# Oranjestad > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Oranjestad > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Oranjestad.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oranjestad > Source revision: 1356954350 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Capital of Aruba}} {{use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} {{For|the town in Sint Eustatius|Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Oranjestad | native_name = {{nativename|pap|Playa}} | native_name_lang = | settlement_type = [Capital city](/source/Capital_city) | image_skyline = Sightings in Oranjestad.jpg | image_alt = | image_caption = '''Clockwise:''' Townhall, I Love Aruba sign, Royal Plaza, Plaza Simon Bolivar, Plaza Betico Croes, Tram in center of the town, Census Building, Plaza Daniel Leo, Willem III tower.
'''Center clockwise:''' Wilhelmina Park, Archeological Museum, Ecury House, Protestant church, Aruban Courthouse, San Francisco church | image_flag = | flag_alt = | image_seal = | seal_alt = | shield_alt = | etymology = [Orange](/source/Prince_of_Orange) Town | nickname = Playa | motto = One Happy Island | image_map = | map_alt = | map_caption = | pushpin_map = Aruba#North America | pushpin_relief = yes | pushpin_label_position = left | pushpin_mapsize = 280px | coordinates = {{coord|12|31|07|N|70|02|09|W|region:AW_type:city(27,300)|display=inline,title}} | coor_pinpoint = | coordinates_footnotes = | subdivision_type = Sovereign state | subdivision_name = {{flag|Kingdom of the Netherlands}} | subdivision_type1 = Country | subdivision_name1 = {{ABW}} | subdivision_type2 = Regions | subdivision_name2 = Oranjestad West
Oranjestad East | established_title = Founded | established_date = c. {{Start date and age|1796}} | founder = | seat_type = | seat = | government_footnotes = | leader_party = | leader_title = | leader_name = | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = | area_note = | area_water_percent = | area_rank = | area_total_km2 = 23 | area_land_km2 = | area_water_km2 = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = 4 | population_as_of = 2020 | population_footnotes = {{cite web |title=Aruba |at=Oranjestad Oost / West |access-date=2023-05-29 |date=2020-10-01 |website=City Population |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/aruba/cities/?admid=8060}} | population_total = 28,658 | population_density_km2 = 2,522 | population_rank = 1st | population_note = | population_demonym = | timezone1 = [AST](/source/Atlantic_Standard_Time) | utc_offset1 = -04:00 | postal_code_type = | postal_code = | area_code_type = | area_code = | iso_code = | blank_name = [Climate](/source/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification) | blank_info = [BSh](/source/Semi-arid_climate) | website = | footnotes = }} '''Oranjestad''' ({{IPAc-en|UK|ɒ|ˈ|r|æ|n|j|ə|s|t|ɑː|t}} {{respell|orr|AN|yə|staht}},{{Cite dictionary |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Oranjestad |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322182733/https://www.lexico.com/definition/oranjestad |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-03-22 |title=Oranjestad |dictionary=[Lexico](/source/Lexico) UK English Dictionary |publisher=[Oxford University Press](/source/Oxford_University_Press)}} {{IPAc-en|US|ɔː|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|-|,_|oʊ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|-}} {{respell|or|AHN|-,_|oh|RAHN|-}},{{Cite American Heritage Dictionary|Oranjestad|access-date=10 August 2019}}{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Oranjestad|access-date=10 August 2019}} {{IPA|nl|oːˈrɑɲəstɑt|lang}}; literally "[Orange](/source/Prince_of_Orange) City"), the [capital](/source/Capital_city) and most populous of [Aruba](/source/Aruba)'s eight regions, is located on the southwestern coast of the island. In [Papiamento](/source/Papiamento), the local language, Oranjestad is commonly referred to as "'''Playa'''" by the locals.