The Netherlands Antilles is a self-governing part of the Netherlands and a governor represents Queen Beatrix. However, the country is not a member of the EU and there’s an intense discussion about...
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The Netherlands Antilles is a self-governing part of the Netherlands and a governor represents Queen Beatrix. However, the country is not a member of the EU and there’s an intense discussion about how it will handle that the ties between the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands will be broken in December 2008. Historically, Indians from Venezuela were first to set foot on the islands. In 1499, the Europeans arrived and after that the Spanish and the Dutch fought to gain power of the islands. In the 17th century, the Dutch West India Company came to power. Tourists arrive to the islands from both the US and Europe. They come to find the beach and sun, but also incredible opportunities for diving. Gay tourists primarily visit Curaçao, the main island. The country is working hard to profile itself as gay friendly, contrary to many other areas in the West Indies. Geographically, the more family friendly neighbouring island of Aruba also belongs to the Netherlands Antilles, but it also has self-governance in relation to the Netherlands.
Facts:
Population: 225 000
Official language: Dutch, English, Papiamento
Area: 229 km²
Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder
Government: Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy, part of the Kingdom of Neatherlands
Calling code: +599
Time zone: -4
