ABS islands, with Saba, Statia and Sint Maarten comprising the additional Dutch holdings in the Leeward Islands. Although not independent, Aruba, has gained control of all internal matters. Foreign affairs are still the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
The local language is called Papiemento, which is a hybrid of Dutch, Spanish (The Venezuelan coast is only 25 miles away), Carib and Portuguese. It reflects all of the cultures that have Aruba unique.
The Dutch influence in architecture is seen strongly in the main city of Oranjestad. Along with the Oil refinery, casinos and tourism comprise the bacbone of the economy,
* Nationality - Dutch
* Language - Papiemento, Dutch. English is widely spoken
