Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antilles, also called the Dutch Antilles or Dutch West Indies, 2 groups of islands in the Caribbean Sea, collectively an autonomous part of the Netherlands since 1954. The southern group—the Leewards—includes Curaçao (location of the capital, Willemstad), Aruba, and Bonaire. They lie off the coast of Venezuela. The northern group—the Windwards—includes Saba, St. Eustacius, and St. Martin, which are east of Puerto Rico. The processing of Venezuelan oil accounts for the majority of export earnings. There is also some tourism. Aruba was constitutionally separated from the other islands in 1986. The islands are still financially dependent on the Netherlands.

See also: Netherlands.