Curacao: Facts, Figures & Fundamentals

Pronunciation:
Curacao is pronounced "Cure-a-sow".

Location:
Curacao is located in the southwestern Caribbean, between Aruba and Bonaire, just 35 miles north of Venezuela.

Size:
Curacao, the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, is 38 miles long and 2 to 7.5 miles wide.

Government:
Curacao is a Parliamentary Democracy and the seat of government of the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kindgom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles is made up of Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten.

Capital :
Willemstad is the capital of Curacao and the island's only city. In 1997 this historic city and its natural harbor were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

Climate:
Located just outside of the hurricane belt, Curacao boasts a warm, sunny climate year round with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Refreshing trade winds blowing from the east keep things cool and humidity low.

Money:
The national currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, also called the Florin, and abbreviated NAFI or ANG. Although prices are quoted in the national currency, U.S. currency is accepted everywhere.

Population:
Curacao is home to 160,000 residents from 55 different cultures.

Language:
Dutch is the official language, but multi-racial Curacaoans also speak English, Spanish and their own unique blend, Papiamentu.

Religion:
Curacao has a well-earned reputation for religious and ethnic harmony. While 80% of the population is Catholic, many religions have their own houses of worship including Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Baptists, Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormon's and Methodists. Curacao is home to the Mikve Isreal-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest continually operating synagogue in the western hemisphere.

Time Zone:
Curacao is on the Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour later than US Eastern Standard Time. During Eastern Daylight Savings Time there is no time difference between the East Coast and Curacao.

International Airport:
Hato International Airport

Airlines:
American Airlines and ALM Antillean Airlines service Curacao direct form Miami. Delta Airlines direct from Atlanta to Curacao. Other options are Air Jamaica via Montego Bay, Jamaica or American Eagle via San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Entry Requirements:
US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport and onward return ticket. In lieu of a passport, an original birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID will be accepted.

Tourism Information:
For more information on Curacao call 1-800-3CURACAO or visit curacao-tourism.com .

More on Curacao see Destination Curacao.

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