United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ Introduction Aruba Background: 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. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990. ”

“ Economy Aruba Economy - overview: Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy, with offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. ”

“ GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $28,000 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA
industry: NA
services: NA Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA
highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices) : 3.2% (2002 est.) Labor force: 41,500 (1997 est.) ”