{{Sfn|Nooyen|1965|p=26}} Administratively, the Oranjestad is divided into two regions: East and West.{{cite report |url=http://cbs.aw/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Fifth-Population-and-Housing-Census-Aruba.pdf |title=Fifth Population and Housing Census, 2010: Selected Tables |author=Aruba Central Bureau of Statistics |date=29 September 2010 |page=75-76 |access-date=28 April 2021}} In 2010, the capital had a population of 28,294, and by 2020, it increased to 28,658. ==History== Since 1754, European settlers established modest plantations along Aruba's south coast and the flat northwestern region, leading to the emergence of the first residential centers.{{Sfn|Hartog|1980|p=72}}{{Sfn|Nooyen|1965|p=27}} In the early 20th century, the island was divided into four "[districts](/source/District)": the first district, Playa, the second with [Noord](/source/Noord), the third with [Santa Cruz](/source/Santa_Cruz%2C_Aruba), and the fourth with ''Sabaneta'' ([Savaneta](/source/Savaneta)).{{sfn|Benjamins|Snelleman|1917|p=59}} By 1795 or 1796,{{Efn|Alofs and Merkies (2001) mentions 1795, whereas Bosch (1836) references 1796.}} as Aruba opened up and trade restrictions eased, urban development commenced. Traders and craftsmen subsequently migrated to the ''village by the bay''.{{Sfn|Alofs|Merkies|2001|p=17}} Governor [Johann Lauffer](/source/Johann_Lauffer) granted permission to settle at the bay and engage in trade, with the condition that trade goods were sourced from [Curaçao](/source/Cura%C3%A7ao).{{Sfn|Bosch|1836|p=51}} Jewish settlers in Aruba, likely driven by the economic decline in Curaçao, engaged in [smuggling](/source/smuggling) discreetly. Fluent in [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language), they leveraged their connections with the mainland via the predominantly Jewish-controlled Curaçao trade (see [History of the Jews in Curaçao](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_Cura%C3%A7ao)). The [Sephardim](/source/Sephardim), facing economic challenges, established independent trading colonies in the [Caribbean](/source/Caribbean) around 1796, maintaining close links with Curaçao in trade, religion, and marriage.{{Sfn|Karner|1969|p=30}} Smuggling played a pivotal role in Jews choosing Aruba as their settlement.{{Sfn|Nooyen|1965|p=30}} Choosing ''[Paardenbaai](/source/Paardenbaai)'' ("Bay of Horses") as a trading hub, rather than ''Commandeursbaai'' ("Commander's bay") in [Savaneta](/source/Savaneta) was influenced by its improved ship accessibility and the ongoing prohibition of trade and settlement east of [Hooiberg](/source/Hooiberg), which included Commandeursbaai.{{Sfn|Alofs|Merkies|2001|p=17}} They exported local products like cattle, sheep, poultry, Antillean dyewood (''[Haematoxylum brasiletto](/source/Haematoxylum_brasiletto)''), and gold after 1824. However, the primary trade involved importing goods from Curaçao, which were then smuggled ashore using small vessels along the [Venezuelan](/source/Venezuela) coast, in [Coro](/source/Coro%2C_Venezuela), and nearby areas.{{Sfn|Lennep Coster|1842}} Imports encompassed items such as food, clothing, tools, and more. Additionally, red slaves were transported from the mainland.{{Sfn|Alfofs|Merkies|pp=21-22|2001}} Illegal trade from Paardenbaai spurred the growth of Playa village. The command's relocation played a key role in this development. Although the exact date of the commander's move to Playa is unknown, [Fort Zoutman](/source/Fort_Zoutman) was erected in 1798, marking a significant period when traders shifted from Ponton to Paardenbaai. Following the commander's arrival, milestones in the village's early history included the construction of the first [Catholic church](/source/Catholic_Church), between 1800 and 1810 and the arrival of the initial [Protestant](/source/Protestantism) religious instructor, Klaas van Eekhout, in 1822 were milestones in the early history of the village.