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
followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery.
The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.
Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate,
autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full
independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.
