CURAÇAO

History and
Culture
THEME: CELEBRATION OF NATIONS
WELCOME TO CURAÇAO
Curaçao, officially referred to as the Country of Curaçao, is a island located in the southern Caribbean Sea,
specifically within the Dutch Caribbean region. Positioned approximately 65 km (40 mi) north of Venezuela,
this stunning island is rarely affected by hurricanes. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant colors,
and warm hospitality. Being a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao offers a unique blend of
European and Caribbean influences, making it a truly remarkable destination for travelers seeking both
natural beauty and historical charm. The island’s first language is called Papiamento.
Location of Curaçao

Map of Curaçao

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SURPRISING FACTS
DID YOU KNOW THAT
CURAÇAO IS MADE
UP OF THE MAIN ISLAND,
CURAÇAO AND
A SMALLER, UNINHABITED
ISLAND CALLED
KLEIN CURAÇAO ("LITTLE
CURAÇAO")?

This small, 3 km2 uninhabited island used to be home to farmers and

fishermen, but the seabirds left quite a mark, as their droppings
caused a chemical reaction with the limestone, which destroyed much
of the vegetation.

Thanks to reforestation projects, the island has bounced back, and the
shore is now covered in soft white sand next to crystal clear water.
Dive operators and sailboat charters organize fun outings for
cookouts, snorkeling, diving, and beach parties. The remains of
Curacao's first slave quarantine building can be found on the
northwest end of the island.

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KLEIN CURAÇAO (LITTLE
CURAÇAO)

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CAPITAL OF
CURAÇAO
The population of Curaçao is currently around
192,965, and it covers an area of 444 km2 (171 sq
mi). The capital is Willemstad.

ABC ISLANDS

Together with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao forms the ABC islands.
People often call Curaçao, Aruba, and other Dutch islands in the
Caribbean the Dutch Caribbean.

Curaçao is the biggest of the ABC islands in terms of both area and
population and is also the largest of the Dutch Caribbean.

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 NATIONAL ANIMAL
When you visit Curaçao, be sure to experience the breathtaking sight of the
majestic flamingos. These beautiful birds can be found in various spots
across the island, offering excellent opportunities for sight-seeing. In the
less frequented southwest region of Curaçao, you will discover a hidden
gem for flamingo sightings. Nestled within a stunning nature reserve, the
NATIONAL
saltworks is home to these wild flamingos, inviting you to take a leisurely
two-hour walk around the salt lake. BIRD
The Troupial, also known as the Venezuelan
Troupial, is the national bird of Curaçao.
This colorful bird has quite an appetite,
enjoying fruits, seeds, insects, and even the
eggs and nestlings of other birds. They are
quite resourceful and may even try to sneak a
bite of your thawing meat if it's left
unattended near an open window! During
breeding season, these birds can be a bit
feisty. They may even lay their eggs in the
cozy nests of other birds, like the Yellow
Oriole, as long as it provides a safe spot for
their little ones.

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 Argonauta
Argo
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Trichonephila Clavipes

ANIMALS
OF
CURAÇA
OThe Willet
Mahi-Mahi White-tailed Deer Red-footed Booby

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NATIONAL The flag features two horizontal
stripes: the upper, thicker stripe is a

FLAG
vivid ultramarine color, symbolizing
the expansive blue sky, while the
thinner bottom stripe, also
ultramarine, represents the depths of

01
the blue sea. At the center, a
prominent yellow stripe proudly
embodies the brilliance of the sun.

Additionally, the flag proudly

showcases a big white star, portraying
Curaçao, and a small star representing
Klein Curaçao.

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 National National Dish
Instrument Keshi Yena
Conga Drum

National Flower National

Kibrahacha Dress
Flower Saya ku djèki
National Tree
Divi Divi Tree

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TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
PUNTA LOVE HEART
QUEEN EMMA PONTOON BRIDGE

The sculpture is made on the metal network and is called "block your
love". A splendid choreography designed to allow lovers to hook their
lock of love to the sculpture thus sealing their bond of love in the
exotic tourist resort.
The Queen Emma Bridge is a pontoon bridge across St. Anna Bay in
The sculpture of the heart is charged with padlocks and you can add Curaçao. The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, or the "Swinging Old
one of yours, and it is said that it closes your love together forever. Lady," is a floating pedestrian bridge that connects Willemstad's two
halves, Punda and Otrobanda.

Built in 1888 and named after a Dutch queen, the Queen Emma
Bridge is supported by 16 pontoon boats and swings open laterally to
allow ships to enter and leave the bay.

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 CURAÇAO SEA AQUARIUM
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium sits on the oceanfront,
surrounded by a vibrant coral reef. This aquarium
stands out for its extraordinary open-water system,
constantly pumping in seawater. Visitors can engage in
the Flamingo and Lobster feeding programs, witness
the Dolphin and Sea Lion presentations, or arrange a
guided snorkel experience. Its offerings make it an
unforgettable experience for the entire family. Terrace
and gift shop are also available.

HANDELSKADE

The Handelskade is absolutely stunning! It's the most picturesque part of

Punda and a must-see for anyone visiting Curaçao. The colorful historic
buildings along the waterfront of St. Anna Bay are a favorite spot for
photographers and visitors. You'll feel like you've been transported to a
charming Dutch canal, but with the added bonus of vibrant, eye-catching
colors.

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 THE BLUE ROOM

FLAMINGO SANCTUARY

The Blue Room is a blue-lit cave on Curacao. You can dive or snorkel in the
cave in an almost surrealistic blue environment. Actually it is a cavern,
because you can ascent in it. The Blue Room is lit in it's unique way because
the sunlight can reach the inside of the cave only through the underwater The Flamingo Sanctuary in Curaçao, also known as the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, is a
entrance, while passing the clear blue water on its way up. For underwater renowned natural habitat for flamingos located on the southern coast of the island. It is one of the
photographers, the Blue Room is a gift from the sky. They call the light most important breeding grounds for flamingos in the Caribbean region and is protected as a
perfect and a must dive, if you have an eye for these kinds of natural designated Ramsar site.
phenomena.
RENAISSANCE MALL & RIF FORT

Rif Fort had many uses that included serving as a police headquarters, a prison
and a radiotelegraphy station. Today, the fort houses multiple eateries. From
Ribs, Hamburgers, Steak and Seafood to Sushi and Italian, it’s all there. The fort
and the Renaissance Mall just outside the fort’s gate house dozens of shops
including European and American designers, artisan boutiques and jewelers. Visit
the local art gallery for crafts and shell jewelry, and when you feel like watching a
movie, there is also a cinema on site.

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 PRODUCTIONS
Today, Curaçao known for its bountiful orange
orchards, which are used to create the famous Curaçao
liqueur using the dried peels.

Additionally, the island exports aloe, originally

brought in from Africa, which doesn't need much
watering and is still widely used for its medicinal
properties.

It's interesting to note that all the drinking water on the

island is actually distilled from seawater.
 The End
THANKS
FOR
WATCHING!
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