Aruba Government

The government of Aruba is a constitutional monarchy with a democratic parliament led by the governor. The government framework has existed in the current form ever since it was enacted in the constitution, which was adopted in January of 1986. Previously, Aruba has been a constituent part of the Netherlands Antilles, which was made up of the six islands of St. Maarten, Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao, St. Eustatius, and Saba. However, in 1986 Aruba separated and became one of the entities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Currently the Kingdom is made of three entities: Holland, the Netherlands Antilles, and Aruba.

Every citizen who is 18 years and over is allowed to vote in Aruba. The election is held every four years. The governor is usually appointed by the monarch for a six year term and can serve for only two terms. The prime minister of Aruba can serve for a four year term after being elected and can serve for only two terms if they win. Aruba is a multi-party state with over eight political parties. The major parties in the country are the APP (Aruban People's Party), Real Democracy and the People’s Electoral Movement. The current prime minister is the leader of the Aruban People's Party. The constitution does not indicate the exact campaign period.

The parliament of Aruba is located in the capital, Oranjestad. The new parliament building became the house of the state’s representatives in 1981 after they gained their independence. The parliament was later redesigned to include the offices of the prime minister and the cabinet ministers. The official governor’s residence is also in Oranjestad.

Aruba has a multiparty electoral system. The main parties operating include Real Democracy, the Aruban People's Party, and the People's Electoral Movement.

This page was last modified on May 1st, 2018

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Published on 2019-11-06


Capital	Oranjestad
Languages	Papiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 69.4%, Spanish 13.7%, English (widely spoken) 7.1%, Dutch (official) 6.1%, Chinese 1.5%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)
Ethnic Groups	Dutch 82.1%, Colombian 6.6%, Venezuelan 2.2%, Dominican 2.2%, Haitian 1.2%, other 5.5%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)
Religion	Roman Catholic 75.3%, Protestant 4.9% (includes Methodist 0.9%, Adventist 0.9%, Anglican 0.4%, other Protestant 2.7%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 12%, none 5.5%, unspecified 0.5% (2010 est.)
Government	Parliamentary democracy (Legislature); part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Independance	None (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Area	180.00 km²
Land Area	180.00 km²
Population	113,648.00 Most residents live in or around Oranjestad and San Nicolaas; most settlments tend to be located on the less mountainous western side of the island
Location	Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela
GDP(PPP)	$2,516,000,000.00 (USD)
GDP (Per Capita)	$25,300.00 (USD)
Export Partners	Its major export partners are Colombia, the Netherlands Antilles, and the United States.
Export Commodities	Its main exports are live animals and animal products, as well as art and collectibles.
Import Partners	Its major import partners are the United States and the Netherlands.
Import Commodities	Its major imports include machinery and electric equipment, refined oil, and chemicals.
Climate	Tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain	Flat with a few hills; scant vegetation
Learn More	Aruba

Aruba Government

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