With a modest population of around 156,000, Curacao has achieved an extraordinary feat by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This accomplishment makes it the smallest country ever to compete in this global sporting event.
Curacao is a picturesque island nation nestled in the southern Caribbean Sea, located approximately 60 kilometers north of Venezuela. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and comprises the main island of Curacao and the smaller Klein Curacao, together covering an area of 171 square miles.
Though geographically part of the South American continental shelf, Curacao and its neighboring islands are often considered a segment of the southwestern arc of the Lesser Antilles. Before 2010, it was one of the island territories within the Netherlands Antilles. Today, Curacao is self-governing, with autonomy granted by the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, except in specified areas.
The governance of Curacao operates under a constitutional monarchy with a multi-party system. The Dutch monarch serves as the head of state, represented locally by a governor, while the prime minister heads the government. Despite its colonial past, Curacao has evolved into a vibrant tourist hotspot and a significant player in the oil refining industry. Its capital, Willemstad, is renowned for its distinctive architecture, earning it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 2023 census indicates a population of 156,115, with a gender ratio of 81.9 men per 100 women. The linguistic diversity is notable, with Papiamento, Dutch, and English being widely spoken across the island.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
