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Compare Netherlands (2004) - Aruba (2002)

Compare Netherlands (2004) z Aruba (2002)

 Netherlands (2004)Aruba (2002)
 NetherlandsAruba
Administrative divisions 12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland (Fryslan), Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Age structure 0-14 years: 18.3% (male 1,527,316; female 1,457,192)


15-64 years: 67.8% (male 5,598,706; female 5,459,936)


65 years and over: 13.9% (male 953,370; female 1,321,679) (2004 est.)
0-14 years: 21% (male 7,635; female 7,169)


15-64 years: 68.4% (male 23,270; female 24,906)


65 years and over: 10.6% (male 3,081; female 4,380) (2002 est.)
Agriculture - products grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; livestock aloes; livestock; fish
Airports 27 (2003 est.) 1 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways total: 20


over 3,047 m: 2


2,438 to 3,047 m: 8


1,524 to 2,437 m: 4


914 to 1,523 m: 4


under 914 m: 2 (2004 est.)
total: 1


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 7


914 to 1,523 m: 2


under 914 m: 5 (2004 est.)
-
Area total: 41,526 sq km


land: 33,883 sq km


water: 7,643 sq km
total: 193 sq km


land: 193 sq km


water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey slightly larger than Washington, DC
Background The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. 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.
Birth rate 11.41 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) 12.22 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Budget revenues: $237.1 billion


expenditures: $249.5 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003)
revenues: $135.81 million


expenditures: $147 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (2000)
Capital Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government Oranjestad
Climate temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation
Coastline 451 km 68.5 km
Constitution adopted 1815; amended many times, last time 2002 1 January 1986
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands


conventional short form: Netherlands


local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden


local short form: Nederland
conventional long form: none


conventional short form: Aruba
Currency euro (EUR)


note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries
Aruban guilder/florin (AWG)
Death rate 8.67 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) 6.29 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Debt - external - $285 million (1996)
Dependency status - part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs
Dependent areas Aruba, Netherlands Antilles -
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador Clifford M. SOBEL


embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague


mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715


telephone: [31] (70) 310-9209


FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688


consulate(s) general: Amsterdam
chief of mission: Consul General Deborah A. BOLTON


embassy: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Curacao


mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao


telephone: [599] (9) 461-3066


FAX: [599] (9) 461-6489
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador Boudewijn J. VAN EENENNAAM


chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300


FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430


consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York


consulate(s): Boston
none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Disputes - international none none
Economic aid - donor ODA, $3.3 billion (2002 est.) -
Economic aid - recipient - $26 million (1995); note - the Netherlands provided a $127 million aid package to Aruba and Suriname in 1996
Economy - overview The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-03, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average. The government is wrestling with a deteriorating budget position, and is moving toward the EU 3% of GDP budget deficit limit. Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy, with offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Construction has boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. In addition, the reopening of the country's oil refinery in 1993, a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings, has further spurred growth. Aruba's small labor force and low unemployment rate have led to a large number of unfilled job vacancies, despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years. The government's goal of balancing the budget within two years will hamper expenditures, as will the decline in stopover tourist arrivals following the 11 September terrorist attacks.
Electricity - consumption 99.42 billion kWh (2001) 418.5 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - exports 4.209 billion kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2000)
Electricity - imports 21.49 billion kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2000)
Electricity - production 88.32 billion kWh (2001) 450 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - production by source - fossil fuel: 100%


hydro: 0%


nuclear: 0%


other: 0% (2000)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m


highest point: Vaalserberg 322 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m


highest point: Mount Jamanota 188 m
Environment - current issues water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain NA
Environment - international agreements party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling -
Ethnic groups Dutch 83%, other 17% (of which 9% are non-Western origin mainly Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans, Surinamese and Indonesians) (1999 est.) mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%
Exchange rates euros per US dollar - 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999) Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar - 1.7900 (fixed rate since 1986)
Executive branch chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the monarch


head of government: Prime Minister Jan Peter BALKENENDE (since 22 July 2002) and Deputy Prime Ministers Gerrit ZALM (since 27 May 2003) and Thom DE GRAAF (since 27 May 2003)


cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch


elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; vice prime ministers appointed by the monarch


note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabinet on legislative and administrative policy
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Olindo KOOLMAN (since 1 January 1992)


head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30 October 2001); deputy prime minister NA


