source: Urban Dpt.Curaçao - issued by ICAW,  production © J.J.van der Harten MsArch MBA

The Netherlands Antilles form together with Aruba the autonomous Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles consist of 5 islands: Curaçao and Bonaire (the Leeward Islands), St.Martin, St.Eustatius and Saba (the Windward Islands). Curaçao and Bonaire together with Aruba are located near the coast of Venezuela.

The Island of Curaçao, the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, houses the Antillean government in the Fort Amsterdam. A Governor represents the Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Governor’s residence is traditionally Fort Amsterdam.

Each island has its own government.

The city of Willemstad is the capital of the Island Territory of Curaçao.