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As the capital of the Netherlands Antilles,
Willemstad bustles with commerce, yet retains the small town atmosphere.
Curaçao is the most European of the ABC islands, namely Aruba,
Bonaire and of course Curaçao.
Curaçao reveals its colonial past with stately land houses and architecture
of a Dutch Hamlet. Its fine beaches
and crystalline waters make it a favorite vacation spot. But it has much
more to offer: steady trade winds that make it the windsurfing capital
of the Caribbean, an elegant international dining scene that rivals the
best in Europe, and glitzy casinos and shows, scuba
diving is a must among the visitors.
Curaçao Quick Info:
Curaçao is 59 kilometers (37 miles) long and approximately 290
square kilometers (180 square miles), Curaçao is the largest island
in the Netherlands Antilles, which consists of 5 islands. The highest point
on the island is
Mount St.Christoffel. Curaçao is located about 56 kilometers (35 miles)
north of Venezuela (12º north latitude, 69º west longitude).
Population:
The local population number is approximately 150.000.
Languages:
Dutch is the official language but Papiamentu is spoken by nearly everyone.
English and Spanish are also widely spoken.
Climate:
What else but great! Annual Averages: Temperature, 27º Celsius
(82 F), rainfall, 533 mm (21 inches). November and December are the rainiest
months. Local Weather
Forecast.
Currency:
The Netherlands Antilles florin, also known as the guilder, is the
official currency. One U.S. dollar equals 1.77 Naf. U.S. dollars are widely
accepted.
Electricity:
110-127 volts, 50 cycles.
Drinking Water:
Deliciously distilled and desalinated sea water, credited to be among
the best tasting in the world.
Telephone:
You can call anywhere in the in the world from Curaçao.
Time:
The time is the same as Eastern daylight Savings Time and one hour
ahead of Eastern Standard (Atlantic Standard Time).
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