Curaçao

{{Short description|Dutch Caribbean island country}} {{About|the island country}} {{Distinguish|Curacoa (disambiguation){{!}}Curacoa|Curassow|Carriacou}} {{pp-move}} {{More citations needed|date=June 2025}} {{Use Oxford spelling|date=February 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox dependency | name = Curaçao | native_name = {{native name|pap|Kòrsou}} | official_name = Country of Curaçao {{nobold|{{native name|nl|Land Curaçao}} {{native name|pap|Pais Kòrsou}}}} | image_flag = Flag of Curaçao.svg | flag_size = 125 | flag_link = Flag of Curaçao | image_seal = Curaçao wapen.svg | seal_size = 77 | seal_type = Coat of arms | seal_link = Coat of arms of Curaçao | anthem = {{native name|pap|Himno di Kòrsou|nolink=yes}} ({{langx|en|"Anthem of Curaçao"}}){{parabr}}center | song_type = '''Royal anthem''' | song = {{native name|nl|Wilhelmus|nolink=yes}}{{parabr}}center | image_map = Curacao in its region.svg | map_alt = Location of Curaçao | map_caption = Location of Curaçao (circled in red) | mapsize = 290px | established_date = Netherlands Antilles | established_title2 = Country status | established_date2 = 10 October 2010 | official_languages = {{hlist|Papiamentu|Dutch|English<ref name="cia.gov" />}} | demonym = {{hlist|Curaçaoan|Dutch}} | capital = Willemstad | coordinates = {{Coord|12|6|18|N|68|56|6|W|type:city|name=Gouvernementsplein}} | largest_city = capital | ethnic_groups = 75.4% Curaçaoans 9% Dutch 3.6% Dominican 3% Colombian 1.2% Haitian 1.2% Surinamese 1.1% Venezuelan 1.1% Aruban 0.9% unspecified 6% other<ref name="cia.gov">{{Cite web |title=Curacao |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |access-date=29 December 2019 |website=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |archive-date=4 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504114256/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ethnic_groups_year = 2018 | government_type = Parliamentary representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy | leader_title1 = Monarch | leader_name1 = Willem-Alexander | leader_title2 = Governor | leader_name2 = Mauritsz de Kort | leader_title3 = Speaker | leader_name3 = Fergino Brownbill | leader_title4 = Prime Minister | leader_name4 = Gilmar Pisas | legislature = Parliament of Curaçao | area_km2 = 444<ref name="rijksoverheid.nl">{{Cite web |title=Waaruit bestaat het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden? |url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/caribische-deel-van-het-koninkrijk/vraag-en-antwoord/waaruit-bestaat-het-koninkrijk-der-nederlanden |website=Rijksoverheid |date=19 May 2015 |language=nl |access-date=10 January 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513082052/https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/caribische-deel-van-het-koninkrijk/vraag-en-antwoord/waaruit-bestaat-het-koninkrijk-der-nederlanden |url-status=live }}</ref> | area_rank = 181st  | percent_water = | elevation_max_m = 372 | elevation_max_ft = | population_census = 155,826<ref name="Central Bureau of Statistics Curaçao">{{Cite web |title=First results 2023 pop census Curaçao |date=April 2023 |url=https://www.cbs.cw/cbs-presents-the-first-results-of-the-2023-census }}</ref> | population_census_year = 2023 | population_estimate_rank = 177th | population_density_km2 = 349.13 | population_density_rank = | GDP_PPP = $5.5 billion | GDP_PPP_year = 2021<ref>{{Cite web |last=van der Molen |first=Maarten |date=19 September 2013 |title=Country Report Curaçao |url=https://economics.rabobank.com/publications/2013/september/country-report-curacao/ |access-date=23 August 2017 |website=RaboResearch – Economic Research |archive-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823204303/https://economics.rabobank.com/publications/2013/september/country-report-curacao/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | GDP_PPP_rank = 184th | GDP_PPP_per_capita = $35,484 | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 45th | GDP_nominal = $3.5 billion<ref name="World Bank data">{{Cite web |title=Curacao |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/CW |access-date=9 August 2021 |website=The World Bank |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418074003/https://data.worldbank.org/country/CW |url-status=live }}</ref> | GDP_nominal_year = 2021 | GDP_nominal_rank = 149th | GDP_nominal_per_capita = $22,581 | GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 40th | Gini =  | Gini_year = | Gini_change =  | Gini_ref = | Gini_rank = | HDI = 0.811  | HDI_year = 2012 | HDI_change =  | HDI_ref =<ref>{{cite web |title=Human Development Index (HDI): Korte Notitie inzake de berekening van de voorlopige Human Development Index (HDI) voor Curaçao |date=20 December 2013 |url=http://www.cbs.cw/cbs/themes/Labour%20and%20Social%20Security/Data/Labour%20&%20Social%20Security-20140511112021.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713230223/http://www.cbs.cw/cbs/themes/Labour%20and%20Social%20Security/Data/Labour%20%26%20Social%20Security-20140511112021.pdf |publisher=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek |language=nl |archive-date=13 July 2015 }}</ref> | HDI_rank = | currency = Caribbean guilder | currency_code = | timezone = AST | utc_offset = -4:00 | drives_on = right | calling_code = +599 9 | iso_code = {{hlist|CW|NL-CW}} | cctld = .cw | religion = {{Tree list}} * 90% Christianity ** 73% Roman Catholic ** 18.5% total Protestant *** 6.6% Pentecostal *** 3.2% Protestant *** 3% Seventh-day Adventist *** 3.2% Evangelical *** 0.8% Jehovah's Witnesses *** 1.7% Other Christian * 6% No religion * 2% Hinduism * 0.5% Islam * 0.2% Judaism * 0.8% Other * 0.6% Not stated {{Tree list/end}}|settlement_type=Constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands|subdivision_type1=Sovereign state|subdivision_name1={{flag|Kingdom of the Netherlands}}|established_title1=Before separation }}

'''Curaçao''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|j|ʊər|ə|s|oʊ|,_|-|s|aʊ|,_|ˌ|k|j|ʊər|ə|ˈ|s|oʊ|,_|-|ˈ|s|aʊ}} {{respell|KURE|ə|soh|,_|KURE|ə|sow|,_|kure|ə|SOH|,_|kure|ə|SOW}},<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John C. |title=Longman Pronunciation Dictionary |publisher=Longman |date=2008 |isbn=9781405881180 |edition=3rd |location=Harlow }}</ref><ref>{{cite Dictionary.com|Curaçao }}</ref> {{IPA|nl|kyːraːˈsʌu|lang|nl-Curaçao.ogg|small=no}} {{IPA|nl|kuːr-|label=or|small=no}};<ref>{{cite book |last=Mangold |first=Max |title=Aussprachewörterbuch |publisher=Duden Verlag |date=2005 |isbn=978-3-411-04066-7 |editor-last=Franziska Münzberg |location=Mannheim |chapter=Curaçao |chapter-url=https://www.duden.de/ |archive-date=16 December 2020 |access-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216052325/https://www.duden.de/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{langx|pap|Kòrsou}} {{IPA|pap|ˈkɔrsɔu̯|}}.}} officially the '''Country of Curaçao''',{{efn|{{langx|nl|Land Curaçao}};<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/Staatsregeling_18-6-10.pdf |title=Art. 1 para 1 Constitution of Curaçao |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722200254/http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/Staatsregeling_18-6-10.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2011}} (Dutch version)</ref> {{langx|pap|Pais Kòrsou}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/konstitushon/Konstitushon_Papiamentu.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902205625/http://www.curacao-gov.an/images/strukturafiles/konstitushon/Konstitushon_Papiamentu.pdf |title=Art. 1 para 1 Constitution of Curaçao |archive-date=2 September 2009}} (Papiamentu version)</ref><ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |title=CIA World Factbook- Curaçao |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=4 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504114256/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>}} is a constituent island country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the southern Caribbean Sea (specifically the Dutch Caribbean region), about {{cvt|65|km|mi}} north of Venezuela and 80 km (50 mi) southeast of Aruba. Curaçao includes the main island of Curaçao, and the much smaller, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao ("Little Curaçao").<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" />

Curaçao has a population of 158,675 (January 2019 estimate),<ref name="rijksoverheid.nl" /> with an area of {{cvt|444|km2}}; its capital is Willemstad.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> Together with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao forms part of the ABC islands.<ref name="Öörni">{{cite book |last=Öörni |first=Juha |date=6 October 2017 |title=Traveler's Paradise—ABC Islands: Travel Guide for ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) |page=16 |edition= |location= |publisher= |isbn= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GYSZDwAAQBAJ&dq=curacao+largest+abc+islands&pg=PT16 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=June 2025}}<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |title=Caribbean Cultural Heritage and the Nation : Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao in a Regional Context |date=1 July 2023 |publisher=Amsterdam University Press |isbn=9789400604278 |editor-last=van Stipriaan |editor-first=Alex |pages= |doi=10.24415/9789087283827 |doi-broken-date=5 July 2025 |editor-last2=Alofs |editor-first2=Luc |editor-last3=Guadelupe |editor-first3=Francio }}</ref> Collectively, Curaçao, Aruba, and other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often called the Dutch Caribbean.<ref name=":3" /> It is the largest of the ABC islands in terms of both area<ref name="Öörni" /> and population.<ref name=":3" />

The island is known the world over for its indigenous bitter orange-based liqueur, ''Curaçao'', flavoured with the dried peel of the laraha, a citrusfruit grown there.

The island's name "Curaçao" may originate from the indigenous autonym of its people; this idea is supported by early Spanish accounts referring to the inhabitants as "Indios Curaçaos". Curaçao's history begins with the Arawak and Caquetio Amerindians; the island becoming a Spanish colony after Alonso de Ojeda's 1499 expedition. Though labelled "the useless island" due to its poor agricultural yield and lack of precious metals, it later became a strategic cattle ranching area. When the Dutch colonized the island in 1634, they shifted the island's focus to trade and shipping, and later made it a hub of the Atlantic slave trade. Members of the Jewish community, fleeing persecution in Europe, settled here and significantly influenced the economy and culture.

British forces occupied Curaçao twice during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars but it was returned to Dutch rule. The abolition of slavery in 1863 led to economic shifts and migrations. Dutch remains the official language, though Papiamentu, English, and Spanish are widely spoken, reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences. Curaçao was formerly part of the Curaçao and Dependencies colony from 1815 to 1954, and later the Netherlands Antilles from 1954 to 2010, as Island Territory of Curaçao.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /><ref>({{langx|nl|Eilandgebied Curaçao|links=no}}, Papiamentu: ''Teritorio Insular di Kòrsou'').</ref><ref>The English name is used by the governments of Curaçao and Netherlands Antilles, as English was an official language of the Netherlands Antilles and the Island Territory of Curaçao.</ref>

The discovery of oil in the Maracaibo Basin in 1914 transformed Curaçao into a major refinery location,<ref>{{Cite web |title=De komst van de olieraffinaderij op Curaçao |url=https://www.nationaalarchief.cw/educatie/de-komst-van-de-olieraffinaderij-op-curacao |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250718000157/https://www.nationaalarchief.cw/educatie/de-komst-van-de-olieraffinaderij-op-curacao |archive-date=18 July 2025 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=NationaalArchief.cw |language=nl }}</ref> altering its economic landscape. There were efforts towards becoming a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the island achieved autonomy in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rijkswet wijziging Statuut in verband met de opheffing van de Nederlandse Antillen (32.213 (R1903)) |url=https://www.eerstekamer.nl/wetsvoorstel/32213_rijkswet_wijziging_statuut |access-date=14 September 2025 |website=Eerstekamer.nl |language=nl }}</ref>

== Etymology == One explanation for the island's name is that ''Curaçao'' was the autonym by which its Indigenous peoples identified themselves.<ref>Joubert and Van Buurt, 1994</ref> Early Spanish accounts support this theory, referring to the Indigenous peoples as ''Indios Curaçaos''.<ref name="curacao-nature">{{Cite web |title=Curacao Nature |url=http://www.curacao-nature.com/curacao |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224165042/http://www.curacao-nature.com/curacao |archive-date=24 February 2021 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=Curacao Nature - your photo and knowledge database on flora and faunain Curacao}}</ref>

From 1525, the island was featured on Spanish maps as ''Curaçote'', ''Curasaote'' and ''Curasaore''.<ref name="curacao-nature" /> By the 17th century, it appeared on most maps as ''Curaçao'' or ''Curazao''.<ref name="curacao-nature" /> On a map created by Hieronymus Cock in 1562 in Antwerp, the island was called ''Qúracao''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cock's 1562 map, Library of Congress website |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/map_item.pl?data=/home/www/data/gmd/gmd3/g3290/g3290/ct000342.jp2&style=dsxpmap&itemLink=r?ammem/gmd:@filreq(@field(NUMBER+@band(g3290+ct000342))+@field(COLLID+dsxpmap))&title=Americae%20sive%20qvartae%20orbis%20partis%20nova%20et%20exactissima%20descriptio%20%2f%20avtore%20Diego%20Gvtiero%20Philippi%20Regis%20Hisp.%20etc.%20Cosmographo%20;%20Hiero.%20***%20excvde%201562%20;%20Hieronymus%20***%20excude%20cum%20gratia%20et%20priuilegio%201562. |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=lcweb2.loc.gov}}</ref>

A persistent but undocumented story claims the following: in the 16th and 17th centuries—the early years of European exploration—when sailors on long voyages got scurvy from lack of vitamin C, sick Portuguese or Spanish sailors were left on the island now known as Curaçao. When their ship returned, some had recovered, probably after eating vitamin C-rich fruit there. From then on, the Portuguese allegedly referred to the island as ''Ilha da Curação'' {{gloss|island of healing}} or the Spanish as ''Isla de la Curación''.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" />

== History == {{Main|History of Curaçao|Curaçao and Dependencies|Dutch Caribbean}}

===Pre-colonial=== thumb|left|Map from 1562 with Curaçao indicated as Qúracao thumb|Map of Curaçao in 1836|left

The original inhabitants of Curaçao were the Arawak and Caquetio Amerindians.<ref name="The History of Curaçao">{{cite web |url=https://www.curacao-travelguide.com/about/history/ |title=The History of Curaçao |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627085218/https://www.curacao-travelguide.com/about/history/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Their ancestors had migrated to the island from the mainland of South America, probably hundreds of years before Europeans' first arrival.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kraan |first=Claudia T. |date=1 October 2024 |title=Radiocarbon dates from Curaçao's oldest Archaic site extend earliest island settlement to ca. 5700 cal BP |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15564894.2024.2321575 |journal=The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=871–878 |doi=10.1080/15564894.2024.2321575 |issn=1556-4894 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=2 June 2025 |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250602053809/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15564894.2024.2321575 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Spanish colonization=== The first Europeans recorded as seeing the island were members of a Spanish expedition under the leadership of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499.<ref name="The History of Curaçao" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=McColl |first=Richard |date=26 March 2013 |title=The forgotten conquistador {{!}} The City Paper Bogotá |url=https://thecitypaperbogota.com/features/the-forgotten-conquistador/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821180449/https://thecitypaperbogota.com/features/the-forgotten-conquistador/ |archive-date=21 August 2025 |access-date=13 December 2025 |work=The City Paper Bogotá }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1704 {{!}} Birth of papiamentu |url=https://www.curacaohistory.com/1704-birth-of-papiamentu |access-date=9 May 2025 |website=CuracaoHistory.com }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1499 {{!}} Amerigo Vespucci |url=https://www.curacaohistory.com/1499-amerigo-vespucci |access-date=9 May 2025 |website=CuracaoHistory.com }}</ref> The Spaniards enslaved most of the Caquetios (Arawak) for forced labour in their Hispaniola colony, but paid little attention to the island itself.<ref name="The History of Curaçao" /> In 1515, almost all of the 2,000 Caquetios living there were also transported to Hispaniola as slaves.

