A heavy influence of the Dutch culture is evident in the region of Netherlands Antilles, a region surprisingly located in the Caribbean. Also referred to as the Dutch Antilles or Netherlands West Indies, this region is a part of the West Indies and comprises of two groups of islands. Once under the Spanish influence, the Dutch took over Netherlands Antilles in the early 1950s’. Since then this region has become a Dutch principality.

Geography, demographics and culture

Having a volcanic origin, the windward islands of Netherlands Antilles do not have an arable land for agriculture. The mixed volcanic and coral origin of the leeward islands here renders them not very suitable for agriculture. tropical climate and hurricanes characterize the geography of Netherlands Antilles. Roman Catholics and Jewish and Portuguese descendants form the majority population of this region. Colorful Caribbean influences decorate the culture of Netherlands Antilles with vibrant hues.

Economy and future status

International financial services, international commerce, shipping, petroleum and tourism form the backbone of the economy of Netherlands Antilles. The currency of this region is the Antillean Guilder that has a constant economic exchange rate of 1.79:1 with the U.S. dollar. It is said that this region would be disbanded on December 15, 2008.