A governor, appointed to a six-year term by the Dutch crown, is the formal head of government and representative of the reigning monarch of the Netherlands. Executive authority is vested in a Council of Ministers, headed by a prime minister. The council is responsible to a 21-member unicameral legislature, the Staten (States), elected by universal adult suffrage.

The vast majority of the population is literate. Primary and secondary education are free and, since 1999, compulsory from age 4 to 16. Dutch is the main language of instruction, with Papiamentu being used in some primary classrooms. The University of Aruba, a teacher’s college, and a community college provide postsecondary instruction, though most Arubans go abroad for higher education. Health standards on the island are high.

There is a more prominent Arawak presence on Aruba than on the other ABC islands, although full-blooded aboriginals are not apparent. The island is multicultural, with a very definite Caribbean slant, as evidenced by the Afro-Caribbean-centric festivals and steel-drum playing.

Locals are polite and patriotic—lots of anthem singing and celebrations for anything having to do with Aruba and it’s vigor. They are typically well dressed and frown upon badly attired visitors; namely the wearing of bathing suits away from the beach. The best Aruban culture happens every Tuesday night at Fort Zoutman, with music, dance, costumes, and arts and crafts, but Carnival, in February, is the big event of the year.

BEACHES

Aruba offers an abundance of dazzling beaches. The northwest coast of Aruba, from Druif Beach to Eagle Beach, and Palm Beach to Malmok, is an 11-kilometer sweep of uninterrupted white sand and clear jade waters. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are favorites.

Near the California Lighthouse, Malmok Beach and secluded Arashi Beach are great for swimming and snorkeling.

On the windward east coast, Bachelor's Beach, Boca Grandi, Boca Prins, Dos Playa, Black Stone Beach, and Boca Andicuri have stronger currents and larger waves. Although they are not recommended for swimming, windsurfers and kitesurfers can tackle the swells.

The beaches in the southeast are less populated. Locals' favorite, Baby Beach is great for inexperienced swimmers, with its shallow basin and calm waters.