{{Cite web |last=DBNL |date=1911 |title=Geschiedenis der Protest. Kerk op Aruba., Neerlandia. Jaargang 15 |url=https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/_nee003191101_01/_nee003191101_01_0704.php |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=DBNL |language=nl}} The trade boom, however, saw a decline around 1822 or 1823 due to a civil war, during which [Simon Bolivar](/source/Sim%C3%B3n_Bol%C3%ADvar) and the independence movement expelled the Spaniards from South America. Similar to Curaçao, trade dwindled, but a new drive for Aruban colonization emerged—the discovery of gold in 1824.{{Sfn|Alofs|1997|p=2}} During the visit of Governor [Paulus Roelof Cantz'laar](/source/Paulus_Roelof_Cantz'laar) in 1824,{{Sfn|Alofs|Merkies|2001|p=17}} the village was named Oranjestad after [William I of the Netherlands](/source/William_I_of_the_Netherlands).{{Sfn|Bosch|1836|pp=34-38}}{{Blockquote|text={{lang|nl|Hoezee! Hoezee! Hoezee! Lang leve de Oranjestad! zij groeije en bloeije!}} Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Long live Oranjestad! May it grow and flourish!|multiline=yes|source=Gerardus B. Bosch, ''Reizen in West-Indië, en door een gedeelte van Zuid-en Noord-Amerika. Tweede Deel''{{Sfn|Bosch|1836|pp=34-38}} (1836)|character=}} [[File:R. B. Lloyd. Aruba 1815.jpg|thumb|240x240px|''Aruba 1815'' depicts Paardenbaai harbour and village at the bay during English [interregnum](/source/interregnum).{{Cite book |last=Alofs |first=Luc |url=http://archive.org/details/BNADIGARTIKELALOFS2019 |title=Arubaanse geschiedenis in kaarten, deel 1: de kustkaart van Engelbertus Horst, 1773; deel 2: Lloyd, Spengler/Van Raders en Gravenhorst, 1815-1828 |date= |year=2019 |at=Aruba in 1815 |language=nl |trans-title=Aruban History in Maps, Part 1: The Coastal Map by Engelbertus Horst, 1773; Part 2: Lloyd, Spengler/Van Raders, and Gravenhorst, 1815-1828}} |left]] In 1805, Paardenbaai had 32 houses, which increased to 185 by 1824 and 196 by 1832. The village was described in 1837 as "of great size but so irregularly built that it resembles more a heap of scattered houses than anything that can be called a city".{{Sfn|Alofs|Merkies|2001|p=17}} In 1860, approximately 1,000 out of Aruba's 2,849 inhabitants resided in the capital.{{Sfn|Hartog|1980|p=480}} In Oranjestad-west, the ''Ranchoe'' (or [''Rancho''](/source/Rancho%2C_Aruba)) area formed a distinct neighborhood where the majority of the island's fishing population resided.{{sfn|Benjamins|Snelleman|1917|p=59}} In 1837, the ''Socotoro'', a governmental plantation, cultivated [cochineal](/source/cochineal) known for its [carmine](/source/Carmine_(color))-red [dye](/source/dye), and by 1845 Socotoro was allocated for aloe cultivation.{{Sfn|Hartog|1980|pp=159-166}} Socotoro was not the sole plantation or area in Oranjestad to have cultivated the cochineal mites; Companashi, Mon Plaisir, and Sividivi were also included.{{Cite book |last=Caribbean Speed Printers N.V. |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-ARUBATODAY-2023-08-17 |title=Aruba Today (August 17, 2023) |date=2023-08-17 |publisher=Oranjestad: Caribbean Speed Printers N.V. |page=A10}}{{Annotated image|image=BNADIGWERBATAARUBA 0005.jpg|image-width=2500 |image-left=-950 |image-top=-650 |width=222 |height=222 |float=right|annotations=|caption=Former ''Socotoro'' state plantation (1912)}} thumb|Aerial view of Oranjestad and the bay (1964) The establishment of the [Lago Oil and Transport Company](/source/Lago_Oil_and_Transport_Company) and [Arend Petroleum Company](/source/Arend_Petroleum_Company), oil refineries, not only led to a population increase but also brought about a significant increase in prosperity for Oranjestad.