Curaçao facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Curaçao Kòrsou  (Papiamento)
Constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Country of Curaçao Land Curaçao  (Dutch) Pais Kòrsou  (Papiamento)
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: "Himno di Kòrsou" (English: "Anthem of Curaçao")
Royal anthem: "Wilhelmus" (English: "William of Nassau")
Location of Curaçao (circled in red)
Sovereign state	Kingdom of the Netherlands
Country status	10 October 2010
Capital and largest city	Willemstad 12°6′18″N 68°56′6″W / 12.10500°N 68.93500°W / 12.10500; -68.93500 (Gouvernementsplein)
Official languages	Papiamentu Dutch English
Ethnic groups (2018)	75.4% Curaçaoans 9% Dutch 3.6% Dominican 3% Colombian 1.2% Haitian 1.2% Surinamese 1.1% Venezuelan 1.1% Aruban 0.9% unspecified 6% other
Religion	90% Christianity 73% Roman Catholic 18.5% total Protestant 6.6% Pentecostal 3.2% Protestant 3% Seventh-day Adventist 3.2% Evangelical 0.8% Jehovah's Witnesses 1.7% Other Christian 6% No religion 2% Hinduism 0.5% Islam 0.2% Judaism 0.8% Other 0.6% Not stated
Demonym(s)	Curaçaoan Dutch
Government	Parliamentary representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy
• Monarch	Willem-Alexander
• Governor	Lucille George-Wout
• Speaker	Fergino "Gino" Brownbill
• Prime Minister	Gilmar Pisas
Legislature	Parliament of Curaçao
Area
• Total	444 km2 (171 sq mi) (181st)
Highest elevation	372 m (1,220 ft)
Population
• 2023 census	155,826
• Density	349.13/km2 (904.2/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2021 estimate
• Total	$5.5 billion
• Per capita	$35,484 (45th)
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	$3.5 billion (149th)
• Per capita	$22,581 (40th)
HDI (2012)	0.811 very high
Currency	Caribbean guilder
Time zone	UTC-4:00 (AST)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+599 9
ISO 3166 code	CW NL-CW
Internet TLD	.cw

Curaçao (pronounced KURE-uh-sow) is a beautiful island country in the southern Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao is located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Venezuela. It is also 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Aruba. The country includes the main island of Curaçao and the tiny, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao ("Little Curaçao").

Curaçao has a population of about 155,826 people (as of 2023). Its total area is 444 square kilometers (171 square miles). The capital city is Willemstad. Curaçao, along with Aruba and Bonaire, forms the group known as the ABC islands. These islands, and other Dutch islands in the Caribbean, are often called the Dutch Caribbean. Curaçao is the largest of the ABC islands in both size and population.

The name "Curaçao" might come from the original people who lived there. Spanish explorers wrote about the native people as "Indios Curaçaos." This suggests the name might have been how they called themselves. The island's history began with the Arawak and Caquetio Amerindians. Spanish explorers arrived in 1499, and the island became a Spanish colony. Later, the Dutch took control in 1634. They made Curaçao an important center for trade and shipping. It also became a hub for the historical Atlantic slave trade. Many Jewish people came to Curaçao seeking safety. They helped shape the island's economy and culture.

British forces briefly took over Curaçao during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. However, it returned to Dutch rule. In 1863, slavery was abolished, which changed the island's economy. Today, Papiamentu, Dutch, and English are widely spoken. This shows the island's rich mix of cultures. Curaçao was part of the Netherlands Antilles until 2010.

The discovery of oil in Venezuela in 1914 changed Curaçao's economy. It became a major place for oil refining. In 2010, Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

What's in a Name? The Story of Curaçao

One idea about the name Curaçao is that it came from the island's first people. Spanish explorers wrote about the native people as "Indios Curaçaos." This suggests the name might have been how they called themselves.

Old Spanish maps from 1525 show the island with names like Curaçote or Curacaute. By the 1600s, most maps used Curaçao or Curazao.

