The seat of the Curacao government (Netherlands Antilles) is in Willemstad. Netherlands Antilles is composed of five islands (Curacao, Bonaire, Saint Martin, Saba and Saint Eustatius). Though each of the islands has control of some internal affairs, the central government is based on Curacao. The Curacao government regulates the telecommunications, aviation, public health, police affairs, post and education.
Curacao has gained a limited self-government on January 1, 1954 but the local population didn’t fully participate in the political development until the series of social movements in the late ’60s. The political status of the Curacao government was later debated in the year 2000; discussing the relationship between the Netherlands and the islands of Netherlands Antilles. In a referendum held last April 8, 2005 on Curacao, together with the island of Saint Martin the residents voted for an autonomous state within the Kingdom of Netherlands. On April 15 of that same year, the Island Council of the Island Territory of Curacao has formally sanctioned the results of the referendum and pointed out its position as an autonomous country that has the same status of Aruba. Even though the Curacao government is not a member of the U.N. the Dutch government is in charge of its defense and foreign affairs.
The Curacao government is based on a parliamentary democracy. The parliament is composed of council ministers and a prime minister. The governor general is appointed by the Queen of Netherlands. The governor general is also the crown representative of the Netherlands Antilles. The Curacao government’s elected legislative officials assemble regularly to preside over the administration of government. Each of the Netherlands Antilles has its internal affairs ran by the island’s council and executive council which is composed of elected island council and a queen appointed governor. The newly elected prime minister of the island is Emily Elhage-Jonge.
The Curacao government has extended its infrastructure and modernized. The island has a large desalinization plant for its water and its oil refinery installation is still a major factor in the economy. The Curacao government’s revenue is still depending on the remittances from Holland. The oil refinery is more than 90% of its total export earnings. Offshore banking and tourism are also a major factor in their economy. With an annual 200 cruise ships calls and over 240,000 tourists, Curacao’s tourism is rapidly growing. Shipping and other activity relating to the harbour of Willemstad also is a major contributor of its economy.
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Gas Prices In Curacao
... done. Curgas which produces propane is the daughter company of Curoil, Curacao's oil refinery. Pricing oil products from Curoil, are dependent on several bases. Central government taxes, OB and excise, are the primary bases for gasoline prices in Curacao. For Regular gasoline, central government tax is roughly 43.3% of the entire price or about 77.97 cents/liter, 63.00 cents/liter of which is the excise tax and the remainder of which Curacao Government is the OB tax. This shows that the central government gets almost half of the gasoline prices. Aside from these government taxes, there are also other factors in setting gasoline prices in Curacao. The fixed factors are the excise government tax, the Curoil margin at 6.00 cents/liter for Regular gasoline, and gas station margin at 12.35 cents/liter. The OB tax, the purchase price, which...
Curacao Liqueur
... "Curacao liqueur". The same family then marketed the product. They made a massive investment to start the Curacao liqueur industry. Curacao liqueur has become a world success and with that many liquor manufacturers worldwide albeit produced Curacao liqueur but with artificial flavors. The genuine Curacao liqueur is called "Curacao of Curacao". Original Curacao liqueur is clear in color. It later evolved, and is now available in various colors for cocktail purposes (blue, red, orange and green). Colored Curacao liqueur has the same taste as the original. At present, the liquor has many flavors. The name "Curacao liqueur" is now generic and can be based on any white spirits. Many wine manufacturers around the world now produce Curacao liqueur. So if ever you will visit Curacao. Don't forget to visit that famous "Chobolobo Mansion" or "Country Estate". It is where the famous original Curacao liqueur or...
Curacao Gasoline
... sell it to the local government. In turn, Curacao had it leased to PDVSA, a Venezuelan oil company owned by the state. So two days after closing down Curacao Government the refinery, it opened under PDVSA. Currently, Curacao Isla refinery refines about 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making its production more than 320,000 barrels a day. Central America and the Caribbean islands get about half of Curacao gasoline production. The United States and Canada is being sold around 15% of it, as well as South America. The remainder of which is sold locally and in the neighbor Bonaire. While there are locals who are against these oil refineries that produce the much coveted Curacao gasoline, they are undeniably the foundation of Curacao's economy. Providing a vast number of employment opportunities for locals and immigrants alike, these refineries serve as the major source of Curacao gasoline for many places. Some residents would rather have tourism as the biggest source of Curacao's income. They believe that the richness of culture, the...
