Curaçao, also known as the hidden diamond of the Caribbean, is a Dutch Caribbean island situated in the Southern Caribbean Sea. The island is characterized by its warm culturally diverse people, its rich heritage, stunning architecture, fun mix of entertainment possibilities and spectacular raw nature that offers breathtaking sites. Curaçao provides an enjoyable way of living and unique experiences to those that reside or visit.

The total area surface of Curaçao is 444 square km (171 square miles), with urbanized areas and nature merged throughout and surrounded by gorgeous beaches with the most beautiful crystal-clear water. Curaçao has a warm tropical temperature with an average of 28 degrees Celsius (76F). Curaçao distinguishes itself from many other Caribbean islands, because it is located just outside of the hurricane belt, which has great logistical benefits. Therefore, rather than a hurricane season, Curaçao experiences a rainy season running from September to November. Moreover, the island benefits from the North-East Trade Winds, which offers an enjoyable cool breeze during the mostly sunny days.

Due to Curaçao’s strategic geographical location with respect to the United States of America and South America and its unique position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is able to benefit from strong business ties within these regions. Curacao’s economy is diversified and open. Among its most vital pillars of the local economy are trade and shipping, logistic and dry dock services, international financial services, oil refining, and tourism. Curaçao has preferential access to both the US and EU markets through the US Caribbean Basin Initiative and the European Union-Overseas Countries and Territories Agreement, respectively. Curaçao has also concluded a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the US Government, and is an early adopter of the IRS Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

Curaçao and St. Maarten together have one Central Bank and one currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). This currency has been pegged to the US dollar since 1971 at an exchange rate of ANG 1.79 per 1 USD.

Curaçao has a stable democracy. There is a parliamentary democracy in place with an independent legal system, based primarily on the Dutch civil law with the underlying premises of freedom of association, right to form political parties, freedom of the press and freedom of speech. The Prime Minister acts as head of the government, and Curaçao is responsible for the conduct of its own domestic affairs. Defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.