Established in 1499 as a Spanish launchpad for exploring northern South America, Curaçao was officially settled by Spain in 1527. It functioned as an island extension of Venezuela throughout the 1500s. As mainland colonization advanced, Spain slowly withdrew from the island. The city registry of Caracas, Venezuela, holds one of the earliest written mentions of Curaçao. A document dated 9 December 1595, states that Francisco Montesinos, priest and vicar of "the Yslas de Curasao, Aruba and Bonaire" conferred his power of attorney to Pedro Gutiérrez de Lugo, a Caracas resident, to collect his ecclesiastic salary from the Royal Treasury of King Philip II of Spain.

The Spanish introduced numerous tree, plant and animal species to Curaçao, including horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle from Europe and other Spanish colonies. In general, imported sheep, goats and cattle did relatively well. Cattle were herded by Caquetios and Spaniards and roamed freely in the kunuku plantations and savannahs.<ref>{{Cite news |title=About Curaçao |url=https://tourhopping-curacao.com/about-curacao/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821085127/https://tourhopping-curacao.com/about-curacao/ |archive-date=21 August 2025 |access-date=13 December 2025 |work=TourHoppingCuracao.com }}</ref>

Not all imported species fared equally well, and the Spanish also learned to use Caquetio crops and agricultural methods, as well as those from other Caribbean islands. Though historical sources point to thousands of people living on the island, agricultural yields were disappointing; this and the lack of precious metals in the salt mines led the Spanish to call Curaçao "the useless island".

Over time, the number of Spaniards living on Curaçao decreased while the number of aboriginal inhabitants stabilized. Presumably through natural growth, return and colonization, the Caquetio population then began to increase. In the last decades of Spanish occupation, Curaçao was used as a large cattle ranch. At that point, Spaniards lived around Santa Barbara, Santa Ana and in the villages in the western part of the island, while the Caquetios are thought to have lived scattered all over the island.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Curaçao {{!}} Dutch Caribbean {{!}} Photos |url=https://ozoutback.com.au/the%20Dutch%20Caribbean/curacao/index.html |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=ozoutback.com.au }}</ref>

===Dutch colonial rule=== [[File:Curacao, 1807 RCIN 735132 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Royal Navy warships under Charles Brisbane capturing Curaçao on 1 January 1807]]

In 1634, during the Eighty Years' War of independence between the Republic of the Netherlands and Spain, the Dutch West India Company under Admiral Johann van Walbeeck invaded the island; the Spanish surrendered in San Juan in August. Approximately 30 Spaniards and many indigenous people were then deported to Santa Ana de Coro in Venezuela. About 30 Taíno families were allowed to live on the island while Dutch colonists started settling there.<ref name="The History of Curaçao" />

The Dutch West India Company founded the capital of Willemstad in 1634 on the banks of an inlet called the Schottegat; the natural harbour proved an ideal place for trade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beneath the Colors: Uncovering the Hidden History of Willemstad, Curaçao |url=https://www.majesticcuracao.com/news-offers/beneath-the-colors:-uncovering-the-hidden-history-of-willemstad,-cura%C3%A7ao |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Majestic City Suites Hotel |language=en}}</ref> Commerce and shipping—and piracy—became Curaçao's most important economic activities. Later, salt mining became a major industry, the mineral being a lucrative export at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1900 {{!}} The First Proftible Industry in Curaçao - Curaçao History |url=http://www.curacaohistory.com/1900-the-first-proftible-industry-in-curacao |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.curacaohistory.com |language=en}}</ref> From 1662, the Dutch West India Company made Curaçao a centre of the Atlantic slave trade, often bringing slaves from West Africa to the island, before selling them elsewhere in the Caribbean and Spanish Main.<ref name="The History of Curaçao" />

Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal sought safe haven in Dutch Brazil and the Dutch Republic. Many settled in Curaçao, where they made significant contributions to its civil society, cultural development, and economic prosperity.<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Curacao.html |title=Curacao Virtual Jewish History Tour |website=jewishvirtuallibrary.org |access-date=23 October 2015 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104015738/https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Curacao.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1674 the island became a free port.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://discovercuracao.today/history |title=The story of Curacao | History |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208140039/https://discovercuracao.today/history }}</ref>

In the Franco-Dutch War of 1672–1678, French Admiral Jean II d'Estrées planned to attack Curaçao. His fleet—12 men-of-war, three fire ships, two transports, a hospital ship, and 12 privateers—met with disaster, losing seven men-of-war and two other ships when they struck reefs off the Las Aves archipelago. The serious navigational error occurred on 11 May 1678, a week after the fleet set sail from Saint Kitts.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

[[File:Curaçao, Broad Street.jpg|thumb|Willemstad, 1885]]

Many Dutch colonists grew affluent from the slave trade, building impressive colonial buildings in the capital of Willemstad; the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 1795, a major slave revolt took place under the leaders Tula Rigaud, Louis Mercier, Bastian Karpata, and Pedro Wakao. Up to 4,000 slaves in northwest Curaçao revolted, with more than 1,000 taking part in extended gunfights. After a month, the slave owners were able to suppress the revolt.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.papiamentu.net/curacao/heroes.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020826055753/http://www.papiamentu.net/curacao/heroes.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=26 August 2002 |title=Curaçao History |publisher=Papiamentu.net |access-date=10 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RXsBJzA61lcC&pg=PA525 |title=Encyclopedia of Slave Resistance and Rebellion |last=Rodriguez |first=Junius P. |date=2007 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=9780313332739 }}</ref>

thumb|The colourful buildings of the Handelskade in Willemstad, Curaçao

Curaçao's proximity to South America resulted in interaction with cultures of the coastal areas more than a century after the independence of the Netherlands from Spain. Architectural similarities can be seen between 19th century Willemstad neighbourhoods and the nearby Venezuelan city of Coro in Falcón State, which has also been designated a World Heritage Site. Netherlands established economic ties with the Viceroyalty of New Granada that included the present-day countries of Colombia and Venezuela. In the 19th century, Curaçaoans such as Manuel Piar and Luis Brión were prominently engaged in the wars of independence of both Venezuela and Colombia. Political refugees from the mainland, such as Simón Bolívar, regrouped in Curaçao.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Octagon Museum – Curaçao Art |url=https://curacao-art.com/galleries/octagon-museum/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501131217/https://curacao-art.com/galleries/octagon-museum/ |archive-date=1 May 2021 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=Curacao-Art.com }}</ref>

During the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, British forces twice occupied Curaçao; the first occupation lasted from 1800 to 1803, and the second occupation from 1807 to 1815.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Curacao in the British Empire |url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/curacao.htm |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=BritishEmpire.co.uk }}</ref> At the end of the Napoleonic Wars stable Dutch rule returned in 1815. After the signing of the Treaty of London, the island was incorporated into the colony of Curaçao and Dependencies.<ref name="curacao-travelguide.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.curacao-travelguide.com/about/history/ |title=The History of Curaçao |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627085218/https://www.curacao-travelguide.com/about/history/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Dutch abolished slavery in 1863, causing vast changes in the economy with the shift to wage labour.<ref name="curacao-travelguide.com" /> Some Curaçao inhabitants emigrated to other islands, such as Cuba, to work in sugarcane plantations. Other former slaves had nowhere to go and continued working for plantation owners under the tenant farmer system,{{Efn|Called "Paga Tera"}} in which former slaves leased land from former masters.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

Historically, Dutch was not widely spoken on the island outside of the colonial administration, but its use increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref name="Putte">''Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd''. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers</ref> Students on Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire were taught predominantly in Spanish until the early 19th century, when the British occupied all three islands. Teaching of Spanish was restored when Dutch rule resumed in 1815. Also, efforts were made to introduce widespread bilingual Dutch and Papiamentu education in the late 19th century.<ref>Van Putte 1999.</ref>

===20th and 21st centuries=== When oil was discovered in the Venezuelan Maracaibo Basin town of Mene Grande in 1914, Curaçao's economy was dramatically altered. In the early years, both Shell and Exxon held drilling concessions in Venezuela, which ensured a constant supply of crude oil to refineries in Aruba and Curaçao. Crude oil production in Venezuela was inexpensive. Both Shell and Exxon were vertically integrated and controlled the entire industry, from pumping, transporting, and refining to sales. The refineries on Aruba and Curaçao operated in global markets and were profitable partly because of the margin between the production costs of crude oil and the revenues the sale of oil products. This provided a safety net for losses incurred through inefficiency or excessive operating costs at the refineries.<ref name="The History of Curaçao" />{{unreliable source?|date=February 2022}}

In 1929, Curaçao was attacked by Venezuelan rebel commander Rafael Simón Urbina, who, with 250 soldiers, captured the fort. The Venezuelans plundered weapons, ammunition, and the island's treasury. They also managed to capture the Governor of the island, Leonardus Albertus Fruytier (1882–1972), and hauled him off to Venezuela on a stolen American ship, ''Maracaibo''. Fruytier was criticized and had to resign as governor. After returning to the Netherlands, he settled for a position as chief inspector in Maastricht. The Dutch increased their military presence on the island.<ref name=mindef>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/tijdlijn-militaire-geschiedenis/inhoud/1914-1945-tussen-neutraliteit-en-bezetting/overval-op-fort-amsterdam-in-willemstad-op-curacao-door-de-venezolaanse-revolutionair-urbina-8-juni-1929 |title=Overval op fort Amsterdam in Willemstad op Curaçao door de Venezolaanse revolutionair Urbina (8 juni 1929) |language=nl |publisher=Ministry of Defense |access-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328061718/http://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/tijdlijn-militaire-geschiedenis/inhoud/1914-1945-tussen-neutraliteit-en-bezetting/overval-op-fort-amsterdam-in-willemstad-op-curacao-door-de-venezolaanse-revolutionair-urbina-8-juni-1929 |archive-date=28 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/military/lowcountries/milxnederland.html |title=WHKMLA: List of Wars of the Dutch Republic / Netherlands |date=7 April 2024 |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=15 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715210154/http://www.zum.de/whkmla/military/lowcountries/milxnederland.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1936 a burning bale of cotton thrown overboard by the crew of MS ''Colombia'', which lay anchored in the Schottegat, caused the oil floating on the water to catch fire. It took days to get the fire under control; houses had to be evacuated, but there were no casualties.

During the Second World War, the island played an important role in the supply of fuel for the Allied forces. In 1940, before the invasion of the Netherlands by Germany, the British occupied Curaçao and the French Aruba. The presence of powers other than the Netherlands alarmed the Venezuelan government given the proximity of these islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Venezuela and the fact they had historically been used as bases to launch incursions against Venezuelan territory. In 1941, US troops occupied the island and built the military airport "Hato". The main purpose was this deployment was to fight against expected future attacks by Axis submarines and potentially long-distance German bomber aircraft. The United States was also concerned over the potential threat of a German invasion of the continental US launched with the aid of German settlers in South America.

In 1942 the port of Willemstad, one of the main sources of fuel for the Allied operations, was besieged by German submarines on several occasions under Neuland Operation. In August 1942, the Germans returned to Curaçao and attacked a tanker before receiving fire from a Dutch shore battery and slipping away. The United States Navy established the Fourth Fleet, which was responsible for countering enemy naval operations in the Caribbean and in the South Atlantic. The United States Army also sent aircraft and personnel to help protect the oil refineries and bolster the Venezuelan Air Force.

thumb|A Dutch soldier on patrol in Willemstad following the 1969 riots

In 1954, Curaçao and other Dutch Caribbean colonies were joined to form the Netherlands Antilles. Discontent with Curaçao's seemingly subordinate relationship to the Netherlands, ongoing racial discrimination, and a rise in unemployment owing to layoffs in the Shell refinery led to a series of riots in 1969.<ref>Anderson & Dynes 1975, p. 81, Oostindie & Klinkers 2013, p. 98, "Striking Oil Workers Burn, Loot in Curacao". ''Los Angeles Times''. 31 May 1969, p. 2.</ref> A state of emergency was declared after rioters set fire to the Willemstad downtown and the bankers mansions. Protestors had to face the Dutch Navy marines dispatching from the local military base on the island, to quell the rebellion led by charismatic politicians such as Papa Godett and Stanley Browne. The riots resulted in two deaths, numerous injuries and severe property and infrastructural damage in Willemstad. In response, the Dutch government introduced far-reaching reforms, allowing Afro-Curaçaoans greater influence over the island's political and economic life, and increased the prominence of the local Papiamentu language.<ref>Anderson & Dynes 1975 pp. 100–101</ref><ref>Sharpe 2015, p. 122</ref><ref>Verton 1976, p. 90</ref><ref>"Nieuwe ministers legden eed af" (in Dutch). ''Amigoe di Curaçao''. 12 December 1969, p. 1.</ref>

Curaçao experienced an economic downturn in the early 1980s. Shell's refinery on the island operated with significant losses from 1975 to 1979, and again from 1982 to 1985. Persistent losses, global overproduction, stronger competition, and low market expectations threatened the refinery's future. In 1985, after 70 years, Royal Dutch Shell decided to end its activities on Curaçao. This came at a crucial moment. Curaçao's fragile economy had been stagnant for some time. Several revenue-generating sectors suffered even more during this period: tourism from Venezuela collapsed after the devaluation of the bolivar, and a slowdown in the transportation sector had deleterious effects on the Antillean Airline Company and the Curaçao Dry Dock Company.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

