Country exposure · UC

Curacao

Central America N Caribbean · Willemstad · parliamentary democracy

What Curacao means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

153K

Population

$3.3B

GDP

U.S. exposure

Minimal direct economic exposure

Curacao is not a significant U.S. goods-trade partner and has no tracked tariff actions. Policy changes here are unlikely to reach American prices directly.

Reference

The country itself

Central America N Caribbean · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

The original Arawak Indian settlers who arrived on Curaçao from South America in about A.D. 1000 were largely enslaved by the Spanish early in the 16th century and forcibly relocated to other colonies where labor was needed. The Dutch seized Curaçao from the Spanish in 1634. Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curaçao was hard hit economically when the Dutch abolished slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oilfields. In 1954, Curaçao and several other Dutch Caribbean colonies were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curaçao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Geography

Location: Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea, 55 km off the coast of Venezuela
Area: 444 sq km
Climate: tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year
Terrain: generally low, hilly terrain
Natural resources: calcium phosphates, protected harbors, hot springs
Coastline: 364 km
Natural hazards: Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened

People & society

Population: 153,289 (2024 est.)
Nationality: Curacaoan
Ethnic groups: Curacaoan 75.4%, Dutch 6%, Dominican 3.6%, Colombian 3%, Bonairean, Sint Eustatian, Saban 1.5%, Haitian 1.2%, Surinamese 1.2%, Venezuelan 1.1%, Aruban 1.1%, other 5%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.)
Languages: Papiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 80%, Dutch (official) 8.8%, Spanish 5.6%, English (official) 3.1%, other 2.3%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.)
Religions: Roman Catholic 72.8%, Pentecostal 6.6%, Protestant 3.2%, Adventist 3%, Jehovah's Witness 2%, Evangelical 1.9%, other 3.8%, none 6%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.)
Median age: 38.1 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 79.9 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview: high-income island economy; developed infrastructure; tourism and financial services-based economy; investing in information technology incentives; oil refineries service Venezuela and China
Industries: tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment, light manufacturing, financial and business services
Agricultural products: aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit
Exports - partners: Armenia 57%, USA 15%, Guyana 5%, Dominican Republic 4%, Netherlands 2% (2023)
Imports - partners: USA 39%, Netherlands 24%, China 6%, Colombia 5%, Brazil 3% (2023)

Government

Government type: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Willemstad
Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Constitution: previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 5 September 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Curacao but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Executive branch: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor Lucille A. GEORGE-WOUT (since 4 November 2013)
Legislative branch: Parliament of Curacao

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction

Background

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Curaçao. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required.

US Embassy/Consulate

[599] (9) 4613066; US Consulate General in Curacao, PO Box 158, J.B. Gorsiraweg 1, Curacao; https://cw.usconsulate.gov/; ACSCuracao@state.gov

Telephone Code

599

Local Emergency Phone

112

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year

Currency (Code)

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

127 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages

Papiamento (a creole language) 79.9%, Dutch 8.8%, Spanish 5.6%, English 3.1%

Major Religions

Roman Catholic 72.8%, Pentecostal 6.6%, Protestant 3.2%, Adventist 3%, Jehovah's Witness2%, Evangelical 1.9%

Time Difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Willemsted (includes historic Inner City, Queen Emma Bridge); Christoffelpark; Shete Boka Park; Landhuis Chobolobo; Hato Caves; Klein Curacao

Major Sports

Soccer, baseball, sailing

Cultural Practices

Always greet people upon arrival.

Tipping Guidelines

Restaurants bills usually add a 8-15% service charge. Tip porters at the airport and bellhops at the hotel $1 (USD) per bag. Taxi drivers are usually tipped with 20% of the fare.

Souvenirs

Woven baskets or straw hats, batik fabric, seashell and beaded jewelry, liquor, imported items from the Netherlands

Traditional Cuisine

Keshi Yena — cheese typically stuffed with chicken, vegetables, seasonings, and raisins

CIA source last updated

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Geography

Location

Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea, 55 km off the coast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates

12 10 N, 69 00 W

Map references

Central America and the Caribbean

Area - total

444 sq km

Area - land

444 sq km

Area - water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

more than twice the size of Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries - total

0 km

Coastline

364 km

Maritime claims - territorial sea

12 nm

Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone

200 nm

Climate

tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year

Terrain

generally low, hilly terrain

Elevation - highest point

Mt. Christoffel 372 m

Elevation - lowest point

Caribbean Sea 0 m

Natural resources

calcium phosphates, protected harbors, hot springs

Land use - agricultural land

0% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 10% (2018)

Land use - forest

0.2% (2022 est.)

Land use - other

99.8% (2022 est.)

Irrigated land

Population distribution

largest concentration on the island is Willemstad; smaller settlements near the coast can be found throughout the island, particularly in the northwest

Natural hazards

Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened

Geography - note

Curaçao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group in the Lesser Antilles

People and Society

Population - total

153,289 (2024 est.)