Curacao Tourism
... the Curacao Airport (Hato International Airport). With the awareness of a new tourism industry, hotels recreational facilities in Curacao are developing increasingly. Making themselves competitive with the rest of the world. The main factor of Curacao's tourism is its uniqueness from most of the other the Caribbean destination. It gives a different experience, very rich in its historical and cultural heritage, is known to be the best diving in the world; though underdeveloped, and offers a great quality of life. For those who want to indulge great culture in their destination, Curacao is the place to be. Most Curacao tourists will be pleased of what its resorts and recreational facilities got to offer. You can go to the beach, do some diving, hike on the mountains, go shopping and the most fun of all, the festivities. Festivities in Curacao is very much famous. Where else in the world do...
The Curacao Flag
... the Curacao flag? The two white stars represent the two islands of Curacao; Curacao and small Curacao or also known as Klein Curacao (a small uninhabited island southeast of Curacao). The yellow stripe depicts the sun dividing the blue sky and blue sea (that's why the color of the Curacao flag is blue). The five points of the star symbolizes the five continents of which the Curacao Government local population originated. Curacao celebrates its "Curacao Flag Day" on July 2. It is one of the many "Official Holiday" that Curacao celebrates annually. It is celebration starts with and flag raising ceremony at the Village of Barber and at the Plaza Brion. The day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies and cultural events. Some events are held at Otrobanda. There is also a historical Curacao flag that many experts believe is...
Curacao History
... be called as such? Curacao history can be traced as far back as 6,000 years ago during the Amerindian Arawaks days. They traveled and settled on islands. The group Caiquetios, were the ones Curacao Government who found the island, thus giving it its name. More famous stories of Curacao history are those of Christopher Columbus' famous voyages. It was believed that Alonso de Ojeda, one of his lieutenants, discovered Curacao around 1499. It was also said that Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian, was with Ojeda when he found Curacao. Some stories have it that during the voyage, Vespucci's men suffered from scurvy. Vespucci was said to have left these men on the island, only to find out on his return that they were all well. It was presumed that the fruits on the...
Curacao Island Map
Curacao like Willemstad, Otrabanda & Punda, and a separate Punda map can be found at www.caribbean-on-line.com . Curacao Government The maps on this particular site are so comprehensive and will no doubt let you get around the island pretty well. A laptop would have been the best tool to access sites like this especially while you're driving. Visiting Google Earth is highly recommended because it will provide you driving directions. Driving tips, signs and directions can also be found at www.curacao-travelguide.com . So if at one point you find yourself somewhat unsure which road to take, a few clicks will give you the right answer. But if laptop is not an option, internet caf s are available in Curacao as well. Handled by a GSM network, you can actually go online in a caf and let them print out all these in-depth maps as well as the Curacao Island map. Traveling in...
Map Of Curacao
... buying I suggest you go to www.ebay.com. Just enter "map of Curacao" on the search bar and eBay will do the rest. But if you want, you can print some on www.curacao-travelguide.com. Although the map isn't exactly detailed, it still is useful as to where one can find a place to enjoy because it has a brief description as to what is in the area and what to expect. The most likely you could do is order online. There are a lot of websites that offer maps of Curacao. All have to do is search it on a web based search engine (www.google.com Curacao Government or www.yahoo.com is highly recommended.). When choosing for a map, make sure that it is durable. With the wear and tear, most maps easily deteriorate after a few days of use. Some maps that are for sale on the internet, are glossy or laminated....
Curacao Culture
... parts of the globe during the nineteenth century. Even its language (Papiamentu) is a variation of Portuguese, Spanish, and African language that originated from the slaves that was part of the history of Curacao. The Papiamentu is (Curacao language) the most common language that is spoken on Curacao but is slowly diminishing. The Curacao government is trying to develop Papiamentu and now it is being taught in their school. Curacao music and dances are of mixed heritage too, but as time goes by the originality of the tradition is slowly losing ground. Like many countries worldwide, Curacao culture can only be recognized through their beliefs and attitudes. The strongest trait of the Curacao culture that the locals show is their love for music and dancing. This trait came from their African influence. This characteristic originated from the slaves who came from Africa and was passed along generation...
