Netherlands Antilles

The Netherlands Antilles (Dutch: Nederlandse Antillen), previously known as the Netherlands West Indies, are part of the Lesser Antilles and consist of two groups of islands in the Caribbean Sea that form an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (none of the other Antilles use this term in their name). The islands' economy is dependent mostly upon tourism and petroleum, though a large amount of money is also made through illegal drug trafficking.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the Netherlands Antilles

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The origins of the population and location of the islands give the Netherlands Antilles a mixed culture. Dutch influence can still be seen, even though not much of the population is of Dutch origin.

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Tourism and overwhelming media presence from the United States has increased the regional United States influence.

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The holiday of Carnival is, like in many Caribbean and Latin American countries, an important one.

Related Topics:
Carnival - Caribbean - Latin America

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See also: Music of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles

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