ABW

ABW is the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 code for Aruba, a Caribbean island country that is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela and near Curaçao and Bonaire, Aruba covers about 180 square kilometers and features a dry, sunny climate with light tradewinds. The population is around 110,000, and the island is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and desert-like landscapes.

Aruba operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The Dutch monarch is the ceremonial head of state, represented by a Governor. The prime minister acts as head of government, leading a cabinet and a unicameral parliament known as the Staten van Aruba, which has 21 members. The official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), though U.S. dollars are widely accepted in commerce. The Central Bank of Aruba manages monetary policy and financial regulation.

The economy is heavily service-oriented, with tourism as the dominant sector, supported by international business, logistics, and offshore services. Aruba has a multilingual society where Dutch and Papiamento are official languages; English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourism sector. The island’s culture blends Afro-Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin American influences, reflected in music, cuisine, and festivals. The capital and largest city is Oranjestad, and the island is served by Queen Beatrix International Airport, providing connectivity with the Americas and Europe.

Historically, Aruba separated from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 to become a distinct constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, maintaining close ties with the Netherlands while preserving local autonomy.