There's also a popular story, though it's not proven. Long ago, sailors on voyages often got sick with scurvy. This was due to a lack of vitamin C. The story says that sick Portuguese or Spanish sailors were left on the island. When their ships returned, many had recovered. They likely ate fruits rich in vitamin C found on the island. Because of this, the Portuguese might have called it Ilha da Curação (Island of Healing). The Spanish might have called it Isla de la Curación.

A Look at Curaçao's Past

Early Inhabitants and Spanish Arrival

The first people on Curaçao were the Arawak and Caquetio Amerindians. Their ancestors traveled to the island from South America many hundreds of years ago.

In 1499, Spanish explorers led by Alonso de Ojeda were the first Europeans to see the island. The Spanish took many Caquetio people to work in their colony on Hispaniola. In 1515, almost all 2,000 Caquetios were moved there.

Spain officially settled Curaçao in 1527. It was used as a base for exploring northern South America. The Spanish brought new animals and plants, like horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. However, the island's farms did not produce much food. There were also no precious metals. Because of this, the Spanish called Curaçao "the useless island."

Dutch Rule and Trade

In 1634, the Dutch West India Company took control of Curaçao from the Spanish. The Dutch built the capital city of Willemstad. Its natural harbour was perfect for trade. Shipping and trade became very important for the island's economy. Salt mining also became a big industry.

From 1662, Curaçao became a major center for the Atlantic slave trade. Enslaved people were brought from West Africa to the island. They were then sold to other places in the Caribbean and South America.

Many Sephardic Jews came to Curaçao to escape unfair treatment in Europe. They helped the island's society, culture, and economy grow. In 1674, Curaçao became a free port, which meant goods could be traded without many taxes.

In 1795, a large uprising of enslaved people happened. Leaders like Tula Rigaud led up to 4,000 enslaved people in northwest Curaçao. The uprising lasted about a month before it was stopped.

Modern Times and Autonomy

During the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, British forces occupied Curaçao twice. But in 1815, it returned to Dutch rule. In 1863, the Dutch ended slavery. This brought big changes to the island's economy. Many people started working for wages. Some moved to other islands for work.

The discovery of oil in Venezuela in 1914 changed Curaçao's future. The island became a key location for oil refining. In 1929, Venezuelan rebels briefly attacked Curaçao. They took weapons and money. After this, the Dutch increased their military presence.

During World War II, Curaçao was important for supplying fuel to the Allied forces. US troops were stationed on the island to protect the oil refineries.

In 1954, Curaçao joined other Dutch Caribbean islands to form the Netherlands Antilles. In 1969, there were protests and unrest due to job losses and other issues. The Dutch government then made changes to give Afro-Curaçaoans more say in the island's life. The local language, Papiamentu, also became more important.

In the 1980s, Curaçao faced economic challenges. The Shell oil refinery closed in 1985. This led to more job losses. The government bought the refinery and leased it to Venezuela's state oil company.

On October 10, 2010, the Netherlands Antilles dissolved. Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom is still responsible for defense and foreign policy. Curaçao's first prime minister was Gerrit Schotte.

In July 2017, Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath wanted Curaçao to take full charge of its affairs. He also asked for more help from the Netherlands.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought economic challenges. Curaçao had to cut spending to get aid from the Netherlands. There were protests in June 2020, which led to some damage in Willemstad.

In 2025, Curaçao made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It became the smallest nation ever to do so.

Exploring Curaçao's Geography

Curaçao sits on the edge of South America's continental shelf. It has many hills, with its highest point, Christoffelberg, reaching 372 meters (1,220 feet) above sea level. The island offers a variety of beaches. These include bays, inlets, lagoons, and rough seas on its north shore.

Off the main island's southeast coast is Klein Curaçao. This tiny island is uninhabited and has a long, beautiful beach.

