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The geography and history of this island located on the extreme South edge of the Caribbean is significantly different than that found throughout the rest of the region. These unique qualities attract many vacationers, and causes the island to have the highest repeat visit rate in the Caribbean. Purchasing ARUBA REAL ESTATE, as a first or second home, makes possible longer term enjoyment of this paradise outside the hurricane belt. Situated in the Leeward Antilles, which are on the southern edge of the Lesser Antilles, the island is 27 km (17 mi) north of South America. Its 32km (20 mi) length and 9.5 km (6 mi) width gives it an area of 180 sq km (69 sq mi). It, along with Bonaire and Curacao to the east are commonly known as the ABC islands. Its terrain is flat and river free. The highest elevation is 617 feet above the surrounding sea. Strong currents and trade winds along the northern and eastern coasts have produced rugged conditions there. The southern and western coasts, by contrast, are protected from these forces and offer safe harbors, prime locations for water sports, and white sand beaches. These are the populated areas. Communication with the rest of the Caribbean was limited because the powerful ocean currents made canoe travel difficult in that direction. This caused a culture to develop here with more of a South American flavor. The arid climate here discouraged plantation farming and the slave trade, which developed in other Spanish Caribbean locations. The area was first settled about 1000 A. D. It was discovered by Europeans in 1499. It became a colony of Spain for more than a century, then was abandoned for 135 years, before the Dutch possessed it in 1636. It fell under American and British control during World War II, for 5 years. Some spectacular shipwrecks were produced by military actions during this time. Independence was achieved by 1996. The population of this island in 103,000. These people enjoy the lowest unemployment rates and best standards of living in the Caribbean. The island was a major petroleum refiner and produced gold, phosphate and aloe historically. These days tourism accounts for about 3/4 of its GDP. The majority of visitors arrive here from Venezuela and the Eastern and Southern states in the US. They are attracted to the island's scenic, sunny environment and can enjoy both peaceful privacy and exciting leisure activities. They often decide to buy ARUBA REAL ESTATE and extend their visits, repeat them whenever they want, or set up permanent residency here.
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