Nature
Nature on Aruba has a lot to offer if you take the time to have a good look around. Because of the tropical climate and the relatively short rain season Aruba is a fairly dry island, as a result of which the natural vegetation is limited to approximately 500 species. Most common are dryland shrubs, agaves and tree types like the unique Dividivi.
The most striking plant family is the cactus. Spread across the island a great variety of cacti occurs. Different types of lizards are to be found on Aruba, the iguana being the best known. Aruba hosts approximately 175 different types of birds, like for example the “Troepiaal”. The underwater world of Aruba is considered to be one of the most beautiful on earth, with superb coral reefs and a profusion of fishes, crabs, lobsters, turtles, sea horses and starfishes. The magnificent pearly white beaches are mostly located on the southwest coast, beautifully surrounded by palm trees. The water is crystal clear and calm and its colour ranges from aquamarine to turquoise. In many places you can see up till 30 metres underwater. The North East coast on the other hand is savage and rough with high waves lashing against the rocks.
Durable tourism on Aruba
Durability is becoming the guideline for all tourist developments. The growth of tourism should not go at the expense of the environment. As the department of tourism says “nature is our (Aruba’s) most important tourist attraction, which we may not sacrifice to unlimited growth”. The department has initiated the foundation of the National Tourism Council, in which government and business community cooperate aiming to safeguard Aruba’s position as leading destination of the Caribean by way of a better protection of its natural riches.
Economy
Aruba is a prosperous island and unemployment is low. The driving force behind the economic development is the tourist sector, which, in the past 20 years, has continuously increased.
At present Aruba strives to find new ways to broaden and stimulate its economy. The currency is the Aruban florin, which is linked to the dollar..
Language
Although Dutch is the official language of Aruba, Papiamento is the most spoken language on the island. Papiamento has originated from spanish, portuguese, Dutch, English, French and a little African. The word Papiaments is derived from the verb “papia” which means “to talk”.
The Climate
Aruba has a tropical climate and the sun always shines. The average temperature is almost 28°C/82°F and there is always a cooling northeast trade wind. The difference in temperature between summer and winter is only 3,6°C/ 38°F and between day and night it is 5,5°C/42°F. The annual precipitation is about 600 mm. Rain usually comes in brief, intense local showers. Most of the rain falls in the months of November, December and January. The hottest months are August, September and October. It is good to know that Aruba is far away from the hurricane belt.