Prior to its dissolution in 2010, the Netherlands Antilles was a self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The head of state was the Dutch monarch, represented by a governor nominated by the local government and appointed by the crown. The head of government was a prime minister, who led a Council of Ministers. The council was responsible to the unicameral legislature (Staten), whose members were elected to four-year terms by universal adult suffrage.

Beginning in 1992, education in the Netherlands Antilles was compulsory from age 6 to age 17, and the literacy rate was nearly on a par with that of the metropolitan Netherlands. Local authority was exercised by an Island Council, an Executive Council, and a lieutenant governor on each island.

The pre-Lenten Carnival in February and the New Year’s festivities are colourful celebrations. The Bonaire International Sailing Regatta is held every October, attracting boating enthusiasts from around the world. Many islanders also participate in martial arts, and football (soccer) and baseball are very popular. Saba, which is steep and tiny, has little flat land for athletic fields, but tennis courts there double as basketball and volleyball courts, and both men’s and women’s games are enthusiastically played. The islands first competed in the Olympics at the 1952 Summer Games in Helsinki.

Bonaire National Marine Park, Bonaire

Comprising a system of fringing reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, beaches, and lagoons, Bonaire National Marine Park is one of the Caribbean's top places to visit for diving. The park encircles all of Bonaire, as well as Klein Bonaire islet, and is famous for its water clarity, calm seas, and diversity of fish life.

Snorkelers can access some of the reefs from shore. The park is maintained by a non-profit, non-governmental organization noted for its pioneering marine conservation efforts. It was the first marine park with a network of permanent moorings.