If there is a paradise on earth, it is here on Aruba Island. At least that’s what the inhabitants of this tropical island claim. The mild climate, the almost complete absence of devastating typhoons, clear sea and bright sun attract many tourists who want to relax in this wonderful place. The prices here are true, not the most budget, but those who are able to pay for such a distant flight, there is money for rest.
Strictly speaking, Aruba is not an independent state – the island has the status of a self-governing territory belonging to the Netherlands. The main reason why tourists come here – great beaches. Their total length is about twelve kilometers. This is not so much, but it’s about quality, not quantity. Aruba reigns rather strict morals. Tourists walking in bathing suits and swimming trunks through the streets are viewed with obvious disapproval. Exposure is not honored. Nudists are not welcome here either, and there are no special beaches for them, even unofficial ones.
The area of Aruba is slightly larger than the area of the principality of Liechtenstein, one of the European dwarf states. Aruba gained de facto independence relatively recently, in 1986, and until that point the island was under the complete control of the Netherlands. At the airport of Aruba there is no duty-free zone, because the whole island is declared as such a zone. Each year, more than 1 million tourists fly to Aruba, while the local population is almost ten times less than this figure. The local currency is called Aruban florin. However, dollars and euros are also accepted here almost everywhere. Here once a year the amateur championship among windsurfers is held. Drinking water from any tap here flows so clean that you can safely drink it. The solution is simple – there are few freshwater sources on the island, so sea water goes to the city water supply system, which is pre-cleaned and desalinated in a special plant.
The local nature is reminiscent of the Mediterranean in general and the island of Cyprus in particular. The land here is quite arid, so there is no impassable jungle here. The only stable source of income in Aruba is tourism. There is no industry on the island, all goods are imported. A foreigner who has visited Aruba at least once a year for twenty years is officially awarded the title of “Goodwill Ambassador of Aruba” by the local government. Rain in Aruba is rare, and locals perceive it as happiness. There are two official languages on the island, the Dutch and the local dialect of Papiamento. But since most tourists come here from the United States or Latin America, many locals also speak Spanish and English.