{{cite web |title=Lago and Eagle: the oil industry on Aruba |url=http://www.historiadiaruba.aw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=42 |access-date=28 April 2021 |website=Historia di Aruba}} In Oranjestad along Paardenbaai, residents included traders, shopkeepers, and craftsmen. A select few, with larger pieces of land, ships, and shops, constituted the wealthier class. However, excessive wealth was rare. City houses usually resembled those in the districts. Notably luxurious city houses emerged in the period following the arrival of the oil industry ({{Circa|1924-1930}}), as the business elite capitalized on the economic boost brought about by the oil industry.{{Cite book |last=Alofs |first=Luc |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-HARTOG-ARUBAANSAKKOORD |title=Arubaans Akkoord : Opstellen over Aruba van voor de komst van de olieindustrie |last2=Rutgers |first2=Wim |last3=Coomans |first3=Henny E. red |date=1997 |publisher=Bloemendaal: Stichting Libri Antilliani |page=55}} == Geography == In terms of geomorphology, Oranjestad is situated on limestone sediments from the [Early Miocene](/source/Early_Miocene), dating back to approximately 24 [Ma](/source/Myr).{{Cite web |date=2016-12-21 |title=Landscape Series No. 3: A review of Geology, Climate and Hydrology – Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2016/12/21/landscape-series-no-3-a-review-of-geology-climate-and-hydrology/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-US}} The city also includes man-made expansion into the sea, featuring notable areas such as the Renaissance Marketplace (formerly Seaport Marketplace) and Queen Wilhelmina Park situated on reclaimed land. Additionally, the [Important Bird Area](/source/Important_Bird_Area) [MPA](/source/Marine_Park_Aruba) [Oranjestad Reef Islands](/source/Oranjestad_Reef_Islands) is located adjacent to the main harbor. === Regions and zones === Aruba is categorized into 8 regions, each with its respective zones. Oranjestad is further divided into two regions: Oranjestad West and Oranjestad East, each comprising 8 zones.{{Cite web |date=2019-06-27 |title=GAC (Geographical Address Classification) 2019 and 2020 |url=https://cbs.aw/wp/index.php/2020/12/03/gac-geographical-address-classification-2019/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Central Bureau of Statistics}} {{Col-begin}} {{Col-break}} *Oranjestad West ** Pos Abou / Cunucu Abou ** Eagle / [Paardenbaai](/source/Paardenbaai) ** Madiki Kavel ** Madiki / [Rancho](/source/Rancho%2C_Aruba) ** Paradijswijk / Santa Helena ** Socotoro / Rancho ** Ponton ** Companashi / Solito {{Col-break}} *Oranjestad East ** Nassaustraat ** Klip / Mon Plaisir ** Sividivi ** Sero Blanco / Cumana ** Dakota / Potrero ** Tarabana ** Sabana Blanco / Mahuma ** Simeon Antonio {{Col-end}} === Climate === Oranjestad has a [hot semi-arid climate](/source/semi-arid_climate) ([Köppen](/source/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification) ''BSh''). Temperatures are high year-round, the air is humid with low [diurnal temperature variation](/source/diurnal_temperature_variation) also year-round, whilst rainfall is very low due to the region lying in a zone of divergence between the southeast trade winds to the south and the [North American Monsoon](/source/North_American_Monsoon) further north. The exception to this aridity occurs during the short rainy season from September to January when the southward retreat of the [Intertropical Convergence Zone](/source/Intertropical_Convergence_Zone) generates more frequent moist northeasterly winds. {{Weather box | location = Oranjestad, Aruba (normals 1991–2020, extremes 1951–2020) | metric first = Yes | single line = yes | width = auto | Jan record high C = 32.5 | Feb record high C = 33.0 | Mar record high C = 33.9 | Apr record high C = 34.4 | May record high C = 34.9 | Jun record high C = 35.2 | Jul record high C = 35.3 | Aug record high C = 36.1 | Sep record high C = 36.5 | Oct record high C = 35.4 | Nov record high C = 35.0 | Dec record high C = 34.8 | year