Unique Plants of Curaçao

Curaçao's plant life is different from typical tropical islands. It has a dry, semi-arid environment. You'll see many types of cacti, thorny shrubs, and evergreen trees. The watapana tree (also called divi-divi) is very common. It is a symbol of the ABC islands. One special plant is the Brassavola nodosa orchid. It can survive long dry periods.

Amazing Animals of Curaçao

Because Curaçao is dry, it doesn't have many rainforest animals. However, it is home to many birds. You can find hummingbirds, bananaquits, orioles, and larger birds like terns, herons, egrets, and even flamingos. The turpial is a black bird with a bright orange belly. The mockingbird, called chuchubi, is also common. Near the coast, you can see brown pelicans fishing.

Curaçao's most famous animal is the white-tailed deer. This deer is related to those found in North and Central America. It has been a protected species since 1926. About 200 of these deer live on the island. Most of them are in Christoffel Park. Scientists believe the Arawaks brought these deer from South America.

You will also see several types of iguanas. They are light green with shimmering blue-green colors. Iguanas are a scenic sight and are sometimes hunted for food. The north shore of the island has inlets where sea turtles lay their eggs. These turtles are protected in Shete Boka Park.

Curaçao's Climate and Weather

Curaçao has a hot, semi-arid climate. It has a dry season from January to September and a wet season from October to December. Rainfall is not very common, with only about 450 mm (18 inches) per year. The island's landscape is quite dry because of this.

Temperatures stay fairly constant throughout the year. The trade winds help cool the island during the day. January is the coolest month, with an average temperature of 26.6°C (79.9°F). September is the hottest, averaging 29.1°C (84.4°F). The seawater around Curaçao is usually around 27°C (81°F).

Curaçao is usually outside the main path for tropical cyclones. However, it can still be affected by tropical storms. For example, Hurricane Tomas in 2010 brought a lot of rain and caused some flooding.

How Climate Change Affects Curaçao

Temperatures in the Caribbean Netherlands, including Curaçao, have risen a lot in the last 40 years. This means more warm days and fewer cool nights. Experts predict that if air temperatures rise by 1.4 degrees, rainfall will decrease. There will also be more extreme weather events, like stronger hurricanes. Sea levels could also rise by 0.5 to 0.6 meters.

The Geology of Curaçao

The northern seabed near Curaçao drops very steeply. This deep drop-off is known as the "blue edge."

Curaçao has four main types of rock formations. These include lava, Knip, Mid-Curaçao, and limestone formations. The island's lava formations are about 89 million years old.

Beautiful Beaches of Curaçao

Curaçao has 37 beaches, mostly on the south side of the island. Some of the most famous ones are:

Architecture and Forts

Curaçao's buildings show influences from its past rulers, like Spain and the Netherlands. You can see old ruins, colonial buildings, and modern structures.

Historic Forts of Curaçao

When the Dutch arrived in 1634, they built forts to protect the island. These forts guarded against other countries and pirates. Six well-preserved forts can still be seen today:

• Fort Amsterdam (built in 1635)
• Fort Beekenburg (built in 1703)
• Fort Nassau (built in 1797)
• Waterfort (built in 1826)
• Rif Fort (built in 1828)
• Fort Piscadera (built between 1701 and 1704)

The Rif Fort now has restaurants and shops. The Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino opened next to it in 2009.

How Curaçao is Governed

After being part of the Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao became an autonomous country. This happened along with Sint Maarten. The islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba became special municipalities of the Netherlands.

Government Structure

Curaçao is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has a parliamentary representative democracy. The King of the Netherlands is the head of state. He is represented by a governor on the island. The Prime Minister of Curaçao is the head of government.

The government holds executive power. The parliament and the government share legislative power. The judiciary (court system) is independent.

Curaçao manages most of its own affairs. However, the Kingdom of the Netherlands handles defense and foreign policy.

Protecting the Island: Military Presence

The Netherlands is responsible for Curaçao's defense. The Netherlands Armed Forces have ground and naval units stationed on the island. These include soldiers from the Royal Netherlands Army and ships from the Royal Netherlands Navy.

