#189 in world Americas

Aruba

Oranjestad Americas Caribbean

Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in the Caribbean, known for its high standard of living and diverse population. Current estimates show a population of approximately 109,275 residents and a strong economic standing with a GDP per capita of $45,062 USD.

Where is Aruba?

Aruba

Continent
Americas
Country
Aruba
Coordinates
12.50°, -69.97°

Population Details

Population
109.3K
Area
180 km²
Density per km²
607 / km²
Growth rate
+0.59%
Annual growth
+645.44 people
Daily growth
+1.77 people
World population share
0.00%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 54.9K Latest 109.3K

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Aruba

Age Distribution

0-14 years 18.4K
15-64 years 72.2K
65+ years 18.6K

Urbanization

61.8% Urban
67.5K
Urban 67.5K
Rural 41.8K

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +3%
76.5 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate -32%
1.61 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Literacy Rate (Adults) +15%
96.8 % of adults
World avg: 84.4 % of adults
Internet Users +79%
97.2 % of population
World avg: 54.3 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Oranjestad
Region
Americas
Area
180 km²
Languages
Dutch, Papiamento
Currency
Aruban florin (ƒ)
Timezones
UTC-04:00
UN Member
No

Economy

The island maintains a robust economy driven primarily by tourism and offshore banking, with recent data showing a significant annual GDP growth of 6.8%. Aruba holds a prominent position in the region, with a GDP per capita that ranks global 39 of 212 and regional (Americas) 8 of 45. Its total nominal GDP is approximately $4.3 billion USD, placing it global 172 of 212. The local Aruban florin remains stable, supported by deep economic ties to the Netherlands and a high level of international trade.

Society

Aruba boasts high social indicators, including a life expectancy at birth of 76.5 years, which ranks global 90 of 215. The territory is one of the most digitally connected in the world, with approximately 97.2% of the population being internet users, a figure that ranks global 19 of 212. Educational standards are high, with an adult literacy rate of 96.8% that ranks global 60 of 170. Most residents are multilingual, commonly speaking Dutch and Papiamento alongside English and Spanish.

Climate & Environment

Aruba enjoys a tropical marine climate characterized by consistent warmth and trade winds that temper the heat throughout the year. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, it lies outside the main hurricane belt, resulting in a semi-arid landscape with average temperatures near 28 °C (82 °F). The island receives limited annual rainfall, which preserves its famous white sandy beaches and unique desert-like interior.

Government & Politics

Government Type
parliamentary democracy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Independence
null (null)

Aruba is a parliamentary democracy and functions as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Under this arrangement, the island handles its internal affairs, including its own laws, currency, and government, while the Kingdom oversees foreign policy and defense. The King of the Netherlands is the head of state, represented on the island by a Governor appointed for a six-year term. Executive power is held by a Prime Minister and a Council of Ministers, who are responsible to the Staten—a 21-member unicameral legislature elected by popular vote every four years. The legal system is based on Dutch civil law. This political structure provides a high degree of stability, which has been instrumental in fostering the island's international reputation for investment and tourism. Since achieving its unique status within the Kingdom, Aruba has maintained a multi-party system where political coalitions are frequently necessary to form a government.

History

Long before European contact, Aruba was inhabited by the Caquetio people of the Arawak tribe, who migrated from South America. Spanish explorers arrived in 1499, claiming the island and later designating it as part of the 'Islas Inútiles' or 'Useless Islands' because they found no gold. The Dutch West India Company seized control in 1636 to secure a strategic naval base during the Eighty Years' War. During the 19th century, a brief gold rush and the establishment of the phosphate industry diversified the economy, but the most transformative event was the opening of the Lago Oil and Transport Company refinery in the 1920s. This facility became one of the largest in the world, dramatically shifting the island's demographics and wealth. For much of the 20th century, Aruba was part of the Netherlands Antilles. However, seeking greater autonomy, the island successfully negotiated 'Status Aparte' in 1986, becoming a separate constituent country within the Kingdom. While it originally intended to pursue full independence in 1996, this plan was indefinitely postponed by mutual agreement in 1994, allowing Aruba to maintain its unique autonomous status while remaining integrated with the Dutch crown. Today, the island is characterized by its stable governance and high literacy rate of 96.82%.

