Aruba
Formerly one of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba became an autonomous part of the Netherlands in 1986. It is classed as an Associate Overseas Territory of the European Union. The most important trading partners are the Netherlands, the USA, Colombia and Venezuela. Historically, Aruba has been part of the Netherlands Antilles, a six-island federation, which also included Bonaire, Curaçao, St.Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. On January 1st, 1986, Aruba became a separate entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom now consists of three constituents: Holland, Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles (five islands). The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are separate countries (within the Kingdom of the Netherlands), with separate governments, central banks etc. The southern group (the "ABC" islands) lie within 50 miles of Venezuela while the northern group, consisting of St. Maarten, St. Eustatius (Statia) and Saba are some 600 miles to the north east, about 100 miles east of Puerto Rico. St. Maarten is the Dutch side of an island that is half French (St Martin).
Aruba is generally safe for visitors and expatriates alike; the main concern is petty/street crime.
There are no known extremist groups or areas of instability on Aruba, although drug trafficking and money laundering rings operate on the island. The Dutch Caribbean Islands are used as a drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. Never leave bags unattended nor agree to carry a package for anyone. Some airports have installed "body scanners" and it is possible you may be required to have a scan. Dutch authorities screen all baggage and passengers from the islands.
The hurricane season in the Dutch Caribbean normally runs from June to November.
