Where in the world are the Caribbean islands? Island possession of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba) Dutch Caribbean Islands

Located in the Lesser Antilles archipelago.

Bonaire is located in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles, 80 km from the coast of Venezuela. Sint Eustatius and Saba are located in the north of the archipelago, approximately 1000 km from Bonaire.

The low island of the southern group of Bonaire (241 m) represents the top of the underwater rise of the continental shelf framing the South American continent.

The islands of the northern group are formed by the peaks of ancient underwater volcanoes; they are mostly round in shape and have a fairly elevated topography.

Vegetable and animal world Bonaire is quite poor. In addition to domestic animals brought by Europeans, you can only find here great amount lizards and birds. Small evergreen forests, found here and there along the coasts of the island, are formed by thickets of milkweed, cacti and other thorny bushes. Vast green belts of imported decorative forms of vegetation have been formed around the resort areas.

The northern group has a slightly larger selection of wildlife representatives. On the western slopes mountainous areas There are rows of palm trees, forming in some places real forests. The eastern slopes retain slightly more natural forms of native vegetation and are mainly occupied by tropical forests, scrubland and relatively small areas of farmland.

Climate in the Caribbean Netherlands

The climate is tropical, maritime, trade wind. Most of the year the weather is warm and comfortable with minimal temperature differences between seasons. average temperature in summer it is about +27 °C (June-September), in winter +25 °C (December-February), while daily temperature changes are extremely insignificant - the temperature at night rarely drops below +20 °C, even in winter.

Northeast trade winds blowing from Atlantic Ocean, bring frequent and heavy rains. The average annual rainfall on Bonaire is 550 mm (65% of the rain falls between October and January), on Saba and St. Eustatius - up to 700 mm (the maximum falls between May and October-November).

Relative humidity is fairly constant throughout the year and averages 76%.

Bonaire lies south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is largely unaffected by the elements, while Saba and St. Eustatius are on the southeastern periphery of the zone and are susceptible to hurricanes, most likely between July-August and October.

Population

The population is about 18 thousand people (2010).

The ethnic composition of the local population is the descendants of European colonists and African slaves. These are mainly mulattoes and blacks (up to 85%), representatives of Indian peoples (up to 5%), Dutch, Spaniards, Portuguese and other immigrants from the European continent (up to 6%), as well as emigrants from countries East Asia and the Middle East.

Last changes: 10/12/2011

Language

official languages- Dutch, English (Saba and St. Eustatius) and Papiamento (Bonaire).

Papiamento is a creole language close to Portuguese.

Last changes: 10/12/2011

Religion

About 77% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.

Last changes: 10/12/2011

Money

Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius used the Netherlands Antilles guilder until 1 January 2011, after which they switched to the US dollar rather than the euro, which is used in the Netherlands, and not the Caribbean guilder, which will be adopted in Curacao and Sint from 2013 -Martene.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 08.00-8.30 to 11.30-12.00 and from 13.30 to 16.00-16.30. Some are open on Saturdays.

On Bonaire credit cards, as well as traveler's checks, are accepted for payment by most shops and hotels.

On Saba and St. Eustatius from non-cash payments more difficult, so it’s better to stock up on cash in US dollars.

Last changes: 10/12/2011

Communications

Telephone code: 599

Internet domain: .an

Ambulance - 912, police and fire service - 911

Island dialing codes

Bonaire – 7, St. Eustatius – 3, Saba – 4

How to call

To call from Russia to the Caribbean Netherlands, you need to dial: 8 – dial tone – 10 – 599 – island code – subscriber number.

To call from the Caribbean Netherlands to Russia, you need to dial: 00 – 7 – area code – subscriber number.

Landline communications

The communication system on the islands is quite modern and well developed. Payphones that can be used to make international calls are located in populated areas ubiquitous and work with several types of calling cards, which are sold at post offices, telephone company offices, supermarkets, newsagents, tobacconists, and gas stations. Many phones accept credit cards.