cabinet: Council of Ministers (elected by the Staten)


elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by December 2005)


election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA%
Exports 1.418 million bbl/day (2001) $2.58 billion f.o.b. (including oil reexports) (2000)
Exports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment
Exports - partners Germany 25.3%, Belgium 12.6%, France 10.2%, UK 10.1%, Italy 6%, US 4.5% (2003) US 42%, Colombia 20%, Netherlands 12% (1999)
Fiscal year calendar year calendar year
Flag description three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer; one of the oldest flags in constant use, originating with William I, Prince of Orange, in the latter half of the 16th century blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner
GDP purchasing power parity - $461.4 billion (2003 est.) purchasing power parity - $1.94 billion (1999 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 2.5%


industry: 24.4%


services: 73.1% (2003 est.)
agriculture: NA%


industry: NA%


services: NA%
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $28,600 (2003 est.) purchasing power parity - $28,000 (2000 est.)
GDP - real growth rate -0.7% (2003 est.) 2.5% (2000)
Geographic coordinates 52 30 N, 5 45 E 12 30 N, 69 58 W
Geography - note located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, and Schelde) a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)
Heliports 1 (2003 est.) -
Highways total: 116,500 km


paved: 104,850 km (including 2,235 km of expressways)


unpaved: 11,650 km (1999)
total: 800 km


paved: 513 km


unpaved: 287 km


note: most coastal roads are paved, while unpaved roads serve large tracts of the interior (1995)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: 2.8%


highest 10%: 25.1% (1994)
lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
Illicit drugs major European producer of ecstasy, illicit amphetamines, and other synthetic drugs; important gateway for cocaine, heroin, and hashish entering Europe; major source of US-bound ecstasy; large financial sector vulnerable to money laundering transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some accompanying money-laundering activity
Imports 2.284 million bbl/day (2001) $2.61 billion f.o.b. (2000)
Imports - commodities machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs, clothing machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs
Imports - partners Germany 18.2%, Belgium 10%, US 8%, UK 7.3%, China 6.2%, France 5% (2003) US 63%, Netherlands 11%, Netherlands Antilles 3%, Japan (1999)
Independence 23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; it was not until 1648 that Spain recognized their independence) none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Industrial production growth rate -2.1% (2003 est.) NA%
Industries agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining
Infant mortality rate total: 5.11 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 5.68 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 4.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)
6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2.1% (2003 est.) 4% (2000)
International organization participation AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, ONUB, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC Caricom (observer), ECLAC (associate), Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WToO (associate)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - NA
Irrigated land 5,650 sq km (1998 est.) 0.01 sq km (1998 est.)
Judicial branch Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for life by the monarch) Joint High Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the monarch)
Labor force 7.46 million (2003) 41,501
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 4%, industry 23%, services 73% (1998 est.) most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair, followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining
Land boundaries total: 1,027 km


border countries: Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km
0 km
Land use arable land: 26.71%


permanent crops: 0.97%


other: 72.32% (2001)
arable land: 10.53% (including aloe 0.01%)


permanent crops: 0%


other: 89.47% (1998 est.)
Languages Dutch (official language), Frisian (official language) Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish
Legal system civil law system incorporating French penal theory; constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence
Legislative branch bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the country's 12 provincial councils for four-year terms) and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)


elections: First Chamber - last held 25 May 2003 (next to be held May 2007); Second Chamber - last held 22 January 2003 (next to be held May 2007)


election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CDA 23, PvdA 19, VVD 15, Green Party 5, Socialist Party 4, D66 3, other 6; Second Chamber - percent of vote by party - CDA 28.6%, PvdA 27.3%, VVD 12.9%, Socialist Party 6.3%, List Pim Fortuyn 5.7%, Green Party 5.1%, D66 4.1%; seats by party - CDA 44, PvdA 42, VVD 28, Socialist Party 9, List Pim Fortuyn 8, Green Party 8, D66 6, other 5
unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by NA 2005)


election results: percent of vote by party - MEP 52.4%, AVP 26.7%, PPA 9.6%, OLA 5.7%, Aliansa 3.5%, other 2.1%; seats by party - MEP 12, AVP 6, PPA 2, OLA 1
Life expectancy at birth total population: 78.68 years


male: 76.15 years


female: 81.34 years (2004 est.)
total population: 78.67 years


male: 75.32 years


female: 82.19 years (2002 est.)
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 99% (2000 est.)


male: NA


female: NA
definition: NA


total population: 97%


male: NA%


female: NA%
Location Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela
Map references Europe Central America and the Caribbean
Maritime claims territorial sea: 12 nm


exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 NM
Merchant marine total: 635 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,796,460 GRT/5,212,557 DWT


by type: bulk 1, cargo 375, chemical tanker 59, combination bulk 1, container 71, liquefied gas 13, multi-functional large load carrier 15, passenger 12, petroleum tanker 28, refrigerated cargo 37, roll on/roll off 14, short-sea/passenger 2, specialized tanker 7


foreign-owned: Belgium 2, Denmark 4, Finland 9, Germany 54, Ireland 14, Norway 9, Singapore 1, Sweden 19, Thailand 1, United Kingdom 31, United States 16


registered in other countries: 241 (2004 est.)
note: there is one foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of convenience: Monaco 1 (2002 est.)
Military - note - defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Military branches Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (including Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Constabulary, Defense Interservice Command no regular indigenous military forces; Royal Dutch Navy and Marines, Coast Guard
Military expenditures - dollar figure $8,044.4 million (2003) -
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 1.6% (2003) -
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 4,070,043 (2004 est.) -
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 3,534,392 (2004 est.) -
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males: 97,624 (2004 est.) -
National holiday Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA in 1909 and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX in 1980), 30 April Flag Day, 18 March
Nationality noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)


adjective: Dutch
noun: Aruban(s)


adjective: Aruban; Dutch
Natural hazards flooding lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt
Natural resources natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and gravel, arable land NEGL; white sandy beaches
Net migration rate 2.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) NEGL migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Pipelines condensate 325 km; gas 6,998 km; oil 590 km; refined products 716 km (2004) -
Political parties and leaders Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Maxime Jacques Marcel VERHAGEN]; Christian Union Party [Andre ROUVOET]; Democrats 66 or D66 [Boris DITTRICH]; Green Party [Femke HALSEMA]; Labor Party or PvdA [Wouter BOS]; List Pim Fortuyn [Gerard van AS]; People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (Liberal) or VVD [Jozias VAN AARTSEN]; Socialist Party [Jan MARIJNISSEN]; plus a few minor parties Aruba Solidarity Movement or MAS [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic Alliance or Aliansa [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic Party or PDA [Leo BERLINSKI]; Aruban Liberal Party or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Jan (Henny) H. EMAN]; Concentration for the Liberation of Aruba or CLA [leader NA]; People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; For a Restructured Aruba Now or PARA [Urbana LOPEZ]; National Democratic Action or ADN [Pedro Charro KELLY]
Political pressure groups and leaders Netherlands Trade Union Federation (FNV) (consisting of a merger of Socialist and Catholic trade unions); Christian Trade Union Federation (CNV); Trade Union Federation of Middle and High Personnel (MHP); Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers Associations; Interchurch Peace Council or IKV; large multinational firms; the nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises NA
Population 16,318,199 (July 2004 est.) 70,441 (July 2002 est.)
Population below poverty line NA NA%
Population growth rate 0.57% (2004 est.) 0.59% (2002 est.)
Ports and harbors Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Groningen, Haarlem, IJmuiden, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Utrecht, Vlissingen Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas
Radio broadcast stations AM 4, FM 246, shortwave 3 (2004) AM 4, FM 6, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios - 50,000 (1997)
Railways total: 2,808 km


standard gauge: 2,808 km 1.435-m gauge (2,061 km electrified) (2003)
0 km
Religions Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other 3.6%, unaffiliated 40% (1998) Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish
Sex ratio at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female


total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female


total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2002 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: highly developed and well maintained


domestic: extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network; cellular telephone system is one of the largest in Europe with five major network operators utilizing the third generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)


international: country code - 31; 9 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions) (2004)
general assessment: NA


domestic: more than adequate


international: 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay links
Telephones - main lines in use 10.004 million (2002) 33,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular 12.5 million (2003) 3,402 (1997)
Television broadcast stations 21 (plus 26 repeaters) (1995) 1 (1997)
Terrain mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast flat with a few hills; scant vegetation
Total fertility rate 1.66 children born/woman (2004 est.) 1.8 children born/woman (2002 est.)
Unemployment rate 5.3% (2003 est.) 0.6%
Waterways 5,046 km (navigable for ships of 50 tons) (2004) none
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