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
The following gasoline prices based on consumer price Curacao Government are quoted in NAf cents per liter: Regular 92 - 176.60, Super 95 - 180.10, Kerosene 110.00, and Gasoil (Diesel) - 92.00. Domestic gas prices in Curacao quoted in NAf/cylinder are as follows: 100 lbs - 51.70 and 20 lbs - 12.70. Note that Curacao's currency the Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAf) or sometimes called the Antillean Guilder is at this rate: NAf 1.79 is equivalent to $1. Curacao's florin is equal to a hundred NAf cents. Definitely, oil products are cheaper in places that have their own oil refineries. The gas prices in Curacao so with its gasoline, may not differ immensely with those of other countries but their system of setting the prices and maintaining it at that for a period of three months provide a big help...
Curacao Liqueur
... 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). Curacao Government 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 of Curacao" was developed. The Mansion is now one of the popular tourist attractions...
Curacao Gasoline
... military targets. American soldiers were placed under the command of the Royal Dutch Navy and the Antilles troops. A lesser demand in oil around 1985 made Shell close its refinery and sell it to the local government. In turn, Curacao had it leased to PDVSA, a Venezuelan oil company owned by Curacao Government the state. So two days after closing down 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...
Curacao Tourism
... are developing increasingly. Making themselves competitive with the rest of the world. The Curacao Government 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...
The Curacao Flag
... the Curacao flag is blue). The five points of the star symbolizes the five continents of which the 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 Curacao Government a historical Curacao flag that many experts believe is doubtful. It is said to be very much alike with the Dutch flag only it has a Coat of Arms in the center (which is not the official coat of arms of Curacao. The coat of arms that is used on this particular flag...
Curacao History
... and other establishments. Famous Dutch activity was the slave-trade, beckoning the start of the Papiamentu language. This became the primary form of communication, being a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and African dialects. The 18th century is significant in Curacao history. The British tried to overthrow the Dutch plenty of times until everything was settled by the Treaty of Paris. Curacao was rewarded back to the Dutch, slavery was totally abolished but the economy was slow. The early 19th century opened new doors with the discovery of oil. Soon Curacao and Aruba were distilling crude oil for a Venezuelan oil company. World War II made Curacao a part of the Netherland Antilles along with Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. Whichever Curacao history is true, all of them are very interesting. Curacao Government Some may just be figments of someone's imagination or a story pieced...
Curacao Island Map
... are suited to those seeking adventure. This type of map is Curacao Island's first topographical map, and will likely lead to some unspoiled parts of Curacao. A lot of websites should be helpful. Curacao Island map as well as detailed maps of major places in Curacao like Willemstad, Otrabanda & Punda, and a separate Punda map can be found at www.caribbean-on-line.com . The maps on this particular Curacao Government 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...
Map Of Curacao
... 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 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. Be sure that...
Curacao Culture
... the Dutch motivated religious freedom, it has Curacao Government attracted trade market from different 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 to generation. Known as "tambu", this African tradition is an ancient form of...
Curacao Airport
... the recent terror attack all over the world (especially after the 9-11 tragedy). Airline security has tightened checkpoints and conducted additional regulations with regards to cargo and luggage. In the Hato International Airport, travelers are often stopped for random inspections and must present themselves and their luggage. This is one of the security measures that the airport has increased which causes an increase amount of travel time. Travelers are advised to observe these new regulations for their own safety. Here 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 Curacao Government your identification (government issued) ready. 3. Dress for a flight. If you set...
Curacao Diving
... be diving on a beautiful beach instead of a boat and no more seasickness. Read on and you will know why Curacao diving is truly a pleasurable Curacao Government experience. You want to know how could that be possible? It's quite interesting; it is because of the uniqueness of the sea floor of 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 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...
Maps Of Curacao
... website that offer maps of Curacao. All you have to do is find a map that is detailed enough for you to purchase or download. If you are opting to use the internet, here is a list of website that have maps of Curacao. Some are useful enough; some just show where certain locations are. Just choose a map that you may find useful. * http://www.ebay.com - A highly popular web based search engine that lets you search for anything that is for auction. Just key-in "maps of Curacao" then click "Search" and eBay will do the rest. Highly recommended for those who want to search for things at a low price. * http://www.curacao-travelguide.com - This website offers information of hotels, car rentals, beaches and even weather. The only setback of the map...
Sports In Curacao
Curacao is a place favored by deep-sea fishers. With over 13 knots of wind Curacao Government 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 hike through the 4,500 acre Christoffel Park. There is also the Rif Recreation Area that has a 2-mile jogging track....
Curacao Map
... to go in Curacao? Looking for an ideal hotel or resort near the place you want to explore? Want to go to a certain location in Curacao? Then you better have a map of Curacao, not just an ordinary map that just tells the location but a map that tells what hotels and resorts and interesting places and all kind of stuff are available for a particular area. Pretty neat isn't it? You can find lots of maps on the internet that has the same Curacao Government features mentioned above. Here are some of them. http://www.ih.k12.oh.us/msbeauregn/map.htm The Curacao map that this site has gives you an idea of where to stay when you are in Curacao. The Curacao map is downloadable. Just right-click on the image and then choose "save picture as...
Curacao At A Glance
Papiamento (the local language that was derived from the Portuguese, Spanish, and African dialects by the slaves) English and Spanish are widely spoken. Curacao's first inhabitants were the Arawak Amerindians and were later decimated by the Spanish expedition of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. Rediscovered by the Dutch in 1634 but was ignored by colonist due to lack of resources such as gold which was what most colonists seek. Curacao then proved its worth in commerce and shipping trade. Curacao is famous for its beaches and diving spots. Over 35 beaches with a wide variety, some surrounded by cliffs and rocks others by flora and fauna, they all have the same clear turquoise waters. Because the unusual feature that is locally known as the "blue edge", Curacao's sea floor drops off just a few hundred meters Curacao Government from the shore where one can go diving without a boat. Curacao has a lot of astounding architectures and landmarks because of its rich history. The city of Willemstad has many attractions one of the most...