Aruba

Aruba (pop. 70,000), island off the Venezuelan coast, part of the Netherlands Antilles, about 19 mi (30.6 km) long and 4 mi (6.4 km) wide. Its capital is Oranjestad. The chief industry is the refining of crude oil imported from Venezuela. Other important aspects of the economy are tourism and banking. On Jan. 1, 1986, Aruba became a semi-independent state. However, contributions made by the Dutch government are still necessary.