Aruba

History

Main article: History of Aruba

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Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th-century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.

Related Topics:
Spain - 1499 - Dutch - 1636 - 19th-century - Gold - 1924 - Oil - 20th century - Tourism

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Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles on January 1, 1986, and became a separate, self-governing member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Related Topics:
Netherlands Antilles - January 1 - 1986 - Kingdom of the Netherlands - 1990

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