There are two Dutch naval bases on Curaçao: Parera and Suffisant. The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard also has aircraft and helicopters at Curaçao International Airport.

The west side of the airport is also a United States Air Force (USAF) Forward Operating Location (FOL). This base hosts airborne early warning and control systems (AWACS) and other aircraft.

Curaçao's Economy

Curaçao has an open economy. Its most important industries are tourism, international trade, shipping services, oil refining, and international financial services. The Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA's lease on the island's oil refinery ended in 2019. This refinery employs 1,000 people.

Curaçao uses two currencies: the Netherlands Antillean guilder and the Caribbean guilder. The Netherlands Antillean guilder was withdrawn as legal tender on 1 July 2025. Curaçao has a high standard of living. It is considered a high-income economy.

The port of Willemstad, with its Free Trade Zone, is very important for the economy. Curaçao's government is working to attract more foreign investment. They want to bring in more information technology companies.

Since 2016, economic challenges in Venezuela have affected Curaçao. This led to less trade and slower economic growth. However, construction and financial services have grown.

Tourism in Curaçao

Tourism is a big part of Curaçao's economy. Many tourists come from the Netherlands, the United States, South America, and other Caribbean islands. In 2013, Curaçao saw a big increase in cruise ship visitors. Hato International Airport also welcomed many passengers.

The island's "Blue Edge" is a sharp drop-off in the ocean floor. It is popular with scuba diving tourists. You can find coral reefs for snorkeling and diving right from the shore. The southern coast has calm waters and many small beaches.

In June 2017, Curaçao was named the Top Cruise Destination in the Southern Caribbean. This was by Cruise Critic, a major online forum. The historic center of Willemstad is a World Heritage Site. Its colorful street art is also a big attraction.

Ecotourism is also growing. Mambo Beach, also known as "Seaquarium Beach," is popular. It has calm tides for children and vibrant coral reefs. Some reefs have been artificially planted to help them grow.

Financial Services

Curaçao has a long history in financial services. The Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange is in Willemstad. The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten was founded in 1828. It is the oldest central bank in the Western Hemisphere.

Curaçao has laws that support different types of companies. It is considered a tax haven, but it follows rules against harmful tax practices. It also works with the United States on tax information exchange.

International Trade

Curaçao mainly trades with the United States, Venezuela, and the European Union. It has an agreement with the European Union. This allows companies in Curaçao to export products to Europe without import duties. It also has special access to the US market through the Caribbean Basin Initiative.

People and Culture of Curaçao

Most of Curaçao's people have African roots due to the island's history. There are also people of Dutch, Portuguese, Jewish, Latin American, South Asian, East Asian, and Lebanese descent.

Religions on the Island

The main religion in Curaçao is Christianity. About 70% of people are Roman Catholic. Other Christian groups include Adventists, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals. Some people also practice traditional African religions. There are also small communities of Muslims, Hindus, and Jews.

Curaçao has the oldest active Jewish community in the Americas, dating back to 1651. The Curaçao synagogue was completed in 1732. It is the oldest synagogue in the Americas that has been used continuously.

Languages Spoken in Curaçao

Curaçao is a multilingual society. The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English. Dutch is used for official and legal matters.

Most people in Curaçao can speak at least two, and often all four, of these languages: Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish.

Papiamentu is the most widely spoken language. It is a Portuguese-creole language with African, Dutch, and Spanish influences. Since 1993, Papiamentu has been used to teach in primary schools.

Spanish is also important due to close ties with Venezuela and Colombia. English became widely used when the British occupied the island in the early 1800s.

