Aruba (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Introduction Geography People Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues Print This Frame Aruba Introduction Top of Page 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 ...

The oldest part of Aruba's cultural heritage is exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Aruba. The permanent collection gives the visitor a taste of early periods in the history and pre-history ofthe island.