Netherlands Antilles: Overseas Territory of the Netherlands in the Caribbean
In the beginning of the 16th century the Spanish were the first to discover the islands of Netherlands Antilles, which was inhabited by the Arawaks and Caribs. After a few decades the Netherlands Antilles became a Spanish colony. In the 17th century the Dutch captured the island and its was turned into a base camp for slave trade. In 1863 slavery was abolished and monarchy of the Netherlands was established in the Netherlands Antilles. The construction of oil refineries to service the Venezuelan oil fields has accelerated the economy of the Netherlands Antilles
The climate of Netherlands Antilles is tropical in nature. The Netherlands Antilles enjoys warm weather throughout the year. The Windward areas of Netherlands Antilles Islands are prone to hurricanes during the summer months.
Culture, Cuisine Netherlands Antilles:
The culture of Netherlands Antilles is an amalgam of many cultures with pronounced colonial influences, particularly the Dutch, on the practices and followings of the native Arawaks and Caribs. In recent times the presence of American media has induced the American culture over the Netherlands Antilles, which is becoming popular day by day.
The Netherlands Antilles cuisine is influenced by the French, Dutch, English and Spanish cuisines. The uses of dairy products in the diet especially cheese are common in the Netherlands Antilles. Fish is plentiful and fish recipes are often spicy. Goat stew is a traditional Caribbean dish apart from funchi, a maize porridge, and pan bati and a pancake made of maize flour.
Economy of Netherlands Antilles:
The economy of Netherlands Antilles is largely dependent on tourism, refining, transshipment of Venezuelan petroleum, and offshore financial services. The islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure as compared with other countries in the region. All consumer and capital goods are imported from the Venezuela, the United States and the Mexico.
Tourist Attractions of Netherlands Antilles:
The vast expansion of Netherlands Antilles over Caribbean Sea makes it a popular destination for water activities through out the world. Every island of Netherlands Antilles has its own natural beauty combined with distinct culture. The beaches of Netherlands Antilles are famous for their silvery sand that is washed by the rising and falling waves of the Caribbean Sea. Deep water diving and snorkeling remain the center of attraction for the tourists.
Hooiberg: has 165m high volcanic formation mountains and can be seen from any place on the island and offers a gorgeous view of the entire island and Caribbean shore.
Bonaire Shore: It is one of the most important beaches of Netherlands Antilles. The Bonaire shore is one of the best places for the activities like shore diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and windsurfing
Major Sight-seeing Places in Netherlands Antilles include:
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