Calls through an operator (from a hotel) are much more expensive than automatic calls, since their cost includes a 15 percent tax and the cost of the operator’s services. International calls can also be made from the post office.

mobile connection

Cellular communications of the GSM 900/1800 standard cover all the islands and are quite modern. There are several cellular operators operating in the Caribbean Netherlands: East Caribbean Cellular (eastcaribbeancellular.com), Digicel Bonaire (digicelbonaire.com), Chippie (chippie.an), providing full coverage of the territory individual islands(connection between the islands is also stable, but its conditions vary depending on the operator).

Roaming with Russia is available to subscribers of the largest mobile operators.

Internet

The Internet is developed quite intensively on the islands. Local providers provide almost all types of network services. There are many internet cafes to be found in the island capitals and other major cities. Many hotels also provide internet access.

History of the Caribbean Netherlands

The Spaniards arrived on the islands at the end of the 15th century. The island of Saint Martin was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. In 1499 the Spaniard Alonso de Ojeda discovered southern islands, inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians. However, the Spaniards did not find precious metals there, and they did not begin to develop these islands.

In the period 1630-1640, the islands were occupied by the Dutch, then repeatedly occupied by the Spaniards, British and French. These islands also served as bases for pirates.

Finally passed to the Netherlands in 1816. Before the abolition of slavery in 1863, the territory was the center of the Caribbean slave trade.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a new impetus for the development of the islands was given by the oil companies Royan Dutch Shell and Exxon, which opened plants for refining Latin American oil in the Antilles. The oil industry provided the islands with a significant increase in prosperity and population growth due to the influx of labor from other islands Caribbean Sea.

However, since the beginning of the 80s, the profitability of oil refining in the Antilles began to decline.

Until 1986, the Netherlands Antilles included the island of Aruba, which was later a separate territory within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Between 2005 and 2009, residents of Sint Maarten, Curaçao, Bonaire and Saba voted to secede from the autonomy of the Netherlands Antilles, while St. Eustatius supported the continuation of education as it was then. However, none of the islands supported the declaration of independence from the Netherlands.

On 10 October 2010, under the terms of an agreement between the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles, the islands of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius became autonomous territories Netherlands and formed the Caribbean Netherlands (unofficial name), and Curacao and Sint Maarten received the same status as Aruba (an autonomous member state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands).

The Dutch government will take over the defense and foreign policy of the new countries and territories.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Tap water usually comes from desalination plants or natural springs and is relatively safe to drink, but bottled water is generally recommended, especially during the first days on the islands.

Particular attention is paid to cleanliness and order in public places, so littering on the street is not recommended - the fines are quite significant.

Characteristic hazards include very high level solar radiation, protective creams, wide-brimmed hats and light clothing are recommended.
(Winair).

The flight duration from Moscow to Amsterdam is about 3.5 hours, from Amsterdam to Bonaire – about 12 hours, to Sint Maarten – about 11 hours (excluding connections). The cost of the flight is about 1300-1500 euros (round trip).

If the connection time in Amsterdam is no more than 24 hours, a transit visa is not required, provided that you do not leave the transit area of ​​Schiphol Airport (there are 2 hotels in this area). If you plan to spend the night in a hotel in the city, you must obtain transit visa.

When departing from Bonaire and Sint Maarten, a tax of $22 is charged for international flights and $10 for domestic flights. Children under 2 years of age (not occupying a separate seat on the plane) are exempt from paying the fee. transit passengers leaving the country by air within 24 hours, as well as diplomats.

Last changes: 04/10/2017

If you decide to purchase property on one of the two largest islands of the archipelago, the island of Bonairo or the island of Curacao, you will be required to additionally pay the municipality an amount equivalent to 15% of the cost of your house or apartment, since this is the mandatory fee established by the local authorities . In the event that you decide to enter into a rental agreement for any property you are interested in, which is located on the island of Bonairo or the island of Curacao, you will automatically become one of the payers of the accommodation tax, which is calculated at a rate of 5 percent of the total rental price agreement. 09.17.2010 Found an error in the article? Please let us know about it.

Buy real estate on the Caribbean islands

St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean €6,531,354 Area 4641 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean €334,941 Area 159 m2 Henley & Partners Cottage in Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean €1,088,559 Area 148 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean €2,512,059 Area 148 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean €2,344,589 Area 217 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean islands 1,339,765 euros Area 257 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean Islands 339,128 euros Area 467 m2 Henley & Partners Land in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean Islands 774,552 euros Area 1474 m2 Henley & Partners Not were you able to find a suitable object? Leave a request for selection - companies and private sellers will offer you real estate according to your requirements.

