People and Society of Aruba

Nationality

noun: Aruban(s) adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Ethnic Groups

Dutch 78.7%, Colombian 6.6%, Venezuelan 5.5%, Dominican 2.8%, Haitian 1.3%, other 5.1%

Population

104,589

Population (Male / Female)

male: 59,101 female: 65,962

Population Distribution

most residents live in or around Oranjestad and San Nicolaas; most settlments tend to be located on the less mountainous western side of the island

Urban Population

urban population: 44.3% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.77% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

30,000 ORANJESTAD (capital)

Age Structure

0-14 years: 17.2% (male 10,815/female 10,747) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 39,621/female 42,487) 65 years and over: 17.1% (2024 est.) (male 8,665/female 12,728)

Median Age

total: 40.9 years male: 39.3 years female: 42.4 years

Sex Ratio at Birth

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female

Medical care is generally considered to be good in Aruba. There is one hospital, Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital, whose medical standards can be favorably compared to a small hospital in the U.S. The hospital has tiered health care, and accommodations will vary depending on insurance and the ability to pay. There is a small medical center in San Nicolas. Please be aware that there is no decompression chamber available on the island. We urge caution for scuba divers since persons suffering from decompression sickness have to be medically evacuated for proper treatment. The many drug stores, or “boticas”, provide prescription and over-the-counter medicine. Visitors will need a local prescription, and may not be able to find medications available in the United States. Emergency services are usually quick to respond. Aruba is only about 14 degrees from the equator, so the solar radiation is very strong. Sunscreen is recommended anytime you are outside during the day.

Life Expectancy at Birth

total population: 78.5 years male: 75.4 years female: 81.6 years

Infant Mortality Rate

total: 11.5 deaths/1,000 live births male: 15.6 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Drinking Water Source

improved: urban: 98.1% of population rural: 98.1% of population total: 98.1% of population unimproved: urban: 1.9% of population rural: 1.9% of population total: 1.9% of population

Sanitation Facility Access

improved: urban: 97.7% of population rural: 97.7% of population total: 97.7% of population unimproved: urban: 2.3% of population rural: 2.3% of population total: 2.3% of population

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy

total: 14 years male: 13 years female: 14 years

• Roman Catholic82.0%
• Other10.0%
• Protestant8.0%

Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish

Papiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 69.4%, Spanish 13.7%, English (widely spoken) 7.1%, Dutch (official) 6.1%, Chinese 1.5%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.4%

• Dutch
• Papiamento
• Spanish

Crime Information

The crime threat in Aruba is generally considered low, although travelers should always take precautions when in unfamiliar surroundings. There have been incidents of theft from hotel rooms and vehicles. Armed robberies have been known to occur. Valuables left unattended on beaches, in cars, and in hotel lobbies are easy targets for theft. Jewelry, phones, cameras, and other electronics are the most commonly stolen items. Be especially observant when visiting isolated areas. Car theft, especially of rental vehicles for joyriding and stripping, can occur. Vehicle leases or rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen or damaged. Be sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles, jet skis, and other items. We recommend that visitors take additional precautions when visiting the entertainment district of San Nicolas. Due to the popularity of this area with tourists, many petty crimes are reported in this area. Parents of young travelers should be aware that the legal drinking age of 18 is not always enforced in Aruba, so extra parental supervision may be appropriate. Young travelers in particular are urged to take the same precautions they would when going out in the United States, e.g. to travel in pairs or in groups if they choose to frequent Aruba’s nightclubs and bars, and if they opt to consume alcohol, to do so responsibly. Anyone who is a victim of a crime should make a report to Aruban police, as well as report it immediately to the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao. Do not rely on hotel/restaurant/tour company management to make the report for you. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.