Main Towns and Neighborhoods

Curaçao's capital, Willemstad, has grown to cover a large area around the natural harbor, the Schottegat. About one-third of the island's eastern part is urbanized. Some famous neighborhoods in Willemstad include:

• Punda: The historic city center with the Handelskade.
• Otrobanda: On the other side of St. Anna Bay.
• Pietermaai: East of Punda.
• Scharloo: North of Punda and Pietermaai.
• Julianadorp: A suburb built for Shell company workers.
• Emmastad: Another suburb built for Shell workers.
• Saliña: Next to Punda, with many shops and restaurants.
• Brievengat: A suburb in the north.

Education for Kids

Public education in Curaçao follows the Dutch system. Children start primary school at age six for six years. Secondary school lasts for another four years.

The main university is the University of Curaçao. It has about 2,100 students. The island also has other schools for fine art, music, and nursing.

Culture and Fun in Curaçao

Art and Creativity

Curaçao's visual art includes paintings, sculptures, and street art. The Kaya Kaya festival in the Otrabanda neighborhood celebrates street art. The streets of Willemstad are filled with colorful murals.

Stories and Books

Curaçao has a rich literary tradition, especially in Dutch and Papiamentu. West African enslaved people brought stories of Anansi, which influenced Papiamentu literature. The first Papiamentu poem, Atardi, was published in 1905. Many writers from Curaçao have contributed to Caribbean and Dutch literature.

Delicious Food

Local food, called Krioyo, is a mix of Caribbean and Latin American flavors. You can find similar dishes in Aruba and Bonaire. Popular dishes include stobá (a stew), guiambo (seafood soup), and funchi (cornmeal paste). Fried plantain is a common side dish.

For breakfast, many people eat pastechi, which is a fried pastry with different fillings. During holidays, special dishes like hallaca are enjoyed. The famous Curaçao liqueur was created here from the rinds of the local laraha citrus fruit. You can also find influences from Suriname, China, Indonesia, India, and the Netherlands in the food.

Sports and Games

Curaçao has a strong baseball tradition. In 2004, the Little League Baseball team from Willemstad won the world title. Famous Curaçaoan baseball players include Andruw Jones, Ozzie Albies, and Kenley Jansen.

The island's strong trade winds and warm water make it a great place for windsurfing. The clear waters are also perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers. Visibility can be up to 30 meters (100 feet) in the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park.

The Curaçao national football team won the 2017 Caribbean Cup. They also won the 2019 King's Cup in Thailand. In 2025, Curaçao qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a historic achievement for such a small nation.

Getting Around Curaçao

Curaçao International Airport

Curaçao International Airport (also called Hato International Airport) is on the northern coast. It connects the island to the Caribbean, South America, North America, and Europe. It has one of the longest commercial runways in the Caribbean.

Public Transportation

ABC (Curaçao Bus Company) provides bus services in and around Willemstad. There are 21 bus lines that start from the Otrabanda and Punda bus stations. Bus fares are affordable.

Famous Bridges

The Queen Emma Bridge is a 168-meter (551-foot) long pontoon bridge. It allows people to walk between the Punda and Otrobanda districts. The bridge swings open to let ships pass. It opened in 1888 and is often called "Our Swinging Old Lady."

The Queen Juliana Bridge carries cars and trucks between the same two districts. It opened in 1974. This allowed the Queen Emma Bridge to become a pedestrian-only bridge. At 56 meters (185 feet) above the sea, it is one of the highest bridges in the Caribbean.

Utilities and Services

Aqualectra is a government-owned company that provides clean water and electricity to the island. Water is produced by removing salt from seawater. The company serves 69,000 homes and businesses. Wind farms also help generate power.

Trash pickup is provided by the Selikor company. There are drop-off centers for recycling certain materials.

See also

In Spanish: Curazao para niños

Images for kids

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  Map from 1562 with Curaçao indicated as Qúracao

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  Map of Curaçao in 1836

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  Royal Navy warships under Charles Brisbane capturing Curaçao on January 1, 1807

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  Willemstad, 1885

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  The colorful buildings of the Handelskade in Willemstad, Curaçao

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  A Dutch soldier on patrol in Willemstad following the 1969 riots

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  Offshore oil platform in Curaçao