With its 104,589 people Aruba is the 190th largest country in the world by population. It is the 214th largest country by area with 180 square kilometers. Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.
Check out the recommended reading list below for great sources of information on Aruba.
Laminated Aruba Map by Borch
Borch
Fodor's In Focus Aruba (Full-color Travel Guide)
Fodor's
Frommer's Portable Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao
Christina Paulette Col?n
Fodor's In Focus Aruba, 2nd Edition (Travel Guide)
Fodor's
Aruba, Caribbean Travel Guide - Sightseeing, Hotel, Restaurant & Shopping Highlights (Illustrated)
Jonathan Watkins
Destination Aruba
Destination Editors
Lonely Planet Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao: Chapter from Caribbean Islands Travel Guide
Lonely Planet
Birds of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire (Princeton Field Guides)
Bart de Boer
Aruba Coral Reef Creatures Identification Guide Map
Franko
Aruba Bonaire & Curagao
Madeleine Greey
