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Aruba with its seemingly endless supply of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters, is one of the more popular Caribbean destinations for many sun-worshipers and cruise-ship passengers. Aruba is 15 miles north of Venezuela and only 18 miles wide. Over one million visitors a year come to this tiny island to indulge in its luxurious beachside resorts, elegant restaurants, 24-hour casinos, shops and boutiques.
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.
Divi Divi tree on Eagle Beach Aruba
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Joran van der Sloot was charged in Peru with the murder of Stephany Flores Ramirez and is suspected in the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway.
Natalee Holloway Declared Dead, Father Says 'I've been preparing for this day'
Peruvian teenager Natalee Holloway, who was missing for more than six years, was officially declared dead by an Alabama judge on Thursday after her father petitioned for the motion.
Natalee a real presence at van der Sloot trial
Birmingham, Ala After six and a half years of grief for her family and constantly shifting stories from prime suspect Joran van der Sloot there is poetic justice in the role Natalee Holloway played in the murder trial of van der Sloot in Peru this morning.
Van der Sloot due to plea in murder case
Birmingham, Ala Joran van der Sloot is due back in a courtroom in Peru Wednesday morning to enter a plea on murder charges.