In the mid-1980s, Shell sold its refinery for the symbolic amount of one Antillean guilder to a local government consortium. In recent years, the ageing refinery has been the subject of lawsuits alleging that its emissions, including sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, far exceed safety standards.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |date=30 June 2008 |title=Curaçao Refinery Sputters On, Despite Emissions |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN2929170620080701 |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111181434/http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN2929170620080701 |archive-date=11 January 2009 }}</ref> The government consortium leases the refinery to the Venezuelan PDVSA state oil company.<ref name=":1" />

Continuing economic hardship in the late 1990s and early 2000s resulted in much emigration to the Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.wodc.nl/binaries/ob299-summary_tcm28-70855.pdf |title=The Dutch migration monitor: Backgrounds and developments of different types of international migration |website=Wodc.nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820091344/http://www.wodc.nl/images/ob299-summary_tcm44-402600.pdf |archive-date=20 August 2016 }}</ref>

On 1 July 2007, Curaçao was due to become a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, like Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles. On 28 November 2006, the change was delayed when the island council rejected a clarification memorandum on the process. A new island council ratified this agreement on 9 July 2007.<ref name="approved">{{cite web |author=The Daily Herald St. Maarten |title=Curaçao IC ratifies 2 November accord |url=http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/k045/ratify045.html |date=9 July 2007 |access-date=13 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711181904/http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/k045/ratify045.html |archive-date=11 July 2007 }}</ref> On 15 December 2008, Curaçao was again scheduled to become a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A non-binding referendum on the move was held in Curaçao on 15 May 2009; 52% of voters supported it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cuales |first=Orlando |date=15 May 2009 |title=Curacao Referendum Approves Increasing Autonomy |work=Newser |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.newser.com/article/d98729g80/curacao-referendum-approves-increasing-autonomy.html |url-status=dead |access-date=23 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607042327/https://www.newser.com/article/d98729g80/curacao-referendum-approves-increasing-autonomy.html |archive-date=7 June 2019 }}</ref>

====Since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles==== The dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles came into effect on 10 October 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.government.nl/topics/caribbean-parts-of-the-kingdom/new-constitutional-order |title=New constitutional order – Caribbean Parts of the Kingdom – Government.nl |first=Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en |last=Koninkrijksrelaties |website=Government.nl |access-date=23 August 2017 |date=13 December 2011 |archive-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607111857/https://www.government.nl/topics/caribbean-parts-of-the-kingdom/new-constitutional-order |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nos.nl/nosjournaal/artikelen/2009/10/1/011009_antillen.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004012255/http://www.nos.nl/nosjournaal/artikelen/2009/10/1/011009_antillen.html |archive-date=4 October 2009 |title=NOS Nieuws – Antillen opgeheven op 10-10-2010 |publisher=Nos.nl |date=18 November 2009 |access-date=10 October 2010 }}</ref> Curaçao became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the kingdom retaining responsibility for defence and foreign policy. The kingdom was also tasked with overseeing the island's finances under a debt-relief arrangement agreed upon between the two.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dutch Antilles no longer exists |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11511355 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011042955/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11511355 |archive-date=11 October 2010 |access-date=13 December 2025 |work=BBC News }}</ref> Curaçao's first prime minister was Gerrit Schotte. He was succeeded in 2012 by Stanley Betrian, ''ad interim''. After the 2012 elections, Daniel Hodge became the third prime minister on 31 December 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Curacao heeft een tussenkabinet, dat vooral moet bezuinigen |url=http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2012/12/31/curacao-heeft-een-nieuw-tussenkabinet-dat-vooral-moet-bezuinigen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221111033/http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2012/12/31/curacao-heeft-een-nieuw-tussenkabinet-dat-vooral-moet-bezuinigen |archive-date=21 February 2016 |access-date=13 December 2025 |work=nrc.nl |language=nl }}</ref> He led a demissionary cabinet until 7 June 2013, when a new cabinet under the leadership of Ivar Asjes was sworn in.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Regering Curaçao beëdigd |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/515584-regering-curacao-beedigd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213213547/https://nos.nl/artikel/515584-regering-curacao-beedigd |archive-date=13 February 2022 |access-date=13 December 2025 |language=nl }}</ref>

Although Curaçao is autonomous, the Netherlands has intervened in its affairs to ensure that parliamentary elections are held and to assist in finalizing accurate budgets. In July 2017, Curaçaoan Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath said he wanted Curaçao to take full responsibility over its affairs, but asked for more cooperation and assistance from the Netherlands, with suggestions for more innovative approaches to help Curaçao succeed and increase its standard of living.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/curacao-prime-minister-wants-to-do-business-with-the-netherlands/ |title=Curaçao Prime Minister wants to do business with the Netherlands |date=4 July 2017 |website=Curacaochronicle.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213202227/http://curacaochronicle.com/main/curacao-prime-minister-wants-to-do-business-with-the-netherlands/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/premier-rhuggenaath-participates-high-level-political-forum-in-new-york/ |title=Premier Rhuggenaath participates High Level Political Forum in New York |date=17 July 2017 |website=Curacaochronicle.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213202230/http://curacaochronicle.com/main/premier-rhuggenaath-participates-high-level-political-forum-in-new-york/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Dutch government reminded the Curaçaoan government that it had provided assistance with oil refinery negotiations with the Chinese "on numerous occasions".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/on-numerous-occasions-the-netherlands-has-offered-assistance-with-oil-refinery-negotiations/ |title=On numerous occasions the Netherlands has offered assistance with Oil Refinery negotiations |date=10 July 2017 |website=Curacaochronicle.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729002545/http://curacaochronicle.com/main/on-numerous-occasions-the-netherlands-has-offered-assistance-with-oil-refinery-negotiations/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic resulted in austerity measures. Curaçao had to impose spending cuts to qualify for additional aid from the Netherlands.<ref name="ntr">{{cite news |url=https://www.knipselkrant-curacao.com/ntr-protest-curacao-eindigt-in-rellen-en-plunderingen-avondklok-ingesteld/ |title=Protest Curaçao eindigt in rellen en plunderingen, avondklok ingesteld |website=Omroep NTR via Knispelkrant Curaçao |access-date=25 June 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629065213/https://www.knipselkrant-curacao.com/ntr-protest-curacao-eindigt-in-rellen-en-plunderingen-avondklok-ingesteld/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> As part of the austerity package, the Government of Curaçao announced a 12.5% cut in benefits for civil servants.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Vordev |title=Angry protestors heading towards Fort Amsterdam |url=https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/local/angry-protestors-heading-towards-fort-amsterdam/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626001734/https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/local/angry-protestors-heading-towards-fort-amsterdam/ |archive-date=26 June 2020 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=CuracaoChronicle.com }}</ref> On 24 June 2020, a group of civil servants, together with waste collectors from Selikor, marched to Fort Amsterdam and demanded to speak with Rhuggenaath.<ref name=":0" /> The demonstration turned into a riot, and police cleared the square in front of Fort Amsterdam<ref name="nu">{{cite web |last=Drayer |first=Dick |url=https://curacao.nu/plunderingen-in-willemstad-uitgaansverbod/ |title=Plunderingen in Willemstad uitgaansverbod |website=Curacao.nu |date=24 June 2020 |access-date=25 June 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=25 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625031623/https://curacao.nu/plunderingen-in-willemstad-uitgaansverbod/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with tear gas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/curacao-protest-gets-out-of-hand |title=Curaçao protest gets out of hand |website=The Daily Herald.sx |date=25 June 2020 |access-date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627140050/https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/curacao-protest-gets-out-of-hand |url-status=live }}</ref> The city centre of Willemstad was later looted.<ref name="nu" /> 48 people were arrested,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dolfijnfm.com/48-personen-gearresteerd/ |title=48 personen gearresteerd |website=Dolfijn FM |access-date=25 June 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627184303/https://www.dolfijnfm.com/48-personen-gearresteerd/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> the city districts of Punda and Otrobanda were placed under lockdown for the night, and a general curfew was declared from 20:30 to 06:00.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vordev |title=Punda and Otrobanda in lockdown until Friday; Curfew tonight from 8:30pm until 6am |url=https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/punda-and-otrobanda-in-lockdown-until-friday-curfew-tonight-from-830pm-until-6am/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626022710/https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/punda-and-otrobanda-in-lockdown-until-friday-curfew-tonight-from-830pm-until-6am/ |archive-date=26 June 2020 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=CuracaoChronicle.com }}</ref>

== Geography == {{Further|List of populated places in Curaçao}} thumb|Aerial view of the coast of Curaçao thumb|Enlargeable, detailed map of Curaçao [[File:Curacao Iguana iguana 2021 2.jpg|thumb|Green Iguana from Curaçao]]

Curaçao lies on the continental shelf of South America and features a hilly topography with its highest point, named Christoffelberg, reaching {{cvt|372|m|ft}} above sea level.<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> Curaçao has a diverse range of beaches from its coastline's bays, inlets, lagoons, seasonal lakes, rough seas at its northshore, and spring water. In addition, Curaçao has upwelling, which is an oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler and nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean moving towards the ocean surface. This is a source of natural minerals, thermal conditions, and seawater used in hydrotherapy and mesotherapy, making the island one of many balneoclimateric areas in the region. Furthermore, off the southeast coast of the main island of Curaçao lies the tiny unhabitated Isle of Klein Curaçao,<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> which has a long stretched beach.

=== Flora === Curaçao's flora differ from typical tropical island vegetation. The arid Guajira–Barranquilla xeric scrub ecoregion is most notably different, with various forms of cacti, thorny shrubs, evergreen, and watapana trees (''Libidibia coriaria''; called ''divi-divi'' on Aruba), which are characteristic of the ABC islands and the national symbol of Aruba. ''Brassavola nodosa'' is a drought-tolerant species of ''Brassavola,'' one of the few orchids present in the ABC islands.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

[[File:Melocactus macracanthos subsp. macracanthos (6253748197).jpg|thumb|''Melocactus macracanthos'' in Curaçao]]

=== Fauna === {{Further|Rodents of the Caribbean#Curaçao}} {{Further|List of birds of Curaçao}}

Curaçao is semi-arid, and as such has not supported the numerous tropical species of mammals, birds, and lizards most associated with rainforests. Dozens of species of hummingbirds, bananaquits, orioles, and the larger terns, herons, egrets, and even flamingos make their homes near ponds or in coastal areas. The turpial, a black bird with a bright orange underbelly and white swatches on its wings, is common to Curaçao. The mockingbird, called ''chuchubi'' in Papiamentu, resembles the North American mockingbird, with a long white-grey tail and a grey back. Near shorelines, big billed brown pelicans feed on fish. Other seabirds include several types of gulls and large cormorants.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Prins |first1=T. G. |last2=Reuter |first2=J. H. |last3=Debrot |first3=A. O. |last4=Wattel |first4=J. |last5=Nijman |first5=V. |date=October 2009 |title=Checklist of the Birds of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, South Caribbean |url=https://bioone.org/journals/ardea/volume-97/issue-2/078.097.0201/Checklist-of-the-Birds-of-Aruba-Cura%c3%a7ao-and-Bonaire-South/10.5253/078.097.0201.full |journal=Ardea |volume=97 |issue=2 |pages=137–268 |doi=10.5253/078.097.0201 |issn=0373-2266 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Other than field mice, small rabbits, and cave bats, Curaçao's most notable animal is the white-tailed deer. This deer is related to the American white-tailed deer, or Virginia deer, found in areas from North America through Central America and the Caribbean, and as far south as Bolivia. It can be a large deer, some reaching {{convert|6|ft|m|spell=in|sigfig=1}} in length and {{convert|3|ft|m|spell=in|sigfig=1}} in height and weighing as much as {{convert|300|lb}}. It has a long tail with a white underside and is the only type of deer on the island. It has been a protected species since 1926, and an estimated 200 live on Curaçao. They are found in many parts of the island, but most notably at the west end's Christoffel Park, where about 70% of the herd resides.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

There are several species of iguana, light green in colour with shimmering shades of aqua along the belly and sides, found lounging in the sun across the island. The iguanas found on Curaçao serve not only as a scenic attraction but, unlike many islands that gave up the practice years ago, remain hunted for food. Along the west end of the island's north shore are several inlets that have become home to breeding sea turtles. These turtles are protected by the park system in Shete Boka Park and can be visited accompanied by park rangers.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Historically, Curaçao contained a diverse ecosystem of stygofauna, including members from relictual crustacean groups such as ''Thermosbaenacea''. However, this network of aquatic species, involving numerous endemic taxa, have not been detected since the 1970s. Their abrupt disappearance is hypothesized to have resulted from a combination of habitat destruction and contamination of groundwater by oil and discharge, the result of oil industry activities in the late 1900s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Humphreys |first=W.F. |date=October 2022 |title=Community Extinction: The Groundwater (Stygo-)Fauna of Curaçao, Netherlands, Antilles |journal=Hydrobiologia |volume=849 |issue=21 |pages=4605–4611 |doi=10.1007/s10750-022-05032-2 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2022HyBio.849.4605H }}</ref>

=== Climate === Curaçao has a hot, semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification ''BSh'') with a dry season from January to September and a wet season from October to December.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Climate Summary |url=https://www.meteo.cw/climate.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026044623/https://www.meteo.cw/climate.php |archive-date=26 October 2023 |website=Meteo.cw |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref> Rainfall is scarce, only {{convert|450|mm|0}} per year; in particular, the rainy season is drier than it normally is in tropical climates; during the dry season, it almost never rains. Owing to the scarcity of rainfall, the landscape of Curaçao is arid; especially on the north coast of the island. Temperatures are relatively constant, with small differences measured throughout the year. The trade winds cool the island during the day and warm it at night. The coolest month is January with an average temperature of {{convert|26.6|°C|0|disp=or}}; the hottest is September with an average temperature of {{convert|29.1|°C|0|disp=or}}. The year's average maximum temperature is {{convert|31.4|°C|0|disp=or}}. The year's average temperature is {{convert|25.7|°C|0|disp=or}}. The seawater around Curaçao averages around {{cvt|27|°C}} and is coolest (avg. {{convert|25.9|°C|disp=sqbr}}) from February to March, and hottest (avg. {{convert|28.2|°C|disp=sqbr}}) from September to October.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Because Curaçao lies North of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and in an area of low-level divergence where winds flow parallel to the coast, its climate is much drier than expected for the northeastern side of a continent at its latitude. Rainfall is also extremely variable from year to year,<ref>Dewar, Robert E. and Wallis, James R; ‘Geographical patterning in interannual rainfall variability in the tropics and near tropics: An L-moments approach’; in ''Journal of Climate'', 12; pp. 3457–3466</ref> being strongly linked to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. As little as {{convert|200|mm|in|0|disp=or}} may fall in a strong El Niño year, but as much as {{convert|1150|mm|in|0|disp=or}} is not unknown in powerful La Niña years.

