Politics of Curaçao

The politics of Curaçao reflect a nation that has experienced conflict between its two major immigrant groups. One represents immigrants from the Netherlands, now a small minority, the other descendants of African slaves, well into the majority. In 2010 Curaçao became an autonomous country as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Until that election the island country in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela was part of the Netherlands Antilles. Sint Maarten island also became autonomous, while the less-populated islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are cities governed by the Netherlands.^[1]

History

Once known as the Dutch West Indies, the island was colonized during the 17th century. It became the center of the slave trade for the new world. The country's economy suffered a blow when slavery was abolished in 1863, but it became successful again in the 20th century when oil refineries were constructed for the newly discovered oil fields of Venezuela.^[1]

Political structure

The head of state of Curaçao is the King of the Netherlands, but it also has an autonomous prime minister, Eugene Rhuggenaath.^[1]

Statutes

Prostitution is legal. A large open-air brothel called "Le Mirage" or "Campo Alegre" operates near the airport since the 1940s. Curaçao monitors, contains and regulates the industry. The government states that the workers in these establishments are thereby given a safe environment and access to medical practitioners.^[2]

Notes