Real estate in the Caribbean islands

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Real estate on the Caribbean islands by the sea

Then, such an enterprise is required to engage in the actual business associated with the operation of the holding company, and is subject to the tax laws in force in the local territory. If the above conditions are met, the holding is not subject to income tax on capital gains received from equity participation. Foreign citizens When purchasing real estate in these areas, they become the owners of a number of advantages that can be calculated based on the immutability of the factor of profitable investment of funds.


When buying property on one of the islands of the archipelago, you will have to pay a fairly reasonable tax, compared to many other countries, which is equal to 6 percent of the total cost of the house or apartment you are purchasing.

Purchasing real estate in the Netherlands Antilles

Attention

Since buying real estate can be clearly classified as a time-consuming and complex process, it is best, even before you start working with realtors and agents, to try to study in as much detail as possible the situation that has developed in the local real estate market and become familiar with the basics local legislation. If you, as an individual, decide to sell your own property, then the income you receive from the successful transaction of buying and selling a house or apartment is not subject to taxation. As for such a calculated indicator as the annual rate of profit, determined as a percentage of the total cost of real estate, for industrial facilities it is, on average, 10%, for commercial buildings such as shopping centers or shops - 8-9%, for offices - approximately 9%, and for residential apartments and houses it is 12%.

Real estate on the Caribbean islands

The purchase of yacht berths is also considered as an investment. Investments in marinas are considered one of the most effective types of investments. Investors who want to buy a home in the Caribbean for a minimum amount to obtain citizenship are considering the option of shared ownership of real estate.
This option makes it possible to obtain a country passport and eliminates the additional costs of maintaining the house during the five mandatory years of ownership. Many of those who obtain a Caribbean passport through other means (for example, through a charitable contribution to the government) subsequently buy residential property, such as a villa with a pier in the Caribbean, as a good investment. Buyers are attracted by the high standards of housing construction, the constant development of the region and the pleasant climate.

Real estate in the Caribbean[#110]Caribbean islands

In accordance with its requirements, the Legislative Assembly operates as a representative body on the island territory, and administrative branches such as the Council of Ministers, the Advisory Council and the Governor deal with issues of an executive nature. The territory of the Netherlands Antilles has received active development due to the fact that a large offshore financial center was created here. It should be emphasized that those holding companies that were created in this territory have good tax benefits at their disposal, since dividends received as a result of the profitable activities of foreign subsidiaries are not subject to taxation, subject to a number of certain conditions.


To do this, the holding you are interested in, first of all, must be the owner of at least a quarter of the shares of its subsidiary.

Private villas for sale on the Caribbean islands

Denex.Ru / Articles / Real estate abroad / Purchasing real estate in the Netherlands Antilles The Netherlands Antilles, also referred to as the Dutch or Netherlands Antilles, is an archipelago that can be divided into two separate groups of islands located near Venezuela in the Caribbean sea. This territory, which is formed by six islands of different sizes, covers an area of ​​960 square kilometers and is considered an autonomy, or self-governing colony, of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Such a document as a separate legislative “Code of State” regulates the general mechanism of the structure of the Dutch Antilles.

Information

IN last years The real estate market in the Caribbean has intensified significantly. Wealthy foreigners buy houses and plots on the Caribbean islands not only for a profitable investment, but also for recreation and life in one of the most beautiful places peace. The governments of the Caribbean countries are making accommodations for real estate buyers, creating attractive conditions for foreigners.

Important

Thanks to this, the influx of foreign investment has increased significantly, which has had a positive impact on the development of the economy of the Caribbean region. Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Dominica are ready to provide foreign investors with their citizenship for the purchase of local real estate. To do this, you need to invest in real estate in the Caribbean from USD 200,000 - USD 400,000 (the minimum amount depends on the country).

Caribbean Islands

There is a limited list of completed or under construction real estate projects that are recognized by national governments as grounds for obtaining citizenship. Property can be rented out or sold five years after receiving the passport. Citizens of these countries can visit many countries of the world, including Europe, without a visa.

At the same time, they recognize dual citizenship. For foreigners participating in the investment program, effective tax planning opportunities are provided. Most program participants prefer to buy housing for USD 500,000 - USD 1.5 million in 4-5 star resorts. Owners of such real estate get access to fitness centers, spas, swimming pools, tennis courts, libraries, and restaurants located on their territory.

Some investors purchase plots of land to build houses according to individual projects.
In order to speed up the process of searching, selecting and purchasing real estate, you can use the services of realtors. True, in this case you will need to provide for the occurrence of such additional cost items as, on average, 0.5-1% of the amount of the loan you took and 1.5-2.2% of the total contract price of the house or apartment you are purchasing. In addition to the tax on the acquisition of real estate and payment for real estate services, the buyer also makes such mandatory payments as a bank fee for opening a loan in the amount of 1.5% of the mortgage loan amount, as well as a notary fee, which, including the costs of processing various documents, on average , is 1.1%.

Dutch islands in the Caribbean real estate for sale

Rent villas and apartments in the Caribbean! The Caribbean Sea and the hundreds of islands located here are true paradise! As befits a paradise on earth, there is much to enjoy, see and do. The beauty of the world entertainment area number one includes mountains covered with coconut trees, verdant valleys of sugar cane and bananas, white sandy beaches and dazzling sunlight. The Caribbean islands, which have attracted foreign powers for so long, have rich history and cultural roots, in which the influence of Great Britain, Holland, Spain, America, France and even Denmark is noticeable. These influences, wedded to a touch of Africa, have found expression in the emergence of a unique type of people, particularly characterized by a variety of skin colors and languages, as well as warmth.

Aruba is a small island and state entity of the same name, located in the southern Caribbean Sea near the coast of Venezuela. Most western island among the Lesser Antilles. It is a federal subject within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Land area - 193 km?. The population is 105 thousand people. Most high point The island is the peak of Yamanota, less than 200 m high. The population of Aruba is just over one hundred thousand people.

There are various theories about the origin of the island's name. It is most likely that the word "Aruba" comes from the Native American words "ora" ("shell") and "oubao" ("island"), which when combined can mean "shell island." Another possible combination is "uru" ("canoe") and "oubao" ("island"), which may mean that the Indians used canoes to travel by sea and thus settled Aruba. According to another theory, the name may come from the Spanish “oro hubo” (“there was gold here”), associated with the search for gold by Spanish sailors in the Caribbean region.

Aruba was discovered by the Spaniards in 1499, and the peaceful local population - the Arawak Indian tribe - was almost completely transported to Hispaniola (Haiti). Since 1642, Aruba has been in Dutch possession.

Previously, the island was part of the Federation of the Antilles (Netherlands Antilles), from which it separated in 1986. Aruba is part of the Dutch metropolis and as such is also a territory of the European Community under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Netherlands. Aruban citizens have pan-European passports and the right to free entry, residence and work within the EU.

In 1990, the island of Aruba voluntarily renounced its independence, which it should have received in 1996, and received the status of a territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with internal self-government. All questions foreign policy and defense are the responsibility of the Dutch government. The Queen of the Netherlands is represented on the island by a governor elected for a 6-year term. The regulation of issues of internal self-government belongs to the unicameral parliament of Aruba, elected by universal suffrage for a term of four years. Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.

The official language of the island is Dutch. Many local residents speak the language "Papiamento", which was formed on the basis of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English languages and Indian dialects. English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

All laws are issued in Dutch. The highest judicial power is represented Supreme Court Denmark in The Hague. However, Aruban legislation has also been significantly influenced by English case law. Aruba has its own university.

Aruba is considered the state with the highest standard of living in the West Indies. The island's economy is very open and heavily dependent on tourism and the offshore financial services sector. Most goods are imported, since the island has almost none of its own. natural resources. The island's main sources of income are tourism, oil refining, exports of industrial products and offshore financial services.

Aruba is one of the most popular islands Lesser Antilles. You can sunbathe and swim here all year round, because the country is located very close to the equator. Tourists are also attracted here by the fact that Aruba is located outside the zone of tropical hurricanes that periodically hit most of the Caribbean islands.

The climate is tropical marine. The change of seasons is almost imperceptible. A large number of sunny days a year and the coolness of the sea breeze create optimal conditions for relaxation - the air temperature is approximately +29C all year round, the water temperature is 24-27C.

Aruba has a rather specific landscape: its topography is dominated by arid plains, enlivened only by sparse shrubs. The island is absolutely devoid of rivers and mountains; its highest point is Mount Hamanota, rising only 188 meters above sea level.

The nature of the island has its own mysterious beauty. These include snow-white sandy beaches with spreading palm trees, stretching for 12 km along southwest coast islands, and a calm, very clear sea, in the depths of which visibility reaches 100 meters. These are the proud reefs northern shores Aruba, where the waters of the Atlantic Ocean rage like thunder, forming high coral bridges and dark, secret grottoes, and nature reserves with cacti taller than a person.

The underwater world of the coastal waters of Aruba is very vibrant - here you can see all kinds of corals, including rare black ones, as well as a variety of fish, lobsters and turtles. Constantly blowing breezes made the island the capital sailing. Aruba is also called the Caribbean Monte Carlo - there are dozens of respectable hotels, restaurants and luxury casinos here, including the largest in this region - Royal Cabana.

The island has gained popularity both among connoisseurs of truly Caribbean pleasures: a hammock and tropical cocktails, and among lovers active rest: scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing, catamarans, fishing, golf, horse riding and much more. etc.

The World Windsurfing Championship is held annually in Aruba, because the local trade winds create excellent conditions for practicing this sport.

The capital of the island - the city of Oranjestad (20 thousand) is built up with bright colored houses of Dutch architecture. Seen windmills, whimsically combined with tropical landscapes. Everything bears the imprint of Dutch culture, as in other possessions of the Netherlands.

Of particular interest to tourists is the Church of St. Anna, Natural Bridge, picturesque Mount Yamanota, folklore festivals “BON BINI”. A water park with many slides and cascading waterfalls is a great place for families with children.

Besides nature and climatic conditions Aruba boasts a historical heritage - in ancient times, Indian tribes lived here, as evidenced by rock paintings, hieroglyphs on stones and numerous museums.

There are three museums on the island. The archaeological museum presents an exhibition telling about the prehistoric period of the island. In the historical museum you can get acquainted with the facts of the history of the island, when it was under the rule of Spain and then Holland. The most interesting may be the numismatics museum. It presents about 30 thousand coins not only from Aruba, but from all over the world.

San Nicolas is the second largest city on the island. It was built in British style. Previously, most of the workers who worked at the oil refinery lived here. Now it's sea ​​port. Among the attractions of San Nicolos one can highlight the Charlie Bar with various finds from the bottom of the sea hung on the walls; Church of Christ; Evangelical Church of St. Nicholas; Anglican Church of the Holy Cross; Church of St. Teresita, also located near the city Catholic chapel The Grotto of Lourdes, founded in 1958 in honor of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to a local resident.

In the north of Aruba there is also the Church of the Pilgrims (Alto Vista Chapel). This is the first Christian building on Aruba. The previous church was built on this site in 1750 by the joint labor of Indians and Spaniards, and has long been the center of Catholicism in Aruba. Later it was forgotten, and in 1952 it was restored, and now this yellow church is a national shrine. Divine services are held here every day, and the burial places of the founders of the church, Domingo Antonio Silvestre and Miguel Enrique Albarez, which are located near the church, have turned into one of the places of pilgrimage local residents.

In general, we can say that the main attractions of the island are located in its northern part. At the northernmost tip of the island stands the California Lighthouse. The name of the lighthouse was given by the ship California, which ran aground in these places on September 23, 1891. The lighthouse was built in 1914. From here you can see a breathtaking view of West Coast islands and the surrounding sand dunes.

Further east along the coast are two popular natural attractions - a natural bridge that collapsed in 2005 and a natural pool. The natural bridge was washed out of the shore by waves for many years and was an arch whose length was 30 m and height 7 m. Next to the collapsed big bridge there is a small bridge. The natural pool is a stretch of coastal waters that are surrounded on all sides by rocks. How they got here - no one knows. Getting to the pool is quite difficult because the stones are very large.

Not far from the pool is the area of ​​rocks and canyons of Ayo Rock. Huge boulders painted with ancient petroglyphs are scattered throughout Ayo Rock. Some boulders are inexplicably folded into circles, and it is unknown whether this was done by man or nature.

Details Category: North American Dependent Territories Published 07/16/2014 18:44 Views: 2355

There is another name for this possession of the Netherlands: Caribbean Netherlands. The domain includes the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and small coastal islands.

The island of Bonaire is located in the group of Leeward Islands, the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius are in the northern part of the Windward Islands.

State symbols

Flag and coat of arms- Flag and coat of arms of the Netherlands. You can read about the country of the Netherlands and its state symbols on our website: The Netherlands is the most populous country in Europe.

State structure

Form of government
Head of State
Capital– Kralendijk.
Largest cities– Kralendijk, Oranjestad, Bottom.
Official language and – Dutch, English, Pagliamento.
Territory– 322 km².
Administrative division- three communities.
Population– 18,012 people
Currency- U.S. dollar.

Special Municipality of Bonaire

Hotel on the coast

State symbols

Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2:3. The blue part of the cloth means the Caribbean Sea, the yellow triangle means the sun, vitality, development and prosperity of the island, the white stripe means freedom and peace. The wind rose, reminiscent of a compass, indicates that its inhabitants have long had a reputation as the most skillful navigators of the southern Caribbean and are excellent at navigating the sea. It also symbolizes the unity of purpose of the islanders.
The star represents the militancy and resilience of the local people, and its red color is a symbol of the blood shed in the struggle for survival and the determination of the islanders to withstand the harsh struggle with nature. The six ends of the star are reminiscent of the six villages - the first settlements on the island. The flag was approved on December 15, 1981.

Coat of arms– created on the basis of the flag of Bonaire in 1986. The symbolism of its colors and elements coincides with the flag. The helm emphasizes the important role of the sea and navigation in the life of the island, and the royal crown recalls the sovereignty of the Netherlands. The coat of arms was approved in 1986.

State structure

Form of government- federal overseas community of the Netherlands.
Head of State- Monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands represented by the Chairman.

Territory– 288 km².
Population 15,666 people
official languages– Dutch and Papiamento.
Administrative center and The largest city – Kralendijk.

Nature

On this small island care about preserving nature. In 1969, Washington-Slagbay Park was opened. The park area is covered with bushes, there are many hills and lakes, and numerous hiking trails. The park is engaged in conservation natural complexes arid lands, thickets of tall cacti, nesting areas of pink flamingos, as well as numerous species of parrots, bats, iguanas and lizards.

Pink flamingo
The long coral reef that surrounds the island of Bonaire has been designated as a National Reef since 1979. marine park, the entire undersea world from the sea surface to a depth of 60 m.

Underwater world of Bonaire
Pekelmere Nature Reserve on Bonaire is the largest flamingo breeding ground in the Western Hemisphere.
The fauna of the island includes lizards, bats, about 200 species of birds, and wild goats. More than 450 species of fish have been recorded in the waters around the island, four varieties sea ​​turtle and about 70 species of algae.

Story

The first inhabitants of the island were the Caquetios Indians, who settled Bonaire around the 10th century. BC e. Within 20 years of their first contact with Europeans, who arrived off the coast of Bonaire in 1499, most of the Indians died of disease or were taken to Haiti. For almost 100 years, only exiled settlers from countries lived here South America, numerous herds of cattle from the ranch of the Spanish governor roamed. Over time, settlers from Europe founded small settlements on the site of modern Rincon and in the Antriol region, north of the modern capital of the island. In response to the Spanish capture of St. Martin, the Dutch occupied Bonaire in 1633, but it was not until 1791 that it officially became part of the crown.

Community of St. Eustatius

Saint Eustatius Island
St. Eustatius is an island in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Windward Islands. Its dimensions are 8 km long and 3 km wide. In the southeast it borders by sea with Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Named in honor of the Great Martyr Eustathius. Great Martyr Eustathius(?-118) – Christian saint. Eustathius refused to make sacrifices to the pagan gods and openly professed himself a Christian. Condemned with his family to be torn to pieces by wild animals, he was not touched by them. After this, the emperor ordered them to be thrown alive into a red-hot copper bull, where the saints accepted their martyrdom. Their bodies remained unharmed and were buried by Christians.

"Execution of Eustathius in a red-hot copper bull." Unknown German artist of the 16th century.

State symbols

Flag– is a rectangular blue panel divided into four five-sided blue squares bordered in red. In the center is a white area in the shape of a diamond, in which the silhouette of an island is depicted in green. At the top of the diamond is a five-pointed gold star.

Coat of arms– consists of a shield and a motto. The shield consists of three parts, representing the present and future of the island. The golden rock indicates historical prosperity, and an orange fort and angelfish are also depicted. The motto translated from English is: “Proud and confident.” The shield is surrounded by blue beads, which were a sign of wealth. The coat of arms was approved on November 9, 2004.

State structure

Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.
Head of State- Monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands represented by the Governor.
Capital- Oranjestad.
Official language– Dutch, English.
Territory– 21 km².
Population– 3583 people
Religion– Christians (Catholics, Methodists, etc.)
Currency- U.S. dollar.
Economy– The main source of income is tourism.

Nature

At the base of the island lies an ancient dormant volcano, whose cones are easily visible in the form of the main landmarks of the island - the double-headed mountain Mount Masinga (600 m) in the very southeast and the Signal Hill massif in the north. The coast of the island is rocky, the cliffs fall straight to the coastline, so good beaches there is very little here.

The only city on the island is Oranjestad. Most of the island is arid, with vegetation limited to a dozen species. On the slopes and in the crater of Mount Masinga, which collect enough moisture, grows real a tropical forest, there are 18 species of orchids growing.
The island is inhabited by 25 species of birds, snakes, lizards and tree frogs. Domestic animals include goats, cows and donkeys.

Attractions St. Eustatius

Oranjestad

Fort
The only city and administrative center of the island of St. Eustatius, as well as a port. Population – about 1,021 people.
The city is divided into two parts: the Lower City, located near the coastline (historical part), and Upper town– the main commercial and residential center of Oranjestad. The main attraction of Oranjestad is Fort Oranje, preserved from the 17th century. right in the city center with a view of coastline. There is also an old Dutch Reform church (partially destroyed) in the city.
There is a medical university in the city, and not far from the city there is a Botanical Garden Miriam Schmidt.

Story

After the discovery of numerous islands in the Caribbean, not a single European power was able to establish a permanent settlement on the island of St. Eustatius. And only in 1636, after the victory over the French, the Dutch founded the first fortified village on the site of the foundation of the French fort. Later, the island changed hands 22 times from one country to another. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. the island was a thriving port, popularly known as the "Golden Rock".

Saba Community

Saba is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Part of the Caribbean Netherlands.

State symbols

Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2:3. The combination of red, white and blue colors on the flag recalls the historical and political ties with the Netherlands and the federation of the Netherlands Antilles. The red color symbolizes the unity, courage and determination of the local people, and the blue symbolizes the Caribbean Sea.
The five-pointed star represents the island of Saba, and its yellow color represents the natural beauty and wealth of the island, as well as how dear and dear it is to the heart of every islander. The flag was approved on December 6, 1985.

Coat of arms– the coat of arms depicts a mountainous silhouette of the island, against which a cloud floats in the background, as well as sailing ship and fish are symbols of the Caribbean Sea. At the bottom of the shield there is a potato tuber, the leaves of another important food crop - sabka cabbage - frame the coat of arms. The coat of arms is surmounted by the head of Audubon's petrel. This local bird is considered the personification of mystery, loneliness and an unpredictable future, characteristic, according to the authors of the coat of arms, of the fate of the island of Saba itself, and also symbolizes the role of the sea in the life of the islanders, bringing them prosperity (fishing) and misfortune (devastating typhoons). On the ribbon under the shield is the Latin motto: “By oars and sails,” recalling that the island was discovered in calm weather, and sailing ships I had to approach it with oars. Allegorically, it expresses the will of the islanders to achieve progress by any means necessary.

State structure

Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.
Head of State- Monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, represented by the Governor.

Government House in Bottom
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital- Bottom.
The largest city- Windwardside.
Official language– Dutch, English is widely used.
Territory– 13 km².
Population– 1991 people
Currency- U.S. dollar.
Economy– the basis of the economy is tourism.

Nature

Typical view on the island
The island is the top of the underwater volcano Mount Cinery, which rises 890 m above the water (the highest island of the Dutch possessions in the region). There are no rivers or permanent watercourses here; the leeward (western) side is dry and overgrown only with thickets of cacti and dry bushes. But the windward (eastern) side of Saba provides a sharp contrast with the dry west: mountain slopes here are overgrown with lush forests with big amount tree ferns, palms, mahogany, oleander, hibiscus and orchids.

tree fern
More than 60 species of birds, several species of lizards and tree frogs nest in the forests.

Sights of Saba

Battom city

It is the administrative center of Saba Island. Here are located government agencies, a hospital, a nursing home, 3 churches, a sports ground, several shops and a university school of medicine.

Windwardside

The largest city on the island of Saba. The city is located Historical Museum Subs, Memorial Museum Harry L. Johnson.

Airport

Juancho Irausquin Airport on Saba Island is considered international airport with the shortest runway in the world: its length is less than 400 m, and only three types of aircraft are allowed to land here. The airport is among the top ten dangerous airports peace. The airport's unusual runway is located at the very edge of Saba Island.

Story

Saba was inhabited by Arawakan tribes more than 1,300 years ago.
On his second trip to New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus passed near the coast of Saba, but did not land here because of the rocky shores.

The Dutch claimed their rights to the island in 1632, the first colonists arrived here from St. Eustatius in 1640. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British captured the island of Saba and held it until 1816, and then returned it to Holland. Since then, it has been considered one of the most remote areas of this country.

Country population 18,012 people Territory 322 km² Located on the continent of America, Caribbean Capital Kralendijk Money Dollar (USD) Domain zone .nl and .an Country telephone code +599

Hotels

The hotels of the Caribbean Netherlands (as the three islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba are called) are very colorful: they occupy the buildings of former colonial mansions. They are located along the coast, which is very convenient. There are no all-inclusive hotels here. Most often, the room rate includes breakfast; board (lunch and dinner) can be purchased for an additional fee.

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Attractions

The Caribbean Netherlands is real Holland against the backdrop of the sea and exotic palm trees. It has everything: beautiful, seasoned Dutch architecture, good infrastructure, warm sea, long, well-groomed stripes of beaches. The island of Bonaire is famous for its Washington-Slagbai National Park. If you are a cactus lover, sand dunes, and most importantly - a thoughtful holiday without crowds of tourists - this place is a must for travel!

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Resorts

The islands have good, comfortable weather all year round, +25. There are no hurricanes, tropical downpours or intense humidity, which makes you feel so hot. All beaches are the property of the municipality, that is, the hotel cannot fence off a separate piece of coastline.

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Leisure

Diving is the main attraction for tourists. A riot of colors, a rich underwater world, colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs are the main reasons for diving on the islands! If you are new to this business, then there are many schools and experienced instructors who will teach you everything. Bonaire coast due to trade winds - popular place for windsurfing. Trekking and ecotourism are other popular activities for vacationers.

Transport

The best thing you can do is rent a car and drive around the islands on your own. In places general movement The roads are good, but if you drive deep into the islands (where cars are extremely rare), the road narrows sharply and turns into a single lane. A bus ticket costs 2 US dollars. They go on schedule. Convenient if you need to save on taxis.

Standard of living

Caribbean Netherlands - belongs to Holland. The entire infrastructure of cities, the product range in supermarkets, order on the streets and employment of the local population are the work of the European big brother. The islanders are engaged in fishing, serving tourists, and working in government jobs. Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba have the highest standard of living in the Caribbean.

Cities

The city of Kralendijk is the administrative center of three islands, located on the island of Bonaire. Only 3,000 people live here, but the colonial city center is often visited by tourists. The abundance of Dutch architecture makes you feel like you're in Europe. Stone lighthouse - main symbol cities.


Population

 

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