Curaçao lies outside the Main Development Region for tropical cyclones, but is still occasionally affected by them, as with Hurricanes Hazel in 1954, Anna in 1961, Felix in 2007, and Omar in 2008. No hurricane has made landfall in Curaçao since the US National Hurricane Center started tracking hurricanes. Curaçao has, however, been directly affected by pre-hurricane tropical storms several times; the latest being Hurricane Tomas in 2010, Cesar in 1996, Joan in 1988, Cora and Greta in 1978, Edith and Irene in 1971, and Francelia in 1969. Tomas brushed past Curaçao as a tropical storm, dropping as much as {{cvt|265|mm|1}} of rain on the island, nearly half its annual precipitation in a single day.<ref>{{cite web |title=Doden door noodweer op Curaçao |url=http://www.nu.nl/buitenland/2369389/doden-noodweer-curaao.html |access-date=1 November 2010 |date=1 November 2010 |publisher=Netherlands National News Agency |language=nl |archive-date=4 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104184423/http://www.nu.nl/buitenland/2369389/doden-noodweer-curaao.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This made Tomas one of the wettest events in the island's history,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myheadlines.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=MyHeadlines&file=index5&sid=1558&cid=3586951&source=Nieuws.nl |title=Damdoorbraken in Curaçao door storm Tomas |access-date=2 November 2010 |date=2 November 2010 |publisher=Nieuws.nl |language=nl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618091320/http://www.myheadlines.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=MyHeadlines&file=index5&sid=1558&cid=3586951&source=Nieuws.nl |archive-date=18 June 2011 }}</ref> as well as one of the most devastating; its flooding killed two people and caused over NAƒ50 million (US$28 million) in damage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.curalive.com/news/versgeperst/06nov2010-50-miljoen-schade |title=50 miljoen schade |date=6 November 2010 |publisher=versgeperst.com |author=Elisa Koek |language=nl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708213319/http://www.curalive.com/news/versgeperst/06nov2010-50-miljoen-schade |archive-date=8 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Redactie Aworaki |date=2 November 2010 |title=Twee doden op Curaçao door Tropische Storm Tomas |url=http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/twee-doden-op-curacao-door-tropische-storm-tomas |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=Aworaki.nl }}</ref>

According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research, average carbon dioxide emissions per person on the island were 52 tonnes in 2018, the second highest in the world.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Fossil CO2 and GHG emissions of all world countries: 2019 report. |url=http://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9d09ccd1-e0dd-11e9-9c4e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en |date=26 September 2019 |publisher=Publications Office of the European Union |isbn=9789276111009 |archive-date=8 September 2021 |access-date=22 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908142704/https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9d09ccd1-e0dd-11e9-9c4e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Meteo, the Curaçao weather department, provides up-to-date information about weather conditions via its website and mobile apps for iOS and Android.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Weather App |url=https://www.meteo.cw/about_app.php?Lang=Eng&St=TNCC&Sws=R11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524193003/https://www.meteo.cw/about_app.php?Lang=Eng&St=TNCC&Sws=R11 |archive-date=24 May 2023 |website=Meteo.cw |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref> <div style="width:100%"> {{Weather box | location = Curaçao – Hato International airport (TNCC) (1981–2010) | metric first = Yes | single line = Yes |Jan record high C = 33.3 |Feb record high C = 33.2 |Mar record high C = 33.0 |Apr record high C = 34.7 |May record high C = 36.0 |Jun record high C = 37.5 |Jul record high C = 35.0 |Aug record high C = 37.4 |Sep record high C = 38.3 |Oct record high C = 36.0 |Nov record high C = 35.6 |Dec record high C = 33.4 |year record high C = 38.3 |Jan high C = 29.9 |Feb high C = 30.1 |Mar high C = 30.7 |Apr high C = 31.4 |May high C = 32.0 |Jun high C = 32.1 |Jul high C = 32.1 |Aug high C = 32.7 |Sep high C = 32.8 |Oct high C = 32.1 |Nov high C = 31.1 |Dec high C = 30.3 |year high C = 31.4 |Jan mean C = 26.6 |Feb mean C = 26.7 |Mar mean C = 27.2 |Apr mean C = 27.8 |May mean C = 28.4 |Jun mean C = 28.6 |Jul mean C = 28.5 |Aug mean C = 28.9 |Sep mean C = 29.1 |Oct mean C = 28.6 |Nov mean C = 28.0 |Dec mean C = 27.2 |year mean C = 28.0 |Jan low C = 24.4 |Feb low C = 24.5 |Mar low C = 24.9 |Apr low C = 25.6 |May low C = 26.3 |Jun low C = 26.5 |Jul low C = 26.1 |Aug low C = 26.5 |Sep low C = 26.6 |Oct low C = 26.2 |Nov low C = 25.6 |Dec low C = 24.9 |year low C = 25.7 |Jan record low C = 21.5 |Feb record low C = 20.6 |Mar record low C = 21.3 |Apr record low C = 22.0 |May record low C = 21.6 |Jun record low C = 22.4 |Jul record low C = 22.3 |Aug record low C = 21.3 |Sep record low C = 22.7 |Oct record low C = 21.9 |Nov record low C = 22.0 |Dec record low C = 21.6 |year record low C = 20.6 |rain colour = green |Jan rain mm = 46.0 |Feb rain mm = 28.8 |Mar rain mm = 14.1 |Apr rain mm = 19.4 |May rain mm = 21.3 |Jun rain mm = 22.4 |Jul rain mm = 41.3 |Aug rain mm = 39.7 |Sep rain mm = 49.1 |Oct rain mm = 102.0 |Nov rain mm = 122.4 |Dec rain mm = 95.5 |year rain mm = 602.0 |unit rain days = 1.0 mm |Jan rain days = 8.5 |Feb rain days = 5.5 |Mar rain days = 2.5 |Apr rain days = 2.4 |May rain days = 2.2 |Jun rain days = 3.3 |Jul rain days = 6.3 |Aug rain days = 4.6 |Sep rain days = 4.7 |Oct rain days = 8.1 |Nov rain days = 10.9 |Dec rain days = 11.4 |year rain days = 70.4 |Jan humidity = 78.5 |Feb humidity = 78.2 |Mar humidity = 77.3 |Apr humidity = 78.2 |May humidity = 77.9 |Jun humidity = 77.5 |Jul humidity = 78.1 |Aug humidity = 77.8 |Sep humidity = 78.1 |Oct humidity = 79.6 |Nov humidity = 80.6 |Dec humidity = 79.5 |year humidity = 78.4 |Jan sun = 264.7 |Feb sun = 249.6 |Mar sun = 271.8 |Apr sun = 249.4 |May sun = 266.3 |Jun sun = 266.7 |Jul sun = 290.4 |Aug sun = 302.5 |Sep sun = 261.7 |Oct sun = 247.8 |Nov sun = 234.7 |Dec sun = 247.1 |year sun = 3152.7 |Jan percentsun = 73.8 |Feb percentsun = 75.2 |Mar percentsun = 72.8 |Apr percentsun = 67.0 |May percentsun = 67.9 |Jun percentsun = 70.8 |Jul percentsun = 73.3 |Aug percentsun = 78.2 |Sep percentsun = 71.6 |Oct percentsun = 67.4 |Nov percentsun = 67.6 |Dec percentsun = 69.8 |year percentsun = 71.3 |source = Meteorological Department Curacao<ref name=climate>{{cite web |url=https://www.meteo.cw/Data_www/Climate/documents/CLIM_SUM_Cur.pdf |publisher=Meteorological Department Curacao |title=Summary Climatological Data 1981–2010 |access-date=12 August 2020 |archive-date=14 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114070019/https://www.meteo.cw/Data_www/Climate/documents/CLIM_SUM_Cur.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |date=August 2010 }} </div>

==== Climate change ==== Average temperatures have risen sharply in the past 40 years in the Caribbean Netherlands and Curaçao has experienced more warm days and fewer cooler nights.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Vordev |title=Climate Change Becomes an Existential Crisis on the Islands |url=https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/climate-change-becomes-an-existential-crisis-on-the-islands/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115202305/https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/climate-change-becomes-an-existential-crisis-on-the-islands/ |archive-date=15 November 2021 |website=CuracaoChronicle.com |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref> The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that should air temperatures increase by 1.4 degrees, there will be a 5% to 6% decrease in rainfall, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (including a 66% increase in hurricane intensity), and a 0.5- to 0.6-metre sea-level rise in the Caribbean Netherlands.<ref name=":2" />

=== Geology === {{Main|Geology of Curaçao}}

The northern seabed drops steeply within {{cvt|60|m}} of the Curaçaoan shore. This drop-off is known as the "blue edge". On Curaçao, four major geological formations can be found: the lava formation, the Knip formation, the Mid-Curaçao formation and limestone formations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geology |url=http://www.researchstationcarmabi.org/ecosystems/geology/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016111021/http://www.researchstationcarmabi.org/ecosystems/geology/ |archive-date=16 October 2015 |website=ResearchStationCarmabi.org |language=nl-NL |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref>

Curaçao lies within the Caribbean large igneous province (CLIP) with key exposures of those lavas existing on the island consisting of the Curaçao Lava Formation (CLF). The CLF consists of {{convert|5|km}} of pillow lavas with some basalt intrusions. The ages of these rocks include 89 Ma for the lavas and 75 Ma for the poikilitic sills, though some sequences may have erupted as late as 62–66 Ma, placing them in the Cretaceous period. Their composition includes picrite pillows at the base, followed by tholeiitic lavas, then hyaloclastites, then the poikilitic sills. The CLF was gradually uplifted until Eocene-Miocene limestone caps formed, before final exposure above sea level. Christoffelberg and the Zevenbergen (Seven Hills) portion of the island have exposures of the Knip Formation. This formation includes deepwater deposits of calcareous sands and fine clays, capped by siliceous chert containing radiolarians. Middle Curaçao contains alluvial soils from eroded CLF and limestone.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Loewen |first1=M.W. |last2=Duncan |first2=R.A. |last3=Krawl |first3=K. |last4=Kent |first4=A.J. |last5=Sinton |first5=C.W. |last6=Lackey |first6=J. |title=Prolonged Volcanic History for the Curaçao Lava Formation Inferred from New 40Ar-39Ar Ages and Trace Phase Geochemistry |journal=American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, Abstract Id. V51D-2542 |date=2011 |volume=2011 |pages=V51D–2542 |bibcode=2011AGUFM.V51D2542L }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=van Buurt |first1=Gerard |title=A Short Natural History of Curaçao. In: Crossing Shifting Boundaries, Language and Changing Political status in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao |journal=Proceedings of the ECICC-conference, Dominica 2009 |date=2010 |volume=I |pages=229–256 |url=https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/www.dcbd.nl/files/documents/Short%20Natural%20History%20of%20Cura%C3%A7ao%202010.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519204621/https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/www.dcbd.nl/files/documents/Short%20Natural%20History%20of%20Cura%C3%A7ao%202010.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2019 |access-date=3 September 2018 }}</ref>

=== Beaches === [[File:Grote Knip Kenepa Grandi Curacao (36561697451).jpg|thumb|Grote Knip beach]]

Curaçao has 37 beaches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruepert |first=Maaike |date=25 November 2014 |title=De 37 stranden van Curaçao in kaart |url=https://www.ad.nl/wonen/de-37-stranden-van-curacao-in-kaart~a05dee2c/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 March 2021 |website=Algemeen Dagblad |language=nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115104733/https://www.ad.nl/wonen/de-37-stranden-van-curacao-in-kaart~a05dee2c/ |archive-date=15 January 2020 }}</ref> Most are on the south side of the island. The best known are:

{{div col|colwidth=16em}} * Baya Beach * Blue Bay * Boca Sami * Daaibooi * Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi) * Kleine Knip (Kenepa Chiki) * Kokomo Beach * Mambo Beach * Piscaderabaai * Playa Forti * Playa Jeremi * Playa Kas Abao * Playa Kalki * Playa Kanoa * Playa Lagun * Playa Porto Marie * Playa Santa Cruz * Playa Santa Barbara * Seaquarium Beach * Sint Michielsbaai * Vaersenbaai * Westpunt {{div col end}}

== Architecture == The island has diverse architectural styles reflecting the influence of the various historical rulers over the region, including Spain, the Netherlands, with more modern elements under Western influence primarily including the United States and other European countries. This ranges from ruins and colonial buildings to modern infrastructure.