Curacao Airport
... causes an increase amount of travel time. Travelers are advised to observe these new regulations for their own safety. Here Curacao Government are some tips on how to speed up their process: 1. Check in at least two hours before departure time. 2. When passing through a security checkpoint, have your identification (government issued) ready. 3. Dress for a flight. If you set off a highly sensitive detector, it might mean there will be a more detailed search. Avoid wearing steel-toed shoes and metal belts. If you have a surgical implant, obtain a note from your doctor stating so (it will shorten the discussion with the airport security.). 4. Pack wisely. If you have food and drinks with you, it's best that you put them in your carry-on luggage some edible items set off bomb detectors. Avoid carrying wrapped presents with you, it...
Curacao Diving
Curacao. It drops off very steeply for just over a few hundred feet from the shore, also known by the locals as "blue edge". That's why in Curacao Government some diving spots there's no need for a boat. But there are some great diving spots in Curacao that can only be reached through a boat. On the southern coast of the island the water is remarkably calm which is very much the opposite of the northern coast; strong currents, rocky shoreline and lack of beaches. Even though it is dangerous for diving and swimming, experienced divers often go there because of the beauty of underwater life. Many diving enthusiasts want to experience what Curacao diving is like. Unlike in most places where the natural beauty of the diving spot deteriorates due to lack of restrictions, the underwater marine life in Curacao is very much still...
Maps Of Curacao
... a large array of maps of Curacao which you can order. This site offers a detail map of Curacao which shows hotels and resorts of which you can download and has details of major roads and highways of Curacao. * http://www.frommers.com/ - A very useful website that doesn't only book you for your trip but also offers tips and news of the place you want to go. It has maps of Curacao that is downloadable and free. Also has articles of famous places and excerpts from its guidebooks and a message board for you to post your message. Curacao Government There are many websites of which you can obtain maps of Curacao. Just compare the maps that you have found and choose the map that is suitable for the trip that you will be making. It is much better if you obtain a street map...
Sports In Curacao
... of Atlantic game fishes (Sailfish, Blue and White Marlin, Shark, Barracuda, Kingfish, Wahoo, Bonito, Amberjack and Blackfin, Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna); Curacao is a place favored by deep-sea fishers. With over 13 knots of wind blowing all year round, Curacao present a great opportunity for windsurfing. There are some skilled professional that offer their services for those who want to learn windsurfing. Curacao is also considered home of a number of sailing regattas all year round. There are shops that offer sailing equipments for rent. On the beach, there are lots of sporting activities. Beach volley is the most popular of them. We all know that if wherever there is a beach there is also beach volley. Kayaking or canoeing is also a popular sports in Curacao. Almost every resort in Curacao have kayaking or canoeing equipments. If don't know yet, hiking is also one popular sports in Curacao. Curacao has a National Park that you can climb or hike. You can...
Curacao Map
... in Curacao. The Curacao map is downloadable. Just right-click on the image and then choose "save picture as ". It is a very detailed map. It doesn't just feature the names of certain places, it also has details of what hotel or resort is on that area. It shows the location of places where you can shop and place where one can dine. A very important tool for those who love to go shopping and also useful for those who love to dine. It also shows historic sites, places of interest for you to go and most of all the, beaches (one of the most important places to visit when your in Curacao.). It also has the location of all must see places in Curacao and all the Kodak outlets (after you have visited the interesting areas you can go and have your picture developed on the outlet nearest you. http://www.ehi.com/travel/carib/bonaire/hot_map2.html Another website where you can have a Curacao map. Although...
Curacao At A Glance
... a lot of astounding architectures and landmarks because of its rich history. The city of Willemstad has many attractions one of the most frequented is the Fort Amsterdam. Curacao is also famous for its fine liqueur which is made of locally grown oranges. Curacao's local cuisine is very delicious and unique. This is because it is a mix of different cultures; the taste varies as its residents. The best tasted are the Curacao Government nasi goring, bami, and kabritu. Music is important to Curacao. Curacao has some sort of music carnival where local bands meet each year. There are many great festivities held year round, ranging from culture to music to food. The most widely known are the "Tumba Festival", "Children's Carnival" and the most popular, the...