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Curaçao

Kòrsou
Constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Country of Curaçao
Land Curaçao  (Dutch)
Pais Kòrsou  (Papiamento)
Flag of Curaçao
Flag		 Official seal of Curaçao
Coat of arms
Anthem: "Himno di Kòrsou"
(English: "Anthem of Curaçao")
Location of Curaçao
Location of Curaçao (circled in red)
State Kingdom of the Netherlands
Before separation Netherlands Antilles
Country status 10 October 2010
Capital
and largest city
 Willemstad
12°7′N 68°56′W / 12.117°N 68.933°W / 12.117; -68.933
Official languages
Ethnic groups
(2018)
 75.4% Curaçao
9% Dutch
3.6% Dominican
3% Colombian
1.2% Haitian
1.2% Surinamese
1.1% Venezuelan
1.1% Aruban
0.9% unspecified
6% other
Demonym(s) Dutch
Government Parliamentary representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy
• Monarch
 Willem-Alexander
• Governor
 Lucille George-Wout
• Prime Minister
 Eugene Rhuggenaath
Legislature Estates of Curaçao
Area
• Total
 444 km2 (171 sq mi)
Highest elevation
375 m (1,230 ft)
Population
• 1 January 2019 estimate
 163,424 (190th)
• Density
 358/km2 (927.2/sq mi)
GDP (PPP) 2012 estimate
• Total
 US$4.2 billion (184th)
• Per capita
 $25,771 (46th)
GDP (nominal) 2019 estimate
• Total
 US$3.2 billion (149th)
• Per capita
 $19,414 (27th)
HDI (2012) 0.811
very high
Currency Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG)
Time zone UTC-4:00 (AST)
Mains electricity 127 V–50 Hz
Driving side right
Calling code +5999
ISO 3166 code
  • CW
  • NL-CW
Internet TLD .cw

Curaçao is a beautiful island country located in the warm Caribbean Sea. It's part of the ABC islands group, which also includes Aruba and Bonaire. This island is just a short distance north of Venezuela and is a special part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The capital city of Curaçao is Willemstad, known for its colorful buildings.

People of Curaçao

Most people in Curaçao, about 85%, have African or Caribbean roots. They are often called Afro-Caribbean. The other 15% of the population comes from different places. Many are of European descent, mainly Dutch. You can also find people from Indonesia, Colombia, Venezuela, and other countries living there.

Languages Spoken

Curaçao has three official languages: Papiamentu, Dutch, and English. Papiamentu is the most common language spoken by far. Many people also speak Dutch and English, which are important for daily life and business.

Curaçao's Climate

Curaçao has a tropical climate, which means it's warm all year round! The temperature stays pretty steady. Cool breezes from the trade winds help keep the island comfortable during the day. These same winds bring warmth at night.

The coolest month is January, with an average temperature of about 26°C (79°F). The warmest month is September, with an average temperature of about 28.9°C (84°F). The highest temperature usually reaches around 31°C (88°F), and the lowest is about 25°C (77°F).

History of Curaçao

Curaçao has a long and interesting history. The island became a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. Before that, it was part of the Netherlands Antilles. Its history goes back many centuries, even to the 1800s and earlier.


Images for kids

  • 1562 Americae-Gutierrez map 10hrs-inn Sth-Florida-Cuba-Spagnola-Benezuela-to-Lesser-Antilles

    Map from 1562 with Curaçao indicated as Qúracao

  • Curaçao1836

    Map of Curaçao in 1836

  • Curaçao, Broad Street

    Willemstad, 1885

  • Luis Brión 2012 000

    Luis Brión, a Curaçao-born Venezuelan admiral

  • The colorful buildings of the Handelskade in Willemstad, Curaçao

    The colorful buildings of the Handelskade in Willemstad, Curaçao

  • Dutch soldier, 1969 Curaçao uprising

    A Dutch soldier on patrol in Willemstad following the 1969 riots

  • Curacao Dushi (34800928041)

    Aerial view of the coast of Curaçao

  • Curaçao2021OSM

    Enlargeable, detailed map of Curaçao

  • Curacao Iguana iguana 2021 2

    Green Iguana from Curaçao

  • Melocactus macracanthos subsp. macracanthos (6253748197)

    Melocactus macracanthos in Curaçao

  • Grote Knip Kenepa Grandi Curacao (36561697451)

    Grote Knip Beach

  • Curacao Fort Beekenburg Luftbild (34873603326)

    Fort Beekenburg, Caracas Bay, Curaçao

  • Bohrinsel Curacao (34800864151)

    Offshore oil platform in Curaçao

  • Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139159

    Historic area of Willemstad, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997

  • Curacao Jan Thiel (34526956140)

    Jan Thiel Beach

  • Elkhorn Coral with a Yellowtail Damselfish in the Caribbean Sea in Curaçao

    Elkhorn coral with a Yellowtail Damselfish (Microspathodon chrysurus) in the Caribbean Sea in Curaçao

  • Curacao-Sea-Aquarium-2013

    The Curaçao Sea Aquarium and the Dolphin Academy share this islet on the west coast of Curaçao, with Seaquarium Beach nearby.

  • Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139160

    Banco di Caribe in Willemstad

  • Santa Famia church Willemstad

    Santa Famia church, Willemstad

  • Curaçao synagogue1

    The Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Willemstad is the oldest surviving synagogue in the Western hemisphere.

  • Curaçao single age population pyramid 2020

    Curaçao population pyramid in 2020

  • Hoofdingang van de University of Curacao-Mei 2018

    The University of Curaçao

  • Bulawaya-1

    A Bulawaya dance

  • Jurickson Profar (47569154041)

    Jurickson Profar

  • Curacao-Bridges-2013

    The Queen Emma (semi-open), and the Queen Juliana

  • Smith brug over the Waaigat

    Smith brug over the Waaigat

  • Kon. Wilhelmina brug over the Waaigat

    Kon. Wilhelmina brug over the Waaigat

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Curazao para niños

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