=== Forts === [[File:Curacao Fort Beekenburg Luftbild (34873603326).jpg|thumb|Fort Beekenburg, Caracas Bay, Curaçao]]

When the Dutch arrived in 1634, they built forts at key points around the island to protect themselves from foreign powers, privateers, and pirates. Six of the best-preserved forts can still be seen today: * Fort Amsterdam (1635) * Fort Beekenburg (1703) * Fort Nassau (1797) * Waterfort (1826) * Rif Fort (1828) * Fort Piscadera (built between 1701 and 1704)

In 1957, the hotel Van der Valk Plaza Curaçao was built on top of the Waterfort.<ref>{{cite book |first=Thijs |last=Kateman |title=Curacao, Aruba en Bonaire / druk 1: Binaire en Aruba |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h8tD8_FRoW8C&pg=PA70 |date=2012 |publisher=ANWB Media – Boeken & Gidsen |isbn=978-90-18-02464-2 |page=70 }}</ref>

The Rif Fort is located opposite of the Waterfort, across the Otrobanda harbour entrance. It contains restaurants and shops, and in 2009, the Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino opened next to it.<ref>(2011) GEA Curaçao. Ref. AR 48811 – [http://www.slideshare.net/jronger/110429-verzoekschrift-bodemprocedure Aqua Spa B.V. vs Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino (Riffort Village N.V.) – Riffort Village Exploitatie Maatschappij N.V. – Aruba Bank N.V.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021120832/https://www.slideshare.net/jronger/110429-verzoekschrift-bodemprocedure |date=21 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Beslag renaissance curacao resort & casino bank amigoe |url=https://www.slideshare.net/jronger/beslag-renaissance-curacao-resort-casino-bank-amigoe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021113018/https://www.slideshare.net/jronger/beslag-renaissance-curacao-resort-casino-bank-amigoe |archive-date=21 October 2023 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=SlideShare.net }}</ref>

==Politics== After being part of the Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao became autonomous, along with Sint Maarten island, while the less populated islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba remained special municipalities governed by the Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Curacao profile |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-20413910 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507150411/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-20413910 |archive-date=7 May 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref>

===Government=== {{Main|Government of Curaçao}} thumb|upright|Curaçao Parliament Building (''Parlamento di Kòrsou'') located in the Punda district, Willemstad

Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> Its governance takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy. The King of the Netherlands is the head of state, represented locally by a governor, with the Prime Minister of Curaçao serving as head of government.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Convicted felons are held at the Curaçao Centre for Detention and Correction.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}

Curaçao has full autonomy over most matters; the exceptions are outlined in the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the title "Kingdom affairs".<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Ministry of General Affairs |date=22 December 2014 |title=Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands – Legislation – Royal House of the Netherlands |url=https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/legislation/charter-for-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=Royal-House.nl |archive-date=12 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212134630/https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/legislation/charter-for-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Military === thumb|Parera Naval Base

Defence of the island is the responsibility of the Netherlands.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> The Netherlands Armed Forces deploy both ground and naval units in the Caribbean with some of these forces based on Curaçao.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Schut |first1=M. |last2=Bosch |first2=H.J. |date=October 2010 |title=Militaire (on-)zichtbaarheid op Curaçao; cultuur in conflict |url=https://marineblad.nl/images/Marineblad/2010-2019/2010/Marineblad%206%20september%202010.pdf |magazine=Marineblad |volume=120 |issue=6 |pages=12–16 |language=Dutch |access-date=20 July 2025 |archive-date=21 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250721001738/https://marineblad.nl/images/Marineblad/2010-2019/2010/Marineblad%206%20september%202010.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> These forces include:

* a company of the Royal Netherlands Army on Curaçao on a rotational basis * a Fast Raiding Interception and Special Forces Craft (FRISC) troop (fast boats) * a guardship, normally a {{sclass|Holland|offshore patrol vessel|1}}, from the Royal Netherlands Navy on station in the Caribbean on a rotational basis * the Royal Netherlands Navy support vessel {{HNLMS|Pelikaan|A804|6}} * Curmil (Curaçaoan) militia elements<ref>{{cite web |first=Cherique |last=Kranendonk |date=16 November 2015 |title=Professionalisering Curaçaose Militie zet door |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2015/10/07_curmil |website=Alle Hens |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch }}</ref> * Elements of a Royal Marechaussee brigade of the Armed Forces<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Ministerie van Defensie |title=Units and locations |url=https://english.defensie.nl/topics/caribbean/units-and-locations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606095212/https://english.defensie.nl/topics/caribbean/units-and-locations |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=english.defensie.nl }}</ref>

Two Dutch naval bases, Parera and Suffisant, are located on the island of Curaçao.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Defensie |first=Ministerie van |title=Commandement der Zeemacht Caribisch Gebied |url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/marine/eenheden/commandement-der-zeemacht-caribisch-gebied |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827000231/https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/marine/eenheden/commandement-der-zeemacht-caribisch-gebied |archive-date=27 August 2017 |website=Defensie.nl |language=nl-nl |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref> Officers of the Arubaanse Militie complete additional training on Curaçao.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The Curaçao Volunteer Corps is also stationed at the Suffisant Naval Barracks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Defensie |first=Ministerie van |title=Units and locations |url=https://english.defensie.nl/topics/caribbean/units-and-locations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606095212/https://english.defensie.nl/topics/caribbean/units-and-locations |archive-date=6 June 2023 |website=English.Defensie.nl |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref>

On the west side of Curaçao International Airport are hangars for the two Bombardier Dash 8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. Until 2007, the site was a Royal Netherlands Navy air base which operated for 55 years with a wide variety of aircraft, including Fireflies, Avengers, Trackers, Neptunes, Fokker F-27s, P-3C Orions, Fokker F-60s and several helicopter types. After the political decision to sell off all Orions, the air base was not needed any more.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

The west end of the airport is a United States Air Force (USAF) Forward Operating Location (FOL).<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Curacao/Aruba Forward Operating Locations |url=http://www.12af.acc.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/5922/Article/319233/curacaoaruba-forward-operating-locations.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121021714/http://www.12af.acc.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/5922/Article/319233/curacaoaruba-forward-operating-locations.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 November 2016 |access-date=18 January 2021 |website=12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) }}</ref> The base hosts airborne early warning and control systems (AWACS), cargo aircraft, aerial refuelling planes, and reconnaissance aircraft.<ref name="auto" /> Until 1999, the USAF operated a small fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft from the FOL.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The PAE corporation runs base operations at the FOL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contracts for October 30, 2020 |url=https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2400904// |access-date=18 January 2021 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814011623/https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2400904// |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== Conscription ==== Suffisant Naval Base has facilities used for conscription in the Caribbean. There has been no military conscription since 1997, but a form of civil conscription has replaced it, compelling underprivileged young Antilleans to undertake professional training.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensie.nl/english/organisation/navy/contents/navy-units/dutch-naval-command-caribbean |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925143919/https://www.defensie.nl/english/organisation/navy/contents/navy-units/dutch-naval-command-caribbean |title=Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean |first=Ministerie van |last=Defensie |website=defensie.nl |archive-date=25 September 2015 |access-date=15 February 2018 }}</ref>

== Economy == {{Main|Economy of Curaçao}}

thumb|Offshore oil platform in Curaçao [[File:Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139159.jpg|thumb|Historic area of Willemstad, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997]]

Curaçao has an open economy; its most important sectors are tourism, international trade, shipping services, oil refining,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dutch Caribbean Refineries On Uncertain Path – Carib Flame |url=http://www.caribflame.com/2017/07/dutch-caribbean-refineries-on-uncertain-path/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712141403/http://www.caribflame.com/2017/07/dutch-caribbean-refineries-on-uncertain-path/ |archive-date=12 July 2019 |access-date=13 December 2025 }}</ref> oil storage and bunkering, and international financial services.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA's lease on the island's oil refinery expired in 2019; the facility employs 1,000 people, refining oil from Venezuela for export to the United States and Asia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/curacao/curacao_economy.html |title=Curacao Economy 2017, CIA World Factbook |website=Theodora.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=3 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130303/http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/curacao/curacao_economy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Schlumberger, the world's largest oil field services company, is incorporated in Curaçao.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Schlumberger_NV.5f3499e2666948c7.html |title=Schlumberger N.V. – Company Information |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-date=10 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710163818/http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.schlumberger_nv.5f3499e2666948c7.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The {{interlanguage link|Isla oil refinery|fr|Raffinerie de Isla|nl|Isla (raffinaderij)}} is said to be responsible for Curaçao's position as one of the world's top five highest per capita CO2 emission-producing countries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stichtingsmoc.nl/2015/11/cop21-alert-caribbean-part-of-dutch-kingdom-belongs-to-top-5-co2-emissions-per-capita/ |title=COP21 alert: Caribbean part of Dutch Kingdom belongs to top 5 CO2 emissions per capita {{!}} Stichting SMOC |website=Stichtingsmoc.nl |language=nl |access-date=2 January 2018 |archive-date=3 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072616/http://www.stichtingsmoc.nl/2015/11/cop21-alert-caribbean-part-of-dutch-kingdom-belongs-to-top-5-co2-emissions-per-capita/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Along with Sint Maarten, Curaçao uses the Caribbean guilder. On 1 July 2025<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://cdn.centralbank.cw/media/press_releases_2025/20250330_pb2025_008_caribbean_guilder_legal_tender_en.pdf |title=Caribbean Guilder Officially Legal Tender in Curaçao and Sint Maarten |date=31 March 2025 |location=Willemstad |publisher=Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten |access-date=1 April 2025 }}</ref> it formally discontinued the previous currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder. Its economy is well-developed, supporting a high standard of living, ranking 46th in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) per capita and 27th in the world in terms of nominal GDP per capita. Curaçao possesses a high-income economy as defined by the World Bank.<ref>{{cite web |author1=The World Bank |title=Excel file of historical classifications by income. |url=http://databank.worldbank.org/data/download/site-content/OGHIST.xls |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418183414/https://databank.worldbank.org/data/download/site-content/OGHIST.xls |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=How are the income group thresholds determined? – World Bank Data Help Desk |url=https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/378833-how-are-the-income-group-thresholds-determined |website=datahelpdesk.worldbank.org |access-date=18 March 2020 }}</ref>

Activities related to the port of Willemstad, such as the Free Trade Zone, make significant contributions to the economy.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> To achieve greater economic diversification, the Curaçaoan government is increasing its efforts to attract more foreign investment.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> This policy, called the "Open Arms" policy, features a heavy focus on attracting information technology companies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.curacao-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/Investors%20Guide%20Curacao%202006.pdf |title=An investor's guide to the welcoming island of Curaçao |access-date=10 October 2010 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225031343/https://www.curacao-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/Investors%20Guide%20Curacao%202006.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Mindmagnet.com |url=http://www.ecommerceatcuracao.com/corporate.htm |title=Ecommerce at Curaçao Corporate |publisher=Ecommerceatcuracao.com |date=1 March 2001 |access-date=23 May 2009 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224171331/http://ecommerceatcuracao.com/corporate.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.investcuracao.com/01e01.html |title=Economic Data Overview |publisher=Investcuracao.com |access-date=23 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228080942/http://www.investcuracao.com/01e01.html |archive-date=28 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Since 2016, reduced foreign demand for goods due to the ongoing unrest and political uncertainty in Venezuela has led to decreased exports and increased domestic demand for goods and services, resulting in economic stagnation. While many economic sectors contracted, expansion took place in the construction, financial intermediation, and utilities sectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/economic-developments-2016-outlook-2017-economische-ontwikkelingen-2016-en-vooruitzichten-voor-2017-curacao-sint-maarten/ |title=Economic Developments in 2016 and outlook for 2017 / Economische ontwikkelingen in 2016 en vooruitzichten voor 2017 – Curacao / Sint Maarten – BearingPoint Caribbean |date=14 February 2017 |website=Bearingpointcaribbean.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803091737/http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/economic-developments-2016-outlook-2017-economische-ontwikkelingen-2016-en-vooruitzichten-voor-2017-curacao-sint-maarten/ |archive-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Tourism === thumb|Jan Thiel Beach [[File:Elkhorn Coral with a Yellowtail Damselfish in the Caribbean Sea in Curaçao.jpg|thumb|Elkhorn coral with a yellowtail damselfish (''Microspathodon chrysurus'') in the Caribbean Sea in Curaçao]] While tourism plays a major role in Curaçao's economy, the island is less reliant on tourism than many other Caribbean countries. Most tourists come to Curaçao from the Netherlands, the eastern United States, South America and other Caribbean islands.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Curaçao was a Caribbean leader in cruise ship tourism growth, with 610,186 cruise passengers in 2013, a 41.4% increase over the previous year.<ref name="CaribbeanInTourismGrowth">{{cite news |url=http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/02/14/curacao-leading-caribbean-in-cruise-tourism-growth/ |title=Curaçao Leading Caribbean in Cruise Tourism Growth |publisher=Caribjournal.com |date=14 February 2014 |access-date=14 February 2014 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726120635/https://www.caribjournal.com/2014/02/14/curacao-leading-caribbean-in-cruise-tourism-growth/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hato International Airport received 1,772,501 passengers in 2013 and announced capital investments totalling US$48 million aimed at transforming the airport into a regional hub by 2018.

The Curaçaoan insular shelf's sharp drop-off known as the "Blue Edge" is often visited by scuba diving tourists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-travel/article/underwater-photographers-guide-curacao/ |title=An Underwater Photographer's Guide to Curaçao |website=DivePhotoGuide |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=3 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803050153/http://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-travel/article/underwater-photographers-guide-curacao/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Coral reefs for snorkelling and scuba diving can be reached without a boat. The southern coast has calm waters as well as many small beaches, such as Jan Thiel and Cas Abou. At the westernmost point of the island is Watamula and the Cliff Villa Peninsula which are good locations for drift diving. The coastline of Curaçao features numerous bays and inlets which serve as popular mooring locations for boats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.curacao-vakantie.nl/ |title=Curacao vakantie – Curacao vakantie |website=Curacao vakantie |language=nl-NL |access-date=4 November 2016 |archive-date=4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104143858/https://www.curacao-vakantie.nl/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2017, the island was named the Top Cruise Destination in the Southern Caribbean by ''Cruise Critic'', a major online forum. The winners of the Destination Awards were selected based on comments from cruise passengers who rated the downtown area of Willemstad as "amazing" and the food and shopping as "excellent".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://curacaochronicle.com/tourism/curacao-has-been-named-the-top-cruise-destination-in-the-southern-caribbean/ |title=Curaçao has been named the Top Cruise destination in the Southern Caribbean |date=27 July 2017 |website=Curacaochronicle.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=4 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904024017/http://curacaochronicle.com/tourism/curacao-has-been-named-the-top-cruise-destination-in-the-southern-caribbean |url-status=live }}</ref> The historic centre of Willemstad is a World Heritage Site. Another attraction is the town's colourful street art. The Blue Bay Sculpture Garden with works from known Curaçao artists is situated in a nearby resort.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://curacao-art.com/galleries/blue-bay-beeldentuin/ |title=Blue Bay Beeldentuin |website=Curacao Art |access-date=21 April 2021 }}</ref> Landhuis Bloemhof is an art museum and gallery located in Willemstad.<ref name="beautiful">{{cite web |url=https://www.beautiful-curacao.nl/bezienswaardigheden/landhuis-bloemhof.php |title=Landhuis Bloemhof |website=Beautiful Curaçao |access-date=21 April 2021 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421112420/https://www.beautiful-curacao.nl/bezienswaardigheden/landhuis-bloemhof.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

Some of the coral reefs are affected by tourism. Porto Marie Beach is experimenting with artificial coral reefs to improve the reef's condition.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Hundreds of artificial coral blocks that have been placed are now home to a large array of tropical fish. It is now under investigation to see if the sewer waste of hotels is a partial cause of the dying of the coral reef.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://npofocus.nl/artikel/7733/vernietigt-toeristenpoep-ons-nederlandse-koraal |title=Vernietigt toeristenpoep ons Nederlandse koraal? |first=Omroep |last=NTR |website=NPO Focus |access-date=12 June 2018 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729010220/https://npofocus.nl/artikel/7733/vernietigt-toeristenpoep-ons-nederlandse-koraal |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ecotourism is a growing segment of Curaçaoan tourism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=Why Curacao is a great destination for ecotourists |url=https://10best.usatoday.com/interests/explore/curacao-eco-attractions-caribbean-islands/ |access-date=20 November 2024 |website=10Best |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201202352/https://10best.usatoday.com/interests/explore/curacao-eco-attractions-caribbean-islands/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One site in particular – Mambo Beach, also known as "Seaquarium Beach" – is a popular destination due to the calm tides for children, frequent viewing of marine life, and vibrant coral reefs – some of which have been artificially planted to improve reef health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.reefrenewalcuracao.org/ |access-date=20 November 2024 |website=Reef Renewal Curacao |archive-date=17 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917091034/https://www.reefrenewalcuracao.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Curacao-Sea-Aquarium-2013.JPG|thumb|The Curaçao Sea Aquarium and the Dolphin Academy share this islet on the west coast of Curaçao, with Seaquarium Beach nearby.]]