record high C = 36.5 | Jan high C = 30.3 | Feb high C = 30.6 | Mar high C = 31.1 | Apr high C = 31.9 | May high C = 32.4 | Jun high C = 32.5 | Jul high C = 32.4 | Aug high C = 33.2 | Sep high C = 33.2 | Oct high C = 32.4 | Nov high C = 31.5 | Dec high C = 30.7 | year high C = 31.8 | Jan mean C = 27.0 | Feb mean C = 27.1 | Mar mean C = 27.4 | Apr mean C = 28.2 | May mean C = 28.7 | Jun mean C = 29.0 | Jul mean C = 28.9 | Aug mean C = 29.5 | Sep mean C = 29.6 | Oct mean C = 29.1 | Nov mean C = 28.4 | Dec mean C = 27.5 | year mean C = 28.4 | Jan low C = 24.8 | Feb low C = 24.8 | Mar low C = 25.3 | Apr low C = 26.0 | May low C = 26.7 | Jun low C = 26.9 | Jul low C = 26.7 | Aug low C = 27.2 | Sep low C = 27.3 | Oct low C = 26.7 | Nov low C = 26.0 | Dec low C = 25.3 | year low C = 26.1 | Jan record low C = 19.0 | Feb record low C = 20.6 | Mar record low C = 21.2 | Apr record low C = 21.5 | May record low C = 21.8 | Jun record low C = 22.7 | Jul record low C = 21.2 | Aug record low C = 21.3 | Sep record low C = 22.1 | Oct record low C = 21.9 | Nov record low C = 22.0 | Dec record low C = 20.5 | year record low C = 19.0 | rain colour = green | Jan rain mm = 44.0 | Feb rain mm = 19.5 | Mar rain mm = 10.0 | Apr rain mm = 8.6 | May rain mm = 14.1 | Jun rain mm = 17.4 | Jul rain mm = 19.6 | Aug rain mm = 31.4 | Sep rain mm = 42.9 | Oct rain mm = 76.5 | Nov rain mm = 87.1 | Dec rain mm = 80.1 | year rain mm = 451.1 | Jan humidity = 77.8 | Feb humidity = 76.2 | Mar humidity = 75.9 | Apr humidity = 76.9 | May humidity = 77.9 | Jun humidity = 77.4 | Jul humidity = 77.8 | Aug humidity = 75.6 | Sep humidity = 76.2 | Oct humidity = 77.9 | Nov humidity = 78.8 | Dec humidity = 77.9 | year humidity = 77.2 | unit rain days = 1.0 mm | Jan rain days = 10.8 | Feb rain days = 4.5 | Mar rain days = 2.0 | Apr rain days = 1.5 | May rain days = 1.7 | Jun rain days = 2.8 | Jul rain days = 4.1 | Aug rain days = 3.1 | Sep rain days = 3.3 | Oct rain days = 7.3 | Nov rain days = 9.6 | Dec rain days = 11.0 | year rain days = 61.7 | Jan dew point C = 22.5 | Feb dew point C = 22.2 | Mar dew point C = 22.5 | Apr dew point C = 23.4 | May dew point C = 24.2 | Jun dew point C = 24.4 | Jul dew point C = 24.4 | Aug dew point C = 24.8 | Sep dew point C = 25.0 | Oct dew point C = 24.6 | Nov dew point C = 24.0 | Dec dew point C = 23.2 | year dew point C = | Jan sun = 282.5 | Feb sun = 275.8 | Mar sun = 303.8 | Apr sun = 287.4 | May sun = 297.9 | Jun sun = 299.0 | Jul sun = 305.3 | Aug sun = 301.7 | Sep sun = 280.5 | Oct sun = 257.3 | Nov sun = 248.4 | Dec sun = 270.4 | year sun = | source 1 = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba{{cite web | url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19912020.pdf | publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba | title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1991–2020 | access-date = 14 February 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210215041140/http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19912020.pdf | archive-date = 15 February 2021 | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19511980.pdf | publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba | title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1951–1980 | access-date= 14 February 2021 }}{{cite web | url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/CLIM_SUM_Aua.pdf | publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba | title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1971–2000 | access-date= 14 February 2021 }}{{cite web | url = http://www.meteo.aw/files/Download/climatnormals19812010.pdf | publisher = Departamento Meteorologico Aruba | title = Summary Climatological Normals Period 1981–2010 | access-date= 14 February 2021 }} | date = February 2011 | source 2 = Weather.Directory {{cite web|url=https://weather.directory/aw/oranjestad |title= Oranjestad Weather & Climate Guide |access-date= 16 