Basic Information About Curaçao:

Population: The population of Curaçao is 159,261.

GDP: $ 3.1 billion (2012)

The Arawaks were the first inhabitants of Curaçao. The Europeans arrived around 1499 as members of a Spanish expedition and then enslaved the Arawaks.  During the 18th and 19th centuries, the island changed hands among the British, the French, and the Dutch several times.  The Dutch abolished slavery in 1863 and some inhabitants of Curaçao immigrated to other islands, such as Cuba, to work in sugar cane plantations.  Tourism plays a vital role in Curacao’s economy with most tourist coming from the Netherlands, the USA, and South America.  Curaçao is also one of the leading cruise destination in the Caribbean.

Climate: Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C (mid 80s F). The best time to visit Curaçao is from May to November, during the off-peak season. 

People: Curaçao is a country diverse in heritage and ethnicity. In fact, 42 different ethnic groups call this Dutch Antilles island home. The island’s residents, most of which are of European or African descent, represent various cultural heritages and have a strong sense of cultural awareness.

Religion: The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with Protestant minorities, both evangelical and other low-church denominations. There is also a Baha’i temple and a synagogue.

Capital: Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao.

Language: The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English.

Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder

Time Zone: UTC-04:00