Aruba - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 59

The refinery attracted workers and their families from other Caribbean
islands, North and South America, and Europe. At one time the plant was
putting out more than 400,000 barrels of oil per day, which made it a prime
target when the Germans sought out important supply points for the
Allies during World War II.
In 1942, Aruba made international headlines when it was attacked by
German troops. A U-156 German submarine surfaced near the refinery in
San Nicolas on February 16 and fired torpedoes that sank four oil tankers
docked in the harbor. The US immediately beefed up military protection
for the island, and there were no more successful attacks, but the episode
gave the island world-wide attention.

Oil & Tourism
After the war, Aruba continued to depend on oil to fuel its economy, but sol-
diers returned home with word that the island had perfect weather and a
fabulous beach. Soon, sun-seekers began to arrive. When the oil refinery
was closed because of an international surplus in 1985, Aruban officials
increased the island's publicity efforts around the world, and tourism
soared. Friendly islanders welcomed visitors with genuine hospitality
and, even after the oil refinery reopened in 1991, they continued to build
and improve their island's tourist appeal.
Today, as the license plates proclaim, this is “One Happy Island.” Visitors
repeatedly vote Aruba top ratings for its splendid beaches, excellent land-
based attractions, and overall hospitality.

Telephoning
To call Aruba from North America, dial 011-297 + the
six-digit local number. To call from Europe or most other
countries, dial 00 + 297 and the six-digit number. On
Aruba itself, dial only the seven- digit local number.

Official Business

Aruba became an autonomous member of the Kingdom of

the Netherlands in 1986. This is different from being an
independent nation, but the island has a separate status, sta-
tus aparte , from other members of the five-island Nether-
lands Antilles, which includes Bonaire, Curaçao, St.

Maarten, St. Eustatias, and Saba.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands includes Holland, the Netherlands Antil-
les, and Aruba. When Aruba was granted separate status, it gained the