Notable Facts

  • Multi-lingual society: While Dutch and Papiamento are official, most residents are fluent in four languages, including English and Spanish.
  • Climate: Unlike most Caribbean destinations, Aruba has an arid climate and is situated south of the Atlantic hurricane belt, receiving only about 40 cm (16 in) of rain annually.
  • Natural Landmarks: The iconic Divi-divi trees always point in a southwesterly direction, acting as a natural compass shaped by the constant trade winds.
  • Biodiversity: Approximately 18% of the island is dedicated to the Arikok National Park, which protects indigenous flora, fauna, and ancient Arawak cave paintings.
  • Highest Point: Mount Jamanota is the highest point on the island, rising 188 m (617 ft) above sea level and offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Geography

Highest Point
Mount Jamanota (188 m)
Lowest Point
Caribbean Sea (0 m)
Coastline
69 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Aruba

Monthly averages for Oranjestad

January best
Excellent
Temp
27°C / 26°C
Feels Like
28°C / 26°C
Rain
10days (31 mm) Wet
Sun
11.1h Excellent
Humidity
81% Humid
February best
Excellent
Temp
26°C / 25°C
Feels Like
28°C / 26°C
Rain
6days (17 mm) Good
Sun
11.5h Excellent
Humidity
81% Humid
March best
Excellent
Temp
26°C / 26°C
Feels Like
28°C / 26°C
Rain
4days (14 mm) Good
Sun
11.7h Excellent
Humidity
81% Humid
April best
Excellent
Temp
27°C / 26°C
Feels Like
29°C / 27°C
Rain
3days (17 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.6h Excellent
Humidity
83% Humid
May best
Good
Temp
27°C / 27°C
Feels Like
30°C / 28°C
Rain
2days (13 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.7h Excellent
Humidity
85% Humid
June
Fair
Temp
28°C / 27°C
Feels Like
30°C / 28°C
Rain
4days (19 mm) Good
Sun
12h Excellent
Humidity
85% Humid
July
Fair
Temp
28°C / 27°C
Feels Like
31°C / 28°C
Rain
4days (13 mm) Good
Sun
12.1h Excellent
Humidity
85% Humid
August
Fair
Temp
28°C / 27°C
Feels Like
32°C / 29°C
Rain
9days (38 mm) Wet
Sun
11.7h Excellent
Humidity
84% Humid
September
Fair
Temp
29°C / 28°C
Feels Like
33°C / 31°C
Rain
7days (47 mm) Good
Sun
11.3h Excellent
Humidity
83% Humid
October
Poor
Temp
29°C / 27°C
Feels Like
33°C / 30°C
Rain
17days (111 mm) Wet
Sun
10.4h Excellent
Humidity
82% Humid
November
Wet
Temp
28°C / 27°C
Feels Like
31°C / 29°C
Rain
21days (141 mm) Wet
Sun
10.5h Excellent
Humidity
83% Humid
December
Good
Temp
27°C / 26°C
Feels Like
29°C / 27°C
Rain
15days (48 mm) Wet
Sun
11h Excellent
Humidity
81% Humid
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January best 27°C / 26°C 28°C / 26°C 10days (31 mm) Wet 11.1h Excellent 81% Humid Excellent View Details
February best 26°C / 25°C 28°C / 26°C 6days (17 mm) Good 11.5h Excellent 81% Humid Excellent View Details
March best 26°C / 26°C 28°C / 26°C 4days (14 mm) Good 11.7h Excellent 81% Humid Excellent View Details
April best 27°C / 26°C 29°C / 27°C 3days (17 mm) Excellent 11.6h Excellent 83% Humid Excellent View Details
May best 27°C / 27°C 30°C / 28°C 2days (13 mm) Excellent 11.7h Excellent 85% Humid Good View Details
June 28°C / 27°C 30°C / 28°C 4days (19 mm) Good 12h Excellent 85% Humid Fair View Details
July 28°C / 27°C 31°C / 28°C 4days (13 mm) Good 12.1h Excellent 85% Humid Fair View Details
August 28°C / 27°C 32°C / 29°C 9days (38 mm) Wet 11.7h Excellent 84% Humid Fair View Details
September 29°C / 28°C 33°C / 31°C 7days (47 mm) Good 11.3h Excellent 83% Humid Fair View Details
October 29°C / 27°C 33°C / 30°C 17days (111 mm) Wet 10.4h Excellent 82% Humid Poor View Details
November 28°C / 27°C 31°C / 29°C 21days (141 mm) Wet 10.5h Excellent 83% Humid Wet View Details
December 27°C / 26°C 29°C / 27°C 15days (48 mm) Wet 11h Excellent 81% Humid Good View Details

