Aruba

Geography

Main article: Geography of Aruba

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Aruba is a generally flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches. Most of these are located on the western and southern coasts of the island, which are relatively sheltered from fierce ocean currents. The northern and eastern coasts, lacking this protection, are considerably more battered by the sea and have been left largely untouched by humans. The interior of the island features some rolling hills, the better two of which are called Hooiberg at 165 m (541 ft) and Mount Jamanota, which is the highest on the island, at 188 m (617 ft) above sea level. Oranjestad, the capital, is located at {{coor dm|12|19|N|70|1|W|}}.

Related Topics:
Hooiberg - Mount Jamanota

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As a separate part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island has no administrative subdivisions. On the east are Curaçao and Bonaire, which form the southwest part of the Netherlands Antilles; the three islands are known collectively as the ABC islands.

Related Topics:
Kingdom of the Netherlands - Curaçao - Bonaire - Netherlands Antilles - ABC islands

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The local climate is a pleasant tropical marine climate. Little seasonal temperature variation exists, which helps Aruba to attract tourists all year round. Temperatures are almost constant at about 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Yearly precipitation barely reaches 500 mm (20 inches), most of it falling in late autumn.

Related Topics:
Climate - Degrees Celsius - Degrees Fahrenheit - Trade wind - Atlantic Ocean - Mm - Inch

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