ARUBA

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Language/Ethnic Make-up
The native language on the Caribbean island of Aruba is Papiamento, a Creole dialect made up of Dutch, Spanish, French, Portuguese, a number of different African languages, and Arawak Indian. Nearly everyone on the island speaks English and Spanish, in addition to Dutch, which is the official language of Aruba.
The population of Aruba can trace its ancestry back to 40 different ethnic backgrounds from around the world.

Spiritual Affiliation
Most of Aruba’s inhabitants are Catholic.

Cultural Considerations
Arubans are known for their warm and friendly personality. In fact the earliest  inhabitants of the island were  peace-loving tribe, the Arawak Indians, who were mainly farmers and fishermen. They are well educated with a pleasant nature and a zest for hospitality.
Aruban etiquette is basically a variant of the classical European formal tradition, with a Latin American twist.
Western medicine coexist with traditional healing methods that make use of herbs and amulet, and are practiced by an healer.
Diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension and cancer are leading causes of death in Aruba. Life expectancy for men is 73 years; for women, 80.

Food Preferences
Aruban cooking has been influenced by Amerindians, Dutch, Spanish, Africans and Asian settlers. Traditional Aruban cuisine includes dishes with goat meat, stoba, fish and maze. Some of the most common meals include beef, chicken, rice and fish.
Much of the food in Aruba is imported.