The Netherlands Antilles is comprised of six islands in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are divided into two widely separated groups located approximately 500 miles apart. The northern group, also known as the Windward Islands, includes Saint Eustatius, Saba, and the southern part of Saint Martin. The two southern islands are Bonaire and Curaçao. Quota International of Curaçao is based in the capital port city of Willemstad.

Courtesy of The General Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.

Curaçao—home to Quota's first club in the Netherlands Antilles—is the largest island of the Netherlands Antilles, with an area of 171 square miles. The island is located about 45 miles north of the Venezuelan coast, and is approximately 40 miles east of Aruba. One feature that distinguishes Curaçao from its neighbors is its irregular coastline, which allowed for the development of excellent natural harbors. The capital city of Willemstad on the island's southern coast is a vibrant port city that is a stopping point for the shipment of crude oil from Venezuela. Once outside the city, the landscape becomes barren and dusty, hosting plants and animals that have evolved over the years to live in this environment. A tour of the area will reveal evergreens, cacti, dori frogs, and white-tailed deer. The climate, though classified as tropical, has a pleasant average year-round temperature of 77º F (25º C). In addition, Curaçao lies completely below the Caribbean hurricane belt.

The first inhabitants of the island were the Caiquetos, a peace-loving tribe of Arawak ancestry. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive on the island, led by Alonso de Ojeda in 1498. The Spaniards remained in control of the island until 1634, but they did little to develop the colony because they were unable to find any deposits of gold. Instead, they transported the natives to work as slaves on Hispaniola. By the time the Dutch took possession of the island, there were only about 400 indigenous people remaining in Curaçao. Under Dutch control, the island developed agriculture and salt harvesting. By 1795, Willemstad became important in slave trading. In the early 1800s, Holland briefly lost control of Curaçao to the British, but soon regained possession in 1816.

Conflicts in ninteenth century Europe and the Americas led to the immigration of many different groups to Curaçao. Modern-day culture reveals evidence of different ethnicities, religions, and races that have melded together to create a unique blending of lifestyles that characterize the island today. African, Dutch, Jewish, Portuguese, Chinese, Indians, and Venezuelans have all made their mark on Curaçao's architecture, cuisine, music, and language. In fact, most islanders speak Spanish, Dutch, English, and Papiamento (a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and English that has evolved over the centuries). A governor, who is appointed by the Queen, represents the Queen of Holland. Curaçao obtained its autonomous status within the kingdom in 1949, allowing parliamentary elections and self-government. The country's defense and foreign affairs are still managed by the Dutch.

A visit to Curaçao is certain to pique your interests. Willemstad is a picturesque city that boasts an eclectic mix of historic neighborhoods, churches and temples, and museums to explore. Divers will enjoy the coral reefs and hikers will want to explore the national parks on the island. And everyone will welcome the friendly nature and hospitality that the islanders exude to the many tourists from around the world that vacation in Curaçao.

Visit these sites for more tourism information on the Netherlands Antilles:
http://www.ten-ham.com
http://www.islandconnoisseur.com/abc
http://www.curacao-travelguide.com
http://www.bonaire-travelguide.com

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