Temperature

36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 27°C / 26°C . Feb: 26°C / 25°C . Mar: 26°C / 26°C . Apr: 27°C / 26°C . May: 27°C / 27°C . Jun: 28°C / 27°C . Jul: 28°C / 27°C . Aug: 28°C / 27°C . Sep: 29°C / 28°C . Oct: 29°C / 27°C . Nov: 28°C / 27°C . Dec: 27°C / 26°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 25 mm 50 mm 75 mm 100 mm 125 mm 150 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 31 mm. Feb: 17 mm. Mar: 14 mm. Apr: 17 mm. May: 13 mm. Jun: 19 mm. Jul: 13 mm. Aug: 38 mm. Sep: 47 mm. Oct: 111 mm. Nov: 141 mm. Dec: 48 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Aruba is approximately 109.3K (2024).

The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad.

Aruba's GDP per capita is $45.1K (2024).

Life expectancy in Aruba is 76.5 years (2024).

Aruba covers 180 km² (69 sq mi).

Aruba is very densely populated, with 607 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Aruba's population is growing steadily at 0.6% per year, in line with global averages.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Aruba falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $45.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Aruba reports a low intentional homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

Aruba has 2 official languages: Dutch, Papiamento.

Aruba uses the Aruban florin (ƒ) as its sole official currency.

Aruba is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Aruba are January, February, March, April, May, based on climate data for the capital.

Aruba has an estimated population of 109,275 residents according to the latest projections. This figure reflects an annual growth rate of approximately 0.59% and a high population density of about 607.1 people per km² (1,572.4 people per sq mi). The island ranks global 189 of 215 for total population size.

Aruba is one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean, with a GDP per capita estimated at $45,062 USD. This economic performance places the island at a rank of global 39 of 212 and regional (Americas) 8 of 45. Its economy is largely supported by its thriving tourism sector and high GDP growth of 6.8%.

Internet access is nearly universal across the island, with current data showing that 97.17% of the population are internet users. This high level of digital penetration ranks global 19 of 212, placing Aruba among the top tier of countries worldwide for connectivity. High-speed access is widely available in urban and tourist areas.

Aruba is a small island with a total land area of 180 km² (70 sq mi) and a coastline stretching 68.5 km (42.6 mi). It is located in the Caribbean subregion and is not landlocked. Despite its small size, it maintains a high population density of 607.1 people per km² (1,572.4 people per sq mi).

The adult literacy rate in Aruba is exceptionally high at 96.8%, which reflects the island's strong emphasis on education and social development. This achievement ranks the territory global 60 of 170 for literacy. Education is modeled after the Dutch system, ensuring high standards of learning for the population of 109,275 people.

The estimated 2026 population of Aruba is approximately 109,275 people. This figure is based on a current annual growth rate of 0.59% projected from the official 2024 value of 107,995. The island maintains a stable population size supported by its robust tourism-based economy and steady migration patterns.

Aruba currently holds a global rank of 189 of 215 countries and territories. Within its immediate region, it is ranked 34th out of 46 nations in the Americas and 12th out of 22 in the Caribbean. This places Aruba among the smaller nations by total population despite its significant regional economic influence.

Aruba is highly concentrated, with a current estimated density of 607.1 people per km² (1,572.4 sq mi). This places the island 15th globally and 4th in the Americas for population density. Most of the population is distributed along the western and southern coasts, leaving the rugged northern interior less inhabited.

The latest official fertility rate for Aruba is 1.61 births per woman. This is below the global replacement level of 2.1, mirroring trends found in many developed economies. Because the birth rate is now slightly lower than the death rate, the island relies on migration to maintain its total population levels.

Recent data indicates that 61.8% of Aruba's population is urbanized, living mostly in the metropolitan areas of Oranjestad and San Nicolas. This high urbanization rank of global 120 reflects the island's small land area of 180 km² (69.5 sq mi) and the concentration of jobs and services in coastal tourist centers.

All Indicators

Explore Aruba's data across 50+ indicators

Last updated: