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CURAÇAO |
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CURAÇAO
(population 170,000), the largest of the ABC
islands, and the administrative centre of
the Netherlands Antilles, remains relatively
unknown outside of Holland and the
Caribbean. Originally discovered by the
Spaniards in 1499 and taken over by the
Dutch in 1634, Curaçao has been slower to
develop the kind of tourist industry its
neighbours are famed for, though its capital
city - and recently designated UNESCO World
Heritage Site - Willemstad , rivals
any in the Caribbean for picturesque charm.
The island also offers decent diving and
swimming possibilities, especially on the
leeward side, with its secluded coves. More
active pursuits can be had in the rugged and
hilly interior: Christoffel National Park
, in the north, is overgrown with towering
cacti, scrubby vegetation and gnarled divi
divi trees, well worthy of a hike around it.
Besides such flora, island inhabitants
include goats, bats, lizards, iguanas and
countless species of colourful birds. The
various plantation houses that dot
the island are remnants from Curaçao's
history as the Caribbean's busiest slave
depot in the seventeenth century; the trade
was finally abolished here in 1863.
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