Oct 2025 |website= Weather.Directory}} }} ==Culture== [[File:Oranjestad Aruba in 2015.jpg|thumb|The Royal Plaza Mall in [Dutch Colonial architecture](/source/Dutch_Colonial_architecture).]] [[File:ORANJESTAD NEW PROTESTANT CHURCH.jpg|thumb|The [New Protestant Church](/source/Protestant_Church_(Aruba)) in 2004.]] There is some [Dutch Colonial architecture](/source/Dutch_Colonial_architecture). Due to increased government interest in maintaining the island's cultural heritage, a number of old buildings and houses in the center of town have been transformed into colorfully restored landmarks, such as the lime-colored [City Hall](/source/City_Hall_(Oranjestad)) on Wilhelminastraat.{{cite web |url=https://www.monumentenfondsaruba.com/project/eloy-arends-house-city-hall/ |title=Eloy Arens House (City Hall) |website=Monumenten Fonds Aruba |access-date=20 February 2022 |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114195234/https://www.monumentenfondsaruba.com/project/eloy-arends-house-city-hall/ |url-status=dead }} ===Sports=== Oranjestad is home to the football teams [SV Dakota](/source/SV_Dakota), [SV Racing Club Aruba](/source/SV_Racing_Club_Aruba), and [SV River Plate Aruba](/source/SV_River_Plate_Aruba), all of which play in the top [Aruban Division di Honor](/source/Aruban_Division_di_Honor). ==Economy== [Air Aruba](/source/Air_Aruba) once had its headquarters in Oranjestad.''World Airline Directory''. Flight International. March 17–23, 1999. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1999/1999%20-%200498.html?search=%22Air%20Canada%20Centre%22 46]. Air Aruba suspended its operations on 23 October 2000.[https://web.archive.org/web/20010302174720/http://www.interknowledge.com/air-aruba/ Overview]. Air Aruba. March 2, 2001. Retrieved on October 6, 2009. [Tiara Air](/source/Tiara_Air) has had its head office in Oranjestad since 2006, except between 2014 and 2016 when the company suspended services due to the Venezuelan Airline Crisis."[https://web.archive.org/web/20090302190133/http://www.tiara-air.com/component/option,com_contact/task,view/contact_id,2/Itemid,10/ Contact]." [Tiara Air](/source/Tiara_Air). March 2, 2009. Retrieved on March 23, 2014. "Sabana Blanco 70E, Suite 11 Oranjestad Aruba " ===Tourism=== Several modern recreations have emerged, including the outdoor shopping mall at Royal Plaza, and a few scattered buildings along Main Street and on the Main Square. The late 18th century [Fort Zoutman](/source/Fort_Zoutman) is one of the town's main attractions and the oldest structure on Aruba. It is regarded by [UNESCO](/source/UNESCO) as a 'Place of Memory of the Slave Trade Route in the Latin Caribbean'.{{cite web |title=About Fort Zoutman / Historical Museum |url=http://www.lacult.unesco.org/sitios_memoria/sitios/aruba/2-Fort_Zoutman/Modelo_ING.pdf |accessdate=2024-08-20 |publisher=Unesco.org}} Others attractions on the island include the tax-free harbour and the Willem III Tower, located near the fort. There are about [eight museums](/source/list_of_museums_in_Aruba) on the island. ===Renaissance Island=== The touristically named Renaissance Island (formerly Sonesta Island){{cite web | title =Sonesta Island | url = https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147247-i144-k845765-Sonesta_Island-Aruba.html | access-date = 2020-03-04}} is a {{convert|40|acre|adj=on}} [cay](/source/cay) (or barrier reef) island, officially known as the Bucuti Rif{{cite web | title =Harbour Map and Navigational Chart. From Netherlands Government chart, 1977 | url = https://www.arubaports.com/main/oranjestad/ | access-date = 2020-03-04}}{{cite web | title =Navigation Waypoints referencing to "Bucuti Island" | url = https://www.aruba-cruisingguide.com/navigation/ | access-date = 2020-03-04}} and it is off the coast near Oranjestad. It is privately owned and has the only private beaches on Aruba.{{cite web | title =Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino | url =http://www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/aruba/review-40803.html | access-date = 2014-08-20}} There are two beaches: Iguana Beach and Flamingo Beach. A [Beechcraft 18](/source/Beechcraft_Model_18) and a [Convair](/source/Convair) 400 were both deliberately sunk about {{convert|50|yards}} offshore to create a diving site.{{cite book | last =Huber | first =Joyce | title =Best Dives of Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao | publisher = Hunter Publishing, Inc | date =2011 | isbn = 9781588437495 }} [Flamingo](/source/Flamingo)es can be seen on the island.{{cite web | last =Suri | first =Charu | title =Where to see Flamingos in Aruba | url =http://www.afar.com/highlights/where-to-see-flamingos-in-aruba | access-date =2014-08-20 | archive-date =3 September 2014 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140903115334/http://www.afar.com/highlights/where-to-see-flamingos-in-aruba | url-status =dead }} However, they are not native to Aruba.{{cite web|url=https://journalistontherun.com/2017/07/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about-flamingo-island-aruba/|title=Everything You Need To Know About Flamingo Beach Aruba|date=1 July 2017}} ==Transport== [[File:Mecury in Aruba.JPG|thumb|The [MV ''Mercury''](/source/MV_Celebrity_Mercury) docked in 2006]] [[File:Aruba hospital.jpg|thumb|[Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital](/source/Dr._Horacio_E._Oduber_Hospital) in 2003]] Oranjestad is conveniently connected to the [Queen Beatrix International Airport](/source/Queen_Beatrix_International_Airport), located {{convert|2.5|km}} from the city center. The downtown area is serviced by a [tramway line](/source/Trams_in_Oranjestad).{{cite web|url=http://www.tramz.com/aw/aw.html|title=THE BATTERY TRAMS OF ARUBA|website=www.tramz.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tramz.com/aw/awm2.html|title=The Streetcars of Oranjestad|website=www.tramz.com}} ''Caya G. F. Betico Croes'', commonly known as Main Street or ''Caya'', serves as Aruba's primary shopping destination in Oranjestad. However, in recent years, shoppers have increasingly favored Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, the city's main thoroughfare. This shift is partly due to the boulevard's proximity to the cruise ship terminal ad harbour area. [Paardenbaai](/source/Paardenbaai) is the largest passenger port on the island, accommodating up to five vessels.{{cite web|url=https://www.arubaports.com/main/oranjestad/ |title=Oranjestad|website=Aruba Ports|access-date=2 May 2021}} For cargo vessels, there's a port at [Barcadera](/source/Barcadera%2C_Aruba), situated {{convert|5|km}} to the east.{{cite web |title=Nieuwe haven Barcadera op Aruba officieel in gebruik genomen |url=https://www.navingocareer.com/nieuwe-haven-barcadera-op-aruba-officieel-in-gebruik-genomen/ |access-date=1 May 2021 |website=Navingo Career}} Plans are underway to enhance loading capacity at Oranjestad, including the construction of a marina to address the insufficient docking space for yachts and fishing boats.{{Cite web |title=Port City Oranjestad {{!}} Aruba Ports Authority |url=https://www.arubaports.com/main/port-city-oranjestad/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-US}} == Education == Oranjestad is home to the [University of Aruba](/source/University_of_Aruba), which offers programs in law and economics, and to the island's largest secondary school (''[Colegio Arubano](/source/Colegio_Arubano)''), both modeled on the Dutch system. Many students enroll in universities in the Netherlands for graduate and postgraduate degrees. ==People== *[Dave Benton](/source/Dave_Benton), winner of the [Eurovision Song Contest 2001](/source/Eurovision_Song_Contest_2001) for [Estonia](/source/Estonia) *[Xander Bogaerts](/source/Xander_Bogaerts), baseball player, two-time [World Series](/source/World_Series) champion *[Bobby Farrell](/source/Bobby_Farrell), singer, [Boney M](/source/Boney_M) *[Vince Irie](/source/Vince_Irie), singer-songwriter{{cite web|url=https://www.arubahuis.nl/prvoorlichting/persberichten/570-arubaanse-vince-irie-gaat-door-naar-de-live-show-van-the-voice-of-holland |title=Arubaanse Vince Irie door naar de live show van The voice of Holland |website=Aruba Huis|access-date=28 April 2021|language=nl}} *[Chadwick Tromp](/source/Chadwick_Tromp), baseball player, [Atlanta Braves](/source/Atlanta_Braves) ==See also== *[Elias Mansur Stadion](/source/Elias_Mansur_Stadion) == Notes == {{Notelist}} ==Sources== * {{cite book |last1=Alofs |first1=Luc |url=https://www.academia.edu/38868608/Savaneta_een_vlek_of_dorp |title=Savaneta, een vlek of dorp |year=1997 |trans-title=Savaneta, a hamlet or village}} * {{Cite book |last=Alofs |first=Luc |url=https://archive.org/details/BNADIGARUBIANA2014/mode/2up?q=nooijen |title=Ken ta Arubiano?: sociale integratie en natievorming op Aruba, 1924-2001 |last2=Merkies |first2=Leontine |publisher=VAD/De Wit Stores |year=2001 |location=Oranjestad |language=nl |trans-title=Who is Aruban?: Social Integration and Nation Formation on Aruba, 1924-2001}} * {{cite book |last1=Benjamins |first1=Herman Daniël |url=https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/benj004ency01_01/ |title=Encyclopaedie van Nederlandsch West-Indië |last2=Snelleman |first2=Johannes |publisher=Martinus Nijhoff Publishers |year=1917 |location=Leiden |at=Aruba |language=nl}} * {{Cite book |last=Bosch |first=Gerardus Balthasar |url=https://archive.org/details/BNADIGKOSTBARE0388II |title=Reizen in West-Indië, en door een gedeelte van Zuid-en Noord-Amerika |publisher=L.E. Bosch |year=1836 |volume=2 |location=Utrecht |language=nl |trans-title=Travels in the West Indies, and through a portion of South and North America}} * {{Cite book |last=Hartog |first=Johan |url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-ARUBIANA-0021/mode/1up |title=Aruba: zoals het was, zoals het werd: van de tijd der Indianen tot op heden |publisher=Van Dorp |year=1980 |location=Aruba |language=nl |trans-title=Aruba: As it was, as it became: From the time of the Indians to the present}} * {{Cite book |last=Karner |first=Frances P. |url=https://archive.org/details/sephardicsofcura0000fran |title=The Sephardics of Curaçao: A study of socio-cultural patterns in flux |publisher=Van Gorcum & Comp N.V. |year=1969 |location=Assen, Netherlands}} * {{Cite book |last=Lennep Coster |first=G. van |title=Aanteekeningen, gehouden gedurende mijn verblijf in de West-Indiën, in de jaren 1837-1840 |publisher=Schleijer |year=1842 |location=Amsterdam |pages=90-105 |language=nl |trans-title=Notes kept during my stay in the West Indies, in the years 1837-1840 |chapter=Het eiland Aruba |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-EXT-KIT-LENNEP-1842/page/90/mode/2up}} * {{Cite book |last=Nooyen |first=R.H. |url=https://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-ARUBIANA-0066/mode/1up |title=Millefiori di Aruba |publisher=Publica cu cooperacion di Stichting Aruba Nostra |year=1965 |location=Oranjestad, Aruba |language=pap |trans-title=Millefiori of Aruba}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *{{Commonscatinline}} *{{wikivoyage-inline|Oranjestad}} {{Aruba topics}} {{Dutch capital cities}} {{List of North American capitals}} {{Authority control}} Category:Oranjestad Category:Capital cities in the Caribbean Category:Populated places established in 1798 Category:Populated places in Aruba Category:1790s establishments in the Dutch Empire Category:1798 establishments in North America Category:18th-century establishments in Aruba --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Oranjestad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oranjestad) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oranjestad?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.