constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs
12 10 N, 69 00 W
Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened
more than twice the size of Washington, DC
problems in waste management that threaten environmental sustainability on the island include pollution of marine areas from domestic sewage, inadequate sewage treatment facilities, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, the mismanagement of toxic substances, and ineffective regulations; the refinery in Sint Anna Bay, at the eastern edge of Willemstad’s large natural harbor, processes heavy crude oil from Venezuela; it has caused significant environmental damage to the surrounding area because of neglect and a lack of strict environmental controls; the release of noxious fumes and potentially hazardous particles causes schools downwind to regularly close
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year
none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
based on Dutch civil law
Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, ITU, UNESCO (associate), UPU
King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967); 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
calcium phosphates, protected harbors, hot springs
Curacao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group in the Lesser Antilles
18 years of age; universal
generally low, hilly terrain
parliamentary democracy
Central America and the Caribbean
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northbound transshipment points for cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela; cocaine is transported to the United States, other Caribbean islands, Africa, and Europe