=== Labour === In 2016, a Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicated that the unemployment rate was 13.3%. For residents ages 15–64, the employment rate was 70.4%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://curacaochronicle.com/politics/statistics-unemployment-rate-rose-to-13-3-percent/ |title=Statistics: "Unemployment rate rose to 13.3 percent" |date=1 February 2017 |website=Curacaochronicle.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=3 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803101048/http://curacaochronicle.com/politics/statistics-unemployment-rate-rose-to-13-3-percent/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/supply-side-labour-market-curacao-labour-force-survey-2016/ |title=Supply Side of the Labour Market Curaçao: Labour Force Survey 2016 – BearingPoint Caribbean |date=3 March 2017 |website=Bearingpointcaribbean.com |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130421/http://www.bearingpointcaribbean.com/supply-side-labour-market-curacao-labour-force-survey-2016/ |archive-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Financial services === Curaçao's history in financial services dates back to the First World War. Prior to this period, the financial arms of local merchant houses functioned as informal lenders to the community. However, at the turn of the 20th century, Curaçao underwent industrialization, and a number of merchant houses established private commercial banks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Commercial_History_of_Curacao/twentieth-century-private-banking.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030514073223/http://books.caribseek.com/Curacao/Commercial_History_of_Curacao/twentieth-century-private-banking.shtml |archive-date=14 May 2003 |title=Twentieth Century Private Banking – Roots of Our Future |publisher=caribseek.com |date=11 December 2002 |access-date=14 February 2014 }}</ref> As the economy grew, these banks began assuming additional functions eventually becoming full-fledged financial institutions.

The Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange is located in the capital of Willemstad, as is the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten; the latter of which dates to 1828. It is the oldest central bank in the Western Hemisphere.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centralbank.an/index.php?eid=1948 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212045018/http://www.centralbank.an/index.php?eid=1948 |archive-date=12 December 2013 |title=In 175 years the Bank has evolved from a near dormant institution in the nineteenth century to a vibrant organization able to adapt to the ever changing financial world in the twenty-first century |publisher=centralbank.an |date=1 February 2003 |access-date=6 December 2013 }}</ref> The island's legal system supports a variety of corporate structures and is a corporate haven. Though Curaçao is considered a tax haven, it adheres to the EU Code of Conduct against harmful tax practices. It holds a qualified intermediary status from the United States Internal Revenue Service. It is an accepted jurisdiction of the OECD and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering.

==== Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ==== thumb|left|Banco di Caribe in Willemstad

On 30 June 2014, Curaçao<ref>U.S. Treasury [https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/tax-policy/treaties/Pages/FATCA.aspx FACTA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113122755/https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/tax-policy/treaties/Pages/FATCA.aspx |date=13 January 2017 }}.</ref> was deemed to have an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the United States of America with respect to the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" of the United States of America. The Tax Information Exchange Agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on 17 April 2002<ref>U.S. Treasury [https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/tax-policy/treaties/Documents/FATCA-Agreement-Curacao-12-16-2014.pdf Agreement with Curaçao] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403143238/https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/tax-policy/treaties/Documents/FATCA-Agreement-Curacao-12-16-2014.pdf |date=3 April 2017 }} (pdf).</ref> between the US and the Kingdom of the Netherlands includes Curaçao, and was updated with respect to Curaçao in 2014, taking effect in 2016.

=== Trade === Curaçao trades mainly with the United States, Venezuela, and the European Union. It has an Association Agreement with the European Union which allows companies which do business in and via Curaçao to export products to European markets,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.curacao-chamber.an/c-info-htm/content/EUTradeProgram.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624215811/http://www.curacao-chamber.an/c-info-htm/content/EUTradeProgram.htm |archive-date=24 June 2007 |title=EU Trade Program |date=24 June 2007 |work=archive.org }}</ref> free of import duties and quotas. It is also a participant in the US Caribbean Basin Initiative allowing it to have preferential access to the US market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Development/Preference_Programs/CBI/Section_Index.html |title=USTR – Caribbean Basin Initiative |publisher=Ustr.gov |date=1 October 2000 |access-date=23 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505233136/http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Development/Preference_Programs/CBI/Section_Index.html |archive-date=5 May 2009 }}</ref>

=== Prostitution === {{See also|Prostitution in the Dutch Caribbean#Curaçao}}

Prostitution in Curaçao is legal only for foreign women who get a temporary permit to work in the large open-air brothel called "Le Mirage" or "Campo Alegre". Using prostitution services is legal for men (locals included). The brothel has operated near the airport since the 1940s.<ref name="chron">{{cite web |title=Sex Tourism And Trafficking In The Dutch Caribbean |url=http://curacaochronicle.com/judicial/sex-tourism-and-trafficking-in-the-dutch-caribbean/ |website=Curacao Chronicle |access-date=23 December 2017 |date=26 November 2012 |archive-date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513163537/http://curacaochronicle.com/judicial/sex-tourism-and-trafficking-in-the-dutch-caribbean/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nswp">{{cite web |title=Curaçao Opens Campo Alegre Brothel |url=http://www.nswp.org/timeline/event/curacao-opens-campo-alegre-brothel |website=NSWP |access-date=24 December 2017 |archive-date=24 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224102137/http://www.nswp.org/timeline/event/curacao-opens-campo-alegre-brothel |url-status=live }}</ref> Curaçao monitors, contains and regulates the industry. The government states that the workers in these establishments are thereby given a safe environment and access to medical practitioners. However this approach does exclude local women (or men) to legally make a living from prostitution and does lead to loss of local income, as the foreign prostitutes send or take most of their earnings home.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://global-writes.com/2009/08/curacaos-x-rated-resort.html |title=Curaçao's X-Rated Resort |date=2009 |publisher=Global Writes |archive-date=17 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217080557/http://global-writes.com/2009/08/curacaos-x-rated-resort.html }}</ref>

==== Developments of Campo Alegre (2020–2024) ==== Since its closure in 2020 after 71 years of operation, Campo Alegre, Curaçao's largest open-air brothel, has been at the centre of significant developments. Following the closure, a government-appointed working group proposed three scenarios for the site: transforming it into a regulated prostitution area, repurposing it for commercial use, or converting it into a residential area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AntilliaansDagblad {{!}} Werkgroep adviseert regering over heropening bordeel {{!}} Knipselkrant Curacao |url=https://knipselkrant-curacao.com/nieuws/economie/horeca/antilliaansdagblad-werkgroep-adviseert-regering-over-heropening-bordeel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629193918/https://knipselkrant-curacao.com/nieuws/economie/horeca/antilliaansdagblad-werkgroep-adviseert-regering-over-heropening-bordeel/ |archive-date=29 June 2024 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=knipselkrant-curacao.com |publisher=Antilliaans Dagblad |language=nl-NL }}</ref> In 2023, the property was put up for auction, attracting various potential buyers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Drayer |first=Dick |date=16 June 2022 |title=Campo Alegre, 's werelds grootste bordeel op het westelijk halfrond gaat dinsdag onder de hamer - Curacao.nu |url=https://curacao.nu/campo-alegre-s-werelds-grootste-bordeel-op-het-westelijk-halfrond-gaat-dinsdag-onder-de-hamer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527184832/https://curacao.nu/campo-alegre-s-werelds-grootste-bordeel-op-het-westelijk-halfrond-gaat-dinsdag-onder-de-hamer/ |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=13 December 2025 |work=Curacao.nu |language=nl-NL }}</ref> In a significant move, the Curaçao government purchased the Campo Alegre property, aiming to have more control over its future use.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Groot openluchtbordeel Curaçao sluit na 71 jaar, maar voor hoelang? |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2336831-groot-openluchtbordeel-curacao-sluit-na-71-jaar-maar-voor-hoelang |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629193916/https://nos.nl/artikel/2336831-groot-openluchtbordeel-curacao-sluit-na-71-jaar-maar-voor-hoelang |archive-date=29 June 2024 |access-date=13 December 2025 |language=nl }}</ref> The current ruling political party, Movement for the Future of Curaçao (MFK), had made an election promise to reopen Campo Alegre as a regulated prostitution centre.

{{As of|2024|post=,}} the government is evaluating scenarios to ensure that the chosen path will benefit the local economy and social landscape.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

The US State Department has cited anecdotal evidence claiming that, "Curaçao...[is a] destination island... for women trafficked for the sex trade from Peru, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, according to local observers. At least 500 foreign women reportedly are in prostitution throughout the five islands of the Antilles, some of whom have been trafficked."<ref name="Trafficking p192">{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2008/105388.htm |title=Trafficking in Persons Report |date=4 June 2008 |publisher=U.S. State Dept. |page=192 |access-date=21 May 2019 |archive-date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026222521/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2008/105388.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The US Department of State has said that the government of Curaçao frequently underestimates the extent of human trafficking problems.<ref name="Trafficking p192" />

Owing to the island's colonial past, the majority of Curaçao's population is of full or partial African descent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2022 |title=History of Curacao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba |url=https://cw.usconsulate.gov/history-of-curacao-st-maarten-bonaire-st-eustatius-and-saba/ |access-date=31 July 2025 |publisher=U.S. Consulate General in Curacao and U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten) |archive-date=24 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250824111106/https://cw.usconsulate.gov/history-of-curacao-st-maarten-bonaire-st-eustatius-and-saba/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There are also minorities of Dutch, Portuguese, Jewish, Latin American, South Asian, East Asian and Lebanese descent. Portuguese labourers, namely from Madeira, migrated to Curaçao to work in the island's oil and agricultural industries in the 20th century.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Do Rego |first1=Charles P. |date=2014 |title=Portuguese Labor Migration to TO CURAÇAO |journal=Caribbean Studies |volume=42 |issue=2 |pages=155–179 |doi=10.1353/crb.2014.0032 |jstor=24706367 |doi-access=free }}</ref> According to 2022 data from the CIA, Curacao has a total of only 92 men for every 100 women.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Countries with More Women Than Men 2024 |url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-with-more-women-than-men |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203031921/https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-with-more-women-than-men |archive-date=3 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=worldpopulationreview.com }}</ref>

=== Religion === {{Pie chart |caption = Religion in Curaçao<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> |label1 = Roman Catholic |color1 = DodgerBlue |value1 = 69.8 |label2 = Protestant |color2 = SkyBlue |value2 = 16.7 |label3 = None |color3 = Black |value3 = 10 |label4 = Other (Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, etc.) |color4 = grey |value4 = 3.8 |label5 = Unspecified |color5 = LightGrey |value5 = 0.6 }}

The religious breakdown of the population of Curaçao, according to a 2011 estimate:<ref name="CIACuraçao">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |title=Central America and Caribbean: Curaçao |date=19 October 2021 |publisher=CIA The World Factbook |access-date=24 January 2021 |archive-date=4 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504114256/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/curacao/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> * Roman Catholic:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 69.8% * Adventist:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 9% * Evangelical:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 8.9% * Pentecostal:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 7.6% * Other Protestant:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 3.2% * Jehovah's Witnesses:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 2% * Other:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 3.8% * None:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 10% * Unspecified:<ref name="CIACuraçao" /> 0.6%

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Willemstad encompasses all the territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean which includes Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The diocese is also a member of the Antilles Episcopal Conference.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Annual Plenary Meeting 2023 – Diocese of Willemstad |url=https://aecbishops.org/annual-plenary-meeting-2023-diocese-of-willemstad/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829163758/https://aecbishops.org/annual-plenary-meeting-2023-diocese-of-willemstad/ |archive-date=29 August 2025 |access-date=13 December 2025 |work=Antilles Episcopal Conference }}</ref>

There has been a shift towards the Charismatic movement in recent decades. Other denominations include the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Methodist Church. Alongside these Christian denominations, some inhabitants practise Montamentu and other diaspora African religions.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bernadina |first1=Frieda |title=Montamentoe: een beschrijvende en analyserende studie van een Afro-Amerikaanse godsdienst op Curaçao |date=1981 |publisher=Bernadina |location=Curaçao }}</ref> As elsewhere in Latin America, Pentecostalism is on the rise.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} There are also practising Muslims and Hindus.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Persaud |first1=Prea |title=Hindu Diasporas |chapter=Hinduism in the Caribbean |date=2023 |pages=92–115 |doi=10.1093/oso/9780198867692.003.0005 |isbn=978-0-19-886769-2 |chapter-url=https://academic.oup.com/book/47098/chapter-abstract/416164028?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false |archive-date=19 August 2025 |access-date=31 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819160109/https://academic.oup.com/book/47098/chapter-abstract/416164028?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Muslim Situation in the Caribbean |url=https://www.islamawareness.net/Caribbean/carribean.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411102259/https://www.islamawareness.net/Caribbean/carribean.html |archive-date=11 April 2025 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=IslamAwareness.net }}</ref>

While small, Curaçao's Jewish community has had a significant impact on the island's history.<ref name="history" /> Curaçao has the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Americas, dating to 1651. The Curaçao synagogue is the oldest synagogue of the Americas in continuous use, since its completion in 1732 on the site of a previous synagogue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=106837 |title=Dwindling Community of Curacao Maintains Oldest Synagogue in West |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106225008/http://www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=106837 |archive-date=6 January 2014 }}</ref> Additionally, there are both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> {{As of|2000}} there were approximately 300 Jewish people living on the island.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/curacao |title=The Jewish Community of Curacao |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810085916/https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/curacao }}</ref>

=== Languages === {{Bar box |title=First languages of Curaçaoans (2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/background/2025/47/population-of-the-dutch-caribbean-has-grown-over-fifteen-years|title=Population of the Dutch Caribbean has grown over fifteen years|publisher=Statistics Netherlands|date=18 November 2025}}</ref> |titlebar=#ddd |left1=Languages |right1=Percent |float=left |bars= {{bar percent|Papiamentu|Yellow|78.0}} {{bar percent|Spanish|Red|8.4}} {{bar percent|Dutch|Orange|7.9}} {{bar percent|English|Blue|3.8}} {{bar percent|Other|Green|0.0}} }} {{clear}}

According to the 2023 census, 78% reported that Papiamentu was the language they most spoke at home; 8.4% reported Spanish, 7.9% Dutch, 3.8% English and 2% other languages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kòrsou |first=Senso |date=19 August 2024 |title=Talen gesproken in Curaçao, Resultaten Census 2023 |url=https://senso.cbs.cw/talen-gesproken-in-curacao-resultaten-census-2023 |access-date=15 June 2025 |website=Senso Kòrsou |archive-date=20 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820175556/https://senso.cbs.cw/talen-gesproken-in-curacao-resultaten-census-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Curaçao is a multilingual society.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Language and education in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300471435 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328175019/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300471435_Language_and_education_in_Aruba_Bonaire_and_Curacao |archive-date=28 March 2025 |access-date=15 June 2025 |website=ResearchGate |url-status=live }}</ref> The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu and English.<ref name="official-spanish portugues,languages">{{Citation |title=Landsverordening van de 28ste maart 2007 houdende vaststelling van de officiële talen (Landsverordening officiële talen) |url=https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR144328 |language=nl |via=Overheid.nl |mode=cs1 |access-date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319064722/https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR144328 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> However, Dutch is the sole language for all administration and legal matters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |title=About Us |website=DutchCaribbeanLegalPortal.com |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620052254/http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/about-us/the-dutch-caribbean |url-status=live }}</ref> Most of Curaçao's population is able to converse in at least two, though more commonly in all four of the languages of Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The most widely spoken language is Papiamentu, a Portuguese-based creole with African, Dutch and Spanish influences, which is spoken in all levels of society.<ref name="CIA World Factbook- Curaçao" /> Papiamentu was introduced as a language of primary school education in 1993,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Curaçao Education – UNESCO digital library |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000232148#:~:text=The%20most%20widely%20spoken%20language,bring%20warming%20during%20the%20night. |access-date=30 July 2025 |website=unesdoc.unesco.org }}</ref> making Curaçao one of a handful of places where a creole language is used as a medium to acquire basic literacy.<ref name="Liddicoat2007">{{cite book |author=Anthony Liddicoat |title=Language planning and policy: issues in language planning and literacy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aP3iylRYWywC&pg=PA149 |access-date=9 August 2011 |date=15 June 2007 |publisher=Multilingual Matters |isbn=978-1-85359-977-4 |page=149 }}</ref> During slavery, enslaved Afro-Curaçaoans used the now extinct Guene language to hide their conversations from their enslavers.<ref name="Allen 2012">{{cite journal |last1=Allen |first1=Rose Mary |title=The Oral History of Slavery, Afro-Curaçaoan Memory, and Self-Definition: A Caribbean Perspective on the 300th Anniversary of the Treaty of Utrecht |journal=Sargasso |date=2013 |issue=I & II |pages=135-153 |url=https://openurl.ebsco.com/c/t4a2lo/EPDB%3Agcd%3A16%3A14965776/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aocu%3Arecord&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A137729007&bquery=AU%20Allen%2C%20Mary&page=1&searchDescription=Allen%2C%20Mary&crl=f&x-cgp-token=t4a2lo&link_origin=none |access-date=26 January 2026}}</ref> The language now survives only in songs and popular sayings, where it is a symbol of Afro-Curaçaoan identity.<ref name="Ansano 2014">{{cite book |last1=Ansano |first1=Richenel |editor1-last=Faraclas |editor1-first=Nicholas |editor2-last=Severing |editor2-first=Ronals |editor3-last=Weijer |editor3-first=Christa |editor4-last=Echteld |editor4-first=Elisabeth |editor5-last=Rutgers |editor5-first=Wim |title=Creole connections: transgressing neocolonial boundaries in the languages, literatures and cultures of the abc islands and the rest of the Dutch Caribbean. |date=2014 |publisher=Fundashon pa Planifikashon di Idioma |pages=25-37 |chapter=Malungo, Praise Names and Places: How dead can a language really be?}}</ref>

Spanish and English also have a long historical presence in Curaçao. Spanish became an important language in the 18th century due to the close economic ties with Spanish territories in what are now Venezuela and Colombia.<ref name="Putte" /> Use of English dates to the early 19th century, when the British occupied Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. When Dutch rule resumed in 1815, officials already noted the widespread use of the English language.<ref name="Putte" />

=== Localities === Curaçao was divided into five districts from 1863 to 1925, after which it was reduced to the two outer districts of Bandabou and Bandariba and the city district of Willemstad.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 October 1930 |title=NIEUWE INDEELING VAN CURAÇAO. Voorstellen van den Gouverneur. |url=https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=ddd:010528109:mpeg21:a0045 |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=De Tĳd : godsdienstig-staatkundig dagblad }}</ref> Over the years, the capital, Willemstad, encompassed the entire area surrounding the large natural harbour, the Schottegat. As a result, many formerly isolated villages have grown together to form a large urbanized area. The city covers approximately one third of the entire island in the east. Willemstad's most famous neighbourhoods are:

* Punda, the historic city centre with the Handelskade on St. Anna Bay. * Otrobanda, on the other side of St. Anna Bay * Pietermaai, east of Punda * Scharloo, north of Punda and Pietermaai, across the Waaigat * Julianadorp, a suburb on the west side of the city, built around 1928 on behalf of Shell for its personnel * Emmastad, built for Shell in the 1950s, after Julianadorp was full. * Saliña is situated next to Punda and has many shops and restaurants. * Brievengat, a suburb in the north of the city.

===Structure of the population=== {{Hidden begin |title= Population Estimates by Sex and Age Group (01.VII.2021) (Provisional) (Post-censal estimates.):<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNSD — Demographic and Social Statistics |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/products/dyb/#statistics |access-date=10 May 2023 |website=unstats.un.org |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218223334/https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/products/dyb/#statistics |url-status=live }}</ref> |titlestyle = background:#EEBC35; }} {| class="wikitable" |- ! width="80pt"|Age group ! width="80pt"|Male ! width="80pt"|Female ! width="80pt"|Total ! width="80pt"|% |- | align="right" | Total | align="right" | 69 285 | align="right" | 83 084 | align="right" | 152 369 | align="right" | 100 |- | align="right" | 0–4 | align="right" | 3 876 | align="right" | 3 637 | align="right" | 7 513 | align="right" | 4.93 |- | align="right" | 5–9 | align="right" | 4 750 | align="right" | 4 479 | align="right" | 9 229 | align="right" | 6.06 |- | align="right" | 10–14 | align="right" | 4 487 | align="right" | 4 401 | align="right" | 8 888 | align="right" | 5.83 |- | align="right" | 15–19 | align="right" | 4 503 | align="right" | 4 393 | align="right" | 8 895 | align="right" | 5.84 |- | align="right" | 20–24 | align="right" | 3 891 | align="right" | 3 665 | align="right" | 7 556 | align="right" | 4.96 |- | align="right" | 25–29 | align="right" | 3 862 | align="right" | 4 280 | align="right" | 8 142 | align="right" | 5.34 |- | align="right" | 30–34 | align="right" | 3 966 | align="right" | 4 774 | align="right" | 8 740 | align="right" | 5.74 |- | align="right" | 35–39 | align="right" | 4 081 | align="right" | 5 091 | align="right" | 9 172 | align="right" | 6.02 |- | align="right" | 40–44 | align="right" | 3 833 | align="right" | 5 099 | align="right" | 8 932 | align="right" | 5.86 |- | align="right" | 45–49 | align="right" | 4 563 | align="right" | 5 790 | align="right" | 10 353 | align="right" | 6.79 |- | align="right" | 50–54 | align="right" | 5 049 | align="right" | 6 323 | align="right" | 11 372 | align="right" | 7.46 |- | align="right" | 55–59 | align="right" | 5 481 | align="right" | 7 013 | align="right" | 12 493 | align="right" | 8.20 |- | align="right" | 60–64 | align="right" | 4 937 | align="right" | 6 576 | align="right" | 11 513 | align="right" | 7.56 |- | align="right" | 65–69 | align="right" | 4 098 | align="right" | 5 523 | align="right" | 9 621 | align="right" | 6.31 |- | align="right" | 70–74 | align="right" | 3 427 | align="right" | 4 506 | align="right" | 7 932 | align="right" | 5.21 |- | align="right" | 75–79 | align="right" | 2 163 | align="right" | 3 342 | align="right" | 5 504 | align="right" | 3.61 |- | align="right" | 80–84 | align="right" | 1 346 | align="right" | 2 146 | align="right" | 3 492 | align="right" | 2.29 |- | align="right" | 85–89 | align="right" | 661 | align="right" | 1 283 | align="right" | 1 944 | align="right" | 1.28 |- | align="right" | 90–94 | align="right" | 248 | align="right" | 543 | align="right" | 791 | align="right" | 0.52 |- | align="right" | 95–99 | align="right" | 59 | align="right" | 192 | align="right" | 250 | align="right" | 0.16 |- | align="right" | 100+ | align="right" | 8 | align="right" | 35 | align="right" | 43 | align="right" | 0.03 |- ! width="50"|Age group ! width="80pt"|Male ! width="80"|Female ! width="80"|Total ! width="50"|Percent |- | align="right" | 0–14 | align="right" | 13 113 | align="right" | 12 517 | align="right" | 25 630 | align="right" | 16.82 |- | align="right" | 15–64 | align="right" | 44 162 | align="right" | 52 997 | align="right" | 97 159 | align="right" | 63.77 |- | align="right" | 65+ | align="right" | 12 010 | align="right" | 17 570 | align="right" | 29 580 | align="right" | 19.41 |- |} {{Hidden end}}

===Statistics=== [[File:Curaçao single age population pyramid 2020.png|thumb|alt=|left|Curaçao population pyramid in 2020]]

=== Education === [[File:Hoofdingang van de University of Curacao-Mei 2018.jpg|thumb|left|The University of Curaçao]]

Public education is based on the Dutch educational system and besides the public schools, private and parochial schools are also available. Since the introduction of a new public education law in 1992, compulsory primary education starts at age six and continues for six years; secondary lasts for another four.<ref name="edu">{{cite book |first=R.H. |last=Walton |title=Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayHr0mFX6LYC&pg=PA87 |date=2006 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-4200-0394-9 |page=87 }}</ref>

The main institute of higher learning is the University of Curaçao (formerly University of The Netherlands Antilles), enrolling 2,100 students.<ref name="edu" /> The comprehensive model of education is influenced by both the Dutch and American education systems. Other higher education offerings on the island include offshore medical schools, universities, language schools and academies for fine art, music, police, teacher and nurse-training.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rosalind Latiner |first=Raby |date=2009 |title=Community College Models: Globalization and Higher Education Reform |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vzyx5mwzGGcC&pg=PA260 |access-date=7 May 2013 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1-4020-9477-4 |page=260 }}</ref>

== Culture == thumb|A Bulawaya dance

=== Visual art === Visual art in Curaçao encompasses painting, sculptures, and street art.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Curaçao: The Caribbean Getaway That Sets You Free |url=https://www.curacao.com/en/category/art-and-culture |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321220128/https://www.curacao.com/en/category/art-and-culture |archive-date=21 March 2024 |access-date=13 December 2025 |website=Curacao.com }}</ref>

Curaçao promotes street art with a festival, Kaya Kaya, held in the Otrabanda neighbourhood of Willemstad. The streets of Willemstad are filled with murals from multiple versions of the festival.

=== Literature === Despite the island's relatively small population, the diversity of languages and cultural influences on Curaçao have generated a remarkable literary tradition, primarily in Dutch and Papiamentu. The oral traditions of the Arawak indigenous peoples are lost. Enslaved West Africans carried the tales of Anansi, thus forming the basis of Papiamentu literature. The first published work in Papiamentu was a poem by Joseph Sickman Corsen entitled ''Atardi'', published in the ''La Cruz'' newspaper in 1905.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Throughout Curaçaoan literature, narrative techniques and metaphors best characterized as magic realism tend to predominate. Novelists and poets from Curaçao have contributed to Caribbean and Dutch literature.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

=== Cuisine === Local food is called ''Krioyo'' (pronounced the same as ''criollo'', the Spanish word for "Creole") and is similar in flavours and techniques to Caribbean cuisine and Latin American cuisine. Dishes common in Curaçao are found in Aruba and Bonaire as well. Popular dishes include stobá (a stew made with various ingredients such as papaya, beef or goat), guiambo (soup made from okra and seafood), kadushi (cactus soup), sopi mondongo (intestine soup), funchi (cornmeal paste similar to fufu, ugali and polenta) and fish and other seafood.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

The ubiquitous breakfast dish is pastechi: fried pastry with fillings of cheese, tuna, chicken, or ground meat. Around the holiday season special dishes are consumed, such as the hallaca and pekelé, made out of salt cod. At weddings and other special occasions a variety of kos dushi are served: kokada (coconut sweets), ko'i lechi (condensed milk and sugar sweet) and tentalaria (peanut sweets). The Curaçao liqueur was developed here, when a local experimented with the rinds of the local citrus fruit known as laraha. Surinamese, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Dutch culinary influences also abound.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

== Sports ==

Football (soccer) and baseball are the island's most popular sports. The Curaçao national football team won the 2017 Caribbean Cup by defeating Jamaica in the final, qualifying for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.<ref>{{cite news |work=CONCACAF Gold Cup |title=Curaçao edges Jamaica for first-ever Caribbean Cup title |url=https://www.goldcup.org/en/article/curacao-edges-jamaica-for-first-ever-caribbean-cup-title |date=26 June 2017 |access-date=7 November 2020 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207071154/https://www.goldcup.org/en/article/curacao-edges-jamaica-for-first-ever-caribbean-cup-title |url-status=dead }}</ref> They then travelled to Thailand and participated in the 2019 King's Cup for the first time, eventually winning the tournament by beating Vietnam in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://adodenhaag.nl/nl/nieuws/laatste-nieuws/1e-elftal/7842-elson-hooi-sleept-king-s-cup-in-de-wacht-met-curacao |title=Elson Hooi slept King's Cup in de wacht met Curaçao |trans-title=Elson Hooi wins King's Cup with Curaçao |language=nl |publisher=ADO Den Haag |date=8 June 2019 |access-date=9 June 2019 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729010244/https://adodenhaag.nl/nl/nieuws/laatste-nieuws/1e-elftal/7842-elson-hooi-sleept-king-s-cup-in-de-wacht-met-curacao |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2025, Curaçao qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation in history to qualify for a World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 November 2025 |title=Curacao become smallest-ever nation at World Cup |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/46997321/curacao-become-smallest-ever-nation-qualify-world-cup |website=ESPN.com |access-date=19 November 2025 }}</ref>

[[File:Jurickson Profar (47569154041).jpg|thumb|Jurickson Profar]]

In 2004, the Little League Baseball team from Willemstad, Curaçao, won the world title in a game against the United States champion from Thousand Oaks, California. The Willemstad line-up included Jurickson Profar, the standout shortstop prospect who is currently on the Atlanta Braves roster of Major League Baseball, and Jonathan Schoop.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-baseball-curacao-20180326-story.html |title=Curacao an island unto itself when it comes to producing big-league ballplayers |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418120643/https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-baseball-curacao-20180326-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Curaçaoan players Andruw Jones<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Braves: It's time to retire Andruw Jones' number 25 |url=https://calltothepen.com/2022/02/05/atlanta-braves-retire-andruw-jones-number-25/ |website=calltothepen.com |date=5 February 2022 |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207125031/https://calltothepen.com/2022/02/05/atlanta-braves-retire-andruw-jones-number-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> (elected to the Hall of Fame in 2026)<ref>{{cite web |title=Andruw Jones |url=https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/jones-andruw |website=National Baseball Hall of Fame |access-date=18 March 2026}}</ref>, Ozzie Albies, and Kenley Jansen have made multiple Major League Baseball All-Star Game appearances.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jansen's 3-K ninth highlights LA's ASG |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kenley-jansen-strikes-out-3-in-all-star-game-c241763192 |website=MLB |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207125021/https://www.mlb.com/news/kenley-jansen-strikes-out-3-in-all-star-game-c241763192 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 2010 documentary film ''Boys of Summer''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boysofsummerfilm.com/ |title=Boys of Summer |publisher=Boysofsummerfilm.com |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-date=17 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517043114/http://boysofsummerfilm.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> details Curaçao's Pabao Little League All-Stars winning their country's eighth straight championship at the 2008 Little League World Series, then going on to defeat other teams, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and earning a spot in Williamsport.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.largeup.com/2014/03/10/boys-of-summer-documentary-features-cuaracaos-championship-little-league-team/ |title=Boys of Summer: Documentary Spotlights Youth Baseball in Cuaraçao |website=Large Up |date=10 March 2014 |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418122147/https://www.largeup.com/2014/03/10/boys-of-summer-documentary-features-cuaracaos-championship-little-league-team/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The prevailing trade winds and warm water make Curaçao a location for windsurfing.<ref>Motion Magazine, June 2005</ref>

There is warm, clear water around the island. Scuba divers and snorkelers may have visibility up to {{convert|30|m|abbr=off}} at the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, which stretches along {{convert|20|km|abbr=off}} of Curaçao's southern coastline.<ref>{{cite news |work=The New York Times |title=Frommers Guide to Curaçao water sports |url=https://www.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/caribbean-and-bermuda/curacao/frm_curacao_0178020606.html |date=20 November 2006 |archive-date=23 February 2013 |access-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223094251/http://www.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/caribbean-and-bermuda/curacao/frm_curacao_0178020606.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Curaçao participated in the 2013 CARIFTA Games. Kevin Philbert stood third in the under-20 male Long Jump with a distance of {{convert|7.36|m|2|abbr=off}}. Vanessa Philbert stood second the under-17 female {{convert|1500|m|abbr=off}} with a time of 4:47.97.<ref>{{cite web |title=42nd Carifta Bahamas in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM – Nassau, Bahamas – Results |url=http://www.cfpitiming.com/2013_Outdoor_Season/Carifta_Games_2013/Carifta_Games_male_results_2013.htm |publisher=CFPI Timing & Data |access-date=13 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=42nd Carifta Bahamas in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM – Nassau, Bahamas – Results |url=http://bah.milesplit.com/meets/130723/results/239214 |publisher=MileSplit |access-date=13 November 2013 |archive-date=14 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114023010/http://bah.milesplit.com/meets/130723/results/239214 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=42nd Carifta Bahamas in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM – Nassau, Bahamas – Results |url=http://www.cfpitiming.com/2013_Outdoor_Season/Carifta_Games_2013/Carifta_Games_female_results_2013.htm |publisher=CFPI Timing & Data |access-date=13 November 2013 |archive-date=14 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114013134/http://www.cfpitiming.com/2013_Outdoor_Season/Carifta_Games_2013/Carifta_Games_female_results_2013.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=42nd Carifta Bahamas in 2013 – 3/30/2013 to 4/1/2013 – T. A. ROBINSON NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD STADIUM – Nassau, Bahamas – Results |url=http://bah.milesplit.com/meets/130723/results/239213 |publisher=MileSplit |access-date=13 November 2013 |archive-date=10 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710085546/http://bah.milesplit.com/meets/130723/results/239213 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Infrastructure and transportation ==

=== Airport === Curaçao International Airport (also called Hato International Airport) is located on the northern coast of the island and offers connections to the Caribbean region, South America, North America and Europe. Curaçao Airport is a fairly large facility, with the third longest commercial runway in the Caribbean region after Rafael Hernández Airport in Puerto Rico and Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport in Guadeloupe. Curaçao international airport served as a main base for Insel Air, and for Air ALM, the former national airlines of Curaçao.<ref>{{Cite web |title=InselAir Airline Profile {{!}} CAPA |url=https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/airlines/inselair-7i |access-date=27 August 2025 |website=centreforaviation.com |archive-date=7 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207114057/https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/airlines/inselair-7i |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Air ALM History from Americas, Netherlands Antilles |url=https://airlinehistory.co.uk/airline/air-alm/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814133457/https://airlinehistory.co.uk/airline/air-alm/ |archive-date=14 August 2024 |access-date=13 December 2025 |work=Airline History }}</ref>

=== Railways === In 1887 a horse drawn street tramway opened in Punda, the part of the capital Willemstad on the eastern side of Sint Annabaai. It had a U-shaped route about {{cvt|2|km}} in length. In 1896, a tramway opened in Otrabanda on the opposite side of the bay, but it ceased operations within a few months. The Punda line was rebuilt in 1911, regauged to metre gauge, and the horse-drawn trams replaced by petrol engined ones. The line closed in 1920.<ref>{{cite web |last=Morrison |first=Allen |title=The Tramways of Willemstad |url=http://www.tramz.com/cw/cw.html |website=Tramz.com |access-date=17 January 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032606/http://www.tramz.com/cw/cw.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Public transportation=== ABC (''Auto Busbedrijf Curaçao'', "Curaçao Bus Company") provides bus transportation in and around Willemstad with 21 lines, all departing from either Otrabanda and Punda bus stations, including lines 4A, 2A, 2B and 2C serving the airport. Fares range from 2.00 to 2.50 guilders.<ref>{{cite web |quote=Lines 1B 2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C 5A 5C 6A 6B 7B 8A 8B 9A 10A 10B and 11 |title=Orarionan di Salida |trans-title=Timetable of Departures |url=https://autobusbedrijf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ABC_Artwork_Departure-Schedule-Poster-A4-Color_01AUG2024_2-sided.pdf |website=Auto Busbedrijf Curaçao |access-date=11 March 2025 |language=Papiamento |archive-date=25 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425143508/https://autobusbedrijf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ABC_Artwork_Departure-Schedule-Poster-A4-Color_01AUG2024_2-sided.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Bridges === [[File:Curacao-Bridges-2013.JPG|thumb|The Queen Emma (semi-open), and the Queen Juliana]] thumb|Smith brug over the Waaigat thumb|Kon. Wilhelmina brug over the Waaigat

The Queen Emma Bridge, a {{convert|168|m|adj=on}}-long pontoon bridge, allows pedestrians to walk between the Punda and Otrobanda districts.<ref>{{cite web |author=Curacao |url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147278-d148574-r32109942-Queen_Emma_Pontoon_Bridge-Willemstad_Curacao.html |title=Curaçao's Landmark! – Review of Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, Willemstad, Curacao |publisher=TripAdvisor |access-date=26 March 2013 |archive-date=8 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308044631/http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147278-d148574-r32109942-Queen_Emma_Pontoon_Bridge-Willemstad_Curacao.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge swings open to allow the passage of ships to and from the port.<ref name="queen">{{cite web |url=http://www.curacao.com/The-Curacao-Difference/Vibrant-Architecture/Bridges? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723234128/http://www.curacao.com/The-Curacao-Difference/Vibrant-Architecture/Bridges |archive-date=23 July 2009 |title=Pontoon Bridge- Curacao Bridges- Queen Emma Willemstad, Dutch Queens, Landmarks |publisher=Curacao.com |access-date=26 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The bridge was originally opened in 1888 and the current bridge was installed in 1939.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetraveltrolley.com/2011/09/curacaos-floating-bridge-worth-a-gander/ |title=Curacao's floating bridge worth a gander |date=18 September 2011 |website=TheTravelTrolley.com |access-date=13 January 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113163345/http://thetraveltrolley.com/2011/09/curacaos-floating-bridge-worth-a-gander/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is best known and, more often than not, referred to by the locals as "Our Swinging Old Lady".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com/2013/03/14/745-our-swinging-old-lady-queen-emma/ |title=745. Our Swinging Old Lady: Queen Emma |date=14 March 2013 |website=1000 Awesome Things About Curaçao |access-date=29 June 2016 |archive-date=22 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922193717/https://1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com/2013/03/14/745-our-swinging-old-lady-queen-emma/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Queen Juliana Bridge carries motor vehicle traffic between the same two districts and its 1974 opening allowed the Queen Emma Bridge to become a pedestrian-only bridge. At {{convert|185|ft}} above the sea, the Queen Juliana Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the Caribbean.<ref name="queen" />

=== Utilities and sanitation === Aqualectra, a government-owned company<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aqualectra.com/company-profile/ |title=Company profile – Aqualectra |access-date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330071935/https://www.aqualectra.com/company-profile/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and a full member of CARILEC, delivers potable water and electricity to the island. Rates are controlled by the government. Water is produced by reverse osmosis or desalinization.<ref name="aqualectra.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.aqualectra.com/en/about-aqualectra/company-profile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518220555/http://www.aqualectra.com/en/about-aqualectra/company-profile |archive-date=18 May 2013 |title=Distribution Information |publisher=Aqualectra.com |access-date=26 March 2013 }}</ref> It services 69,000 households and companies using 130,000 water and electric meters.<ref name="aqualectra.com" /> The power generation company NuCuraçao opened wind farms in Tera Kora and Playa Kanoa in 2012, and expanded in Tera Kora in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aqualectra.com/files/PDF/Annual_Reports/Aqualectra_Annual_Report_2017.pdf |title=Aqualectra Annual Report 2017 |access-date=10 February 2019 |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011903/https://www.aqualectra.com/files/PDF/Annual_Reports/Aqualectra_Annual_Report_2017.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> There is no natural gas distribution grid; gas is supplied to homes by pressurized containers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://century21numberone.com/en/about-curacao/renting-property-in-curacao/ |title=Renting Property in Curacao |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308015514/https://century21numberone.com/en/about-curacao/renting-property-in-curacao/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2021 }}</ref>

Curbside trash pick-up is provided by the Selikor company. There is no recycling pick-up, but there are drop-off centres for certain recycled materials at the Malpais landfill,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.selikor.com/general-services-links/296-drop-off-centers |title=Drop-Off Centers |website=Selikor.com |access-date=10 February 2019 |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212013229/https://www.selikor.com/general-services-links/296-drop-off-centers |url-status=live }}</ref> and various locations operated by Green Force;<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.greenforcecuracao.com/Recycling/Where-can-I-recycle-on-Curacao/where-can-i-recycle-on-curacao-through-green-force-.html |title=Where can I recycle on Curacao through Green Force? |website=GreenForceCuracao.com |access-date=10 February 2019 |archive-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030115945/http://www.greenforcecuracao.com/Recycling/Where-can-I-recycle-on-Curacao/where-can-i-recycle-on-curacao-through-green-force-.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.politiklounge.com/en/policy-blog/2016/december/recycling-project |title=Curaçao – a recycling project in the Caribbean – TUI policyBLOG |website=PolitikLounge.com |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011717/https://www.politiklounge.com/en/policy-blog/2016/december/recycling-project }}</ref> private haulers recycle construction waste, paper, and cardboard.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.caribbeanhomeandhouse.com/chh/recycling |title=Caribbean Recycling |website=CaribbeanHomeAndHouse.com |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011714/http://www.caribbeanhomeandhouse.com/chh/recycling }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.selikor.com/general-services-links/298-26-caribbean-recycling-company |title=Caribbean Recycling Company |website=Selikor.com |access-date=10 February 2019 |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212013233/https://www.selikor.com/general-services-links/298-26-caribbean-recycling-company |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Notable residents == {{Main|List of Curaçaoans}}

== See also == {{Portal|Caribbean|Islands}} * History of the Jews in Curaçao * {{Annotated link|Leeward Antilles}} * Religion in Curaçao * Telecommunications in Curaçao

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== Sources == * Habitantenan di Kòrsou, sinku siglo di pena i gloria: 1499–1999. Römer-Kenepa, NC, Gibbes, FE, Skriwanek, MA., 1999. Curaçao: Fundashon Curaçao 500. * Social movements, violence, and change: the May Movement in Curaçao. WA Anderson, RR Dynes, 1975. Columbus: Ohio State University Press. * Stemmen uit het Verleden. Van Buurt, G., Joubert, S., 1994, Curaçao. * Het Patroon van de Oude Curaçaose Samenleving. Hoetink, H., 1987. Amsterdam: Emmering. * Dede pikiña ku su bisiña: Papiamentu-Nederlands en de onverwerkt verleden tijd. van Putte, Florimon., 1999. Zutphen: de Walburg Pers

== Further reading == * Corcos, Joseph. A Synopsis of the History of the Jews of Curaçao. Curazao: Imprenta de la Librería, 1897. * Emmanuel, Isaac S. and Suzanne A. ''History of the Jews of the Netherlands Antilles''. 2 vols. Cincinnati: American Jewish Archives, 1970. * Rupert, Linda M. "Contraband Trade and the Shaping of Colonial Societies in Curaçao and Tierra Firme." ''Itinerario'' 30 (2006): 35–54.

== External links == {{EB1911 poster|Curaçao}} {{Commons category|Curaçao}} * [http://www.gobiernu.cw/nl/ Government of Curaçao] {{in lang|nl}} * [http://www.gobiernu.cw/pap/ Government of Curaçao] (in Papiamentu) * [http://www.curacao.com/ Curaçao Tourism Board] * [https://www.instagram.com/curacao/ Curaçao] – Official Instagram account

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