Population - male

73,755

Population - female

79,534

Nationality - noun

Curacaoan

Nationality - adjective

Curacaoan; Dutch

Ethnic groups

Curacaoan 75.4%, Dutch 6%, Dominican 3.6%, Colombian 3%, Bonairean, Sint Eustatian, Saban 1.5%, Haitian 1.2%, Surinamese 1.2%, Venezuelan 1.1%, Aruban 1.1%, other 5%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.)

Languages

Papiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 80%, Dutch (official) 8.8%, Spanish 5.6%, English (official) 3.1%, other 2.3%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.)

Languages - note

note: data represent most spoken language in household

Religions

Roman Catholic 72.8%, Pentecostal 6.6%, Protestant 3.2%, Adventist 3%, Jehovah's Witness 2%, Evangelical 1.9%, other 3.8%, none 6%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.)

Age structure - 0-14 years

19.2% (male 15,069/female 14,337)

Age structure - 15-64 years

62.3% (male 47,258/female 48,217)

Age structure - 65 years and over

18.5% (2024 est.) (male 11,428/female 16,980)

Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio

60.6 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio

30.8 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio

29.8 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - potential support ratio

3.4 (2024 est.)

Median age - total

38.1 years (2025 est.)

Median age - male

35.5 years

Median age - female

40.2 years

Population growth rate

0.25% (2025 est.)

Birth rate

12.71 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

8.91 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Net migration rate

-1.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Population distribution

largest concentration on the island is Willemstad; smaller settlements near the coast can be found throughout the island, particularly in the northwest

Urbanization - urban population

89% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

0.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population

144,000 WILLEMSTAD (capital) (2018)

Sex ratio - at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 15-64 years

0.98 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 65 years and over

0.67 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - total population

0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Infant mortality rate - total

7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Infant mortality rate - male

8.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate - female

6.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth - total population

79.9 years (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth - male

77.6 years

Life expectancy at birth - female

82.3 years

Total fertility rate

1.95 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.95 (2025 est.)

Education expenditure

7.4% of GDP (2020 est.)

Government

Country name - conventional long form

Country of Curacao

Country name - conventional short form

Curacao

Country name - local long form

Land Curacao (Dutch)/ Pais Korsou (Papiamento)

Country name - local short form

Curacao (Dutch)/ Korsou (Papiamento)

Country name - former

Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

Country name - etymology

the origin of the name is disputed; many historians now agree that the name derives from a similar-sounding word the original inhabitants used to describe themselves

Government type

parliamentary democracy

Dependency status

one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Dependency status - note

note: the other three constituent countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are the Netherlands, Aruba, and Sint Maarten

Capital - name

Willemstad

Capital - geographic coordinates

12 06 N, 68 55 W

Capital - time difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Capital - etymology

the name means "William's Town" in Dutch; named after Prince WILLEM of Orange (1533-84), the first stadtholder of the United Provinces of the Netherlands

Legal system

based on Dutch civil law

Constitution - history

previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 5 September 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Curacao but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Citizenship

see the Netherlands

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch - chief of state

King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor Lucille A. GEORGE-WOUT (since 4 November 2013)

Executive branch - head of government

Prime Minister Gilmar PISAS (since 14 June 2021)

Executive branch - cabinet

Cabinet sworn-in by the governor

Executive branch - election/appointment process

the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the legislature usually elects the leader of the majority party as prime minister

Executive branch - most recent election date

21 March 2025

Executive branch - expected date of next election

2029

Legislative branch - legislature name

Parliament of Curacao

Legislative branch - legislative structure

unicameral

Legislative branch - number of seats

21 (directly elected)

Legislative branch - electoral system

proportional representation

Legislative branch - scope of elections

full renewal

Legislative branch - term in office

4 years

Legislative branch - most recent election date

3/19/2021

Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party

MFK (9); PAR (4); PNP (4); MAN (2); KEM (1); TPK (1)

Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber

28.6%

Legislative branch - expected date of next election

2025

Judicial branch - highest court(s)

Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (sits as a 3-judge panel); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court in The Hague, Netherlands

Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office

Joint Court judges appointed by the monarch for life

Judicial branch - subordinate courts

first instance courts, appeals court; specialized courts

Political parties

Korsou di Nos Tur or KdnT Korsou Esun Miho or KEM Movementu Futuro Korsou or MFK Movementu Progresivo or MP Movishon Antia Nobo or MAN Partido Antia Restruktura or PAR Partido Inovashon Nashonal or PIN Partido Nashonal di Pueblo or PNP Pueblo Soberano or PS Trabou pa Kòrsou or TPK Un Korsou Hustu

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission

Consul General Ramón “Chico” NEGRóN (since 9 June 2025); note - also accredited to Aruba and Sint Maarten

Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy

P.O. Box 158, J.B. Gorsiraweg 1

Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address

3160 Curacao Place, Washington DC 20521-3160

Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone

[599] (9) 461-3066

Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX

[599] (9) 461-6489

Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website

ACSCuracao@state.gov https://cw.usconsulate.gov/

International organization participation

ACS (associate), Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, ITU, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Independence

