The Netherlands Antilles consists of five islands in the Caribbean. The Leeward Islands, Curacao and Bonaire are approximately 30 kilometres north of Venezuela. The Windward Islands of St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba are about 160 kilometres east of Puerto Rico. Curacao is the main island in the Netherlands Antilles. The total land area is 960 square kilometres. Aruba became independent from the Netherlands Antilles in 1987 but remains part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.

Population

The population of the Netherlands Antilles is approximately 200,000, a large proportion of which reside on the island of Curacao. 

Political Structure

The Netherlands Antilles achieved autonