Check Out These 12 Interesting Facts about Aruba Before You Visit

Aruba is known as ‘one happy island’ that sits in the heart of the Southern Caribbean Sea. 

A popular tourist destination, Arubans welcome travellers for a taste of the island’s hospitality that is not soon forgotten. 

From beautiful azure beaches to upscale shopping experience; scrumptious cuisine and the perfect get-a-ways, there are many reasons to be happy in Aruba. 

To highlight some of the things that make Aruba special, we are sharing 12 interesting facts below. 

• On 18 March 1976, Aruba formally adopted a national anthem and flag, and each year National Day is celebrated on 18 March.  
• The island is famous for its white sandy beaches on its western and southern coasts. 
• Fort Zoutman was built in 1798 to protect Oranjestad from pirates. It is the oldest building in Aruba. 
• The country is not within the hurricane belt, which makes it safe to visit any time of the year. 
• Gambling is not taxed, as such winners can keep all their winnings. 
• Approximately 65% of the plants on the island are used as herbs. 
• The Arikok Natural Wildlife Park is one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions. The park covers over 20% of the island. 
• One of the world’s rarest species of rattlesnake, locally known as the Cascabel, can only be found in Aruba. 
• Aruba florin is the official currency of the island. However, the American dollar is also used extensively in many businesses, resorts and hotels. 
• There are approximately 90 different nationalities represented in Aruba. 
• Ancient paintings were done by the Caiquetio shamans who lived in Aruba a millennium ago can be found on many rock formations. The island has over 300 prehistoric pictographs. 
• Aruba has been a pioneer of purified water technology for over 80 years. An influx in visitors and scarcity in freshwater led to the opening of the Lago refinery in the early 1930s. Eventually, the Balashi water desalination plant grew to be the largest in the world. The process has been improved over time, giving Arubans and visitors refreshing water. 

There are other interesting facts about this wonderful island, and it’s vibrant and welcoming people. If you are planning to visit Aruba, be sure to catch up with the locals who will be happy to share even more facts about their home. 

If you are interested in visiting Aruba, search Find Yello Aruba for an extensive listing of local travel agencies.  

Sources: Aruba, Matador Network, The Fact File, Oh Fact and Where is Tara.