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday

King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967)

National holiday - note

note: King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday

Flag

description: on a blue field, a horizontal yellow band divides the flag below the center; two five-pointed white stars -- the smaller above and to the left of the larger -- appear in the upper left meaning: the blue stands for the sky and sea, and yellow for the sun; the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited sister island of Klein Curacao (Little Curacao); the star points represent the five continents from which Curacao's inhabitants originate

National symbol(s)

laraha (citrus tree)

National color(s)

blue, yellow, white

National anthem(s) - title

"Himmo di Korsou" (Anthem of Curacao)

National anthem(s) - lyrics/music

Guillermo ROSARIO, Mae HENRIQUEZ, Enrique MULLER, Betty DORAN/Frater Candidus NOWENS, Errol "El Toro" COLINA

National anthem(s) - history

adapted 1978; the lyrics, originally written in 1899, were rewritten in 1978 to remove colonial references

National heritage - total World Heritage Sites

1 (cultural); note - excerpted from the Netherlands entry

National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales

Historic Willemstad

Economy

Economic overview

high-income island economy; developed infrastructure; tourism and financial services-based economy; investing in information technology incentives; oil refineries service Venezuela and China

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023

$4.312 billion (2023 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022

$4.138 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021

$3.834 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023

4.2% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022

7.9% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2021

4.2% (2021 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - note

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023

$27,700 (2023 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022

$27,600 (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2021

$25,200 (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate)

$3.281 billion (2023 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate) - note

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2019

2.6% (2019 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2018

2.6% (2018 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2017

1.6% (2017 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture

0.3% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry

11.7% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services

73.3% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption

73.2% (2018 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption

14.5% (2018 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital

34% (2018 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories

7.1% (2018 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services

63.2% (2018 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services

-92% (2018 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products

aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Industries

tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment, light manufacturing, financial and business services

Remittances - Remittances 2023

5.4% of GDP (2023 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2022

5.2% of GDP (2022 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2021

5.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

Remittances - note

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Current account balance - Current account balance 2023

-$654.688 million (2023 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2022

-$822.667 million (2022 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2021

-$508.758 million (2021 est.)

Current account balance - note

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports - Exports 2023

$2.107 billion (2023 est.)

Exports - Exports 2022

$2.046 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - Exports 2021

$1.363 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - note

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners

Armenia 57%, USA 15%, Guyana 5%, Dominican Republic 4%, Netherlands 2% (2023)

Exports - partners - note

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities

diamonds, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, gold, petroleum coke (2023)

Exports - commodities - note

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports - Imports 2023

$2.764 billion (2023 est.)

Imports - Imports 2022

$2.891 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - Imports 2021

$1.91 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - note

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners

USA 39%, Netherlands 24%, China 6%, Colombia 5%, Brazil 3% (2023)

Imports - partners - note

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, cars, garments, plastic products, packaged medicine (2023)

Imports - commodities - note

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Exchange rates - Currency

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar -

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024

1.79 (2024 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023

1.79 (2023 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022

1.79 (2022 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021

1.79 (2021 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020

1.79 (2020 est.)

Energy

Electricity access - electrification - total population

100% (2022 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions

51,000 (2022 est.)

Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

27 (2022 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions

173,926 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

94 (2023 est.)

Broadcast media

government-run TeleCuracao operates a TV station and a radio station; 2 other privately owned TV stations and several privately owned radio stations (2019)

Internet country code

.cw

Internet users - percent of population

68% (2017 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total

61,000 (2022 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

33 (2022 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Airports

1 (2025)

Merchant marine - total

57 (2023)

Merchant marine - by type

general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 51

Ports - total ports

4 (2024)

Ports - large

Ports - medium

Ports - small

Ports - very small

Ports - ports with oil terminals

Ports - key ports

Bullenbaai, Caracasbaai, Sint Michelsbaai, Willemstad

Military and Security

Military and security forces

Curaçao Militia (CURMIL); Curaçao Volunteer Corps; Curacao Police Force (Korps Politie Curacao) (2025)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Dutch Government controls foreign and defense policy; local security forces are supported by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Gendarmerie), the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, KPCN), and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG or Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied (KWCARIB)); there are two Dutch naval bases on Curaçao, and the Dutch Army maintains a small unit on a rotational basis (2025)

Environment

Environmental issues

waste management, including pollution of marine areas from domestic sewage, inadequate sewage treatment facilities, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, mismanagement of toxic substances, and ineffective regulations; damage from neglect and a lack of controls at major refinery

Climate

tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year

Land use - agricultural land

0% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 10% (2018)

Land use - forest

0.2% (2022 est.)

Land use - other

99.8% (2022 est.)

Urbanization - urban population

89% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

0.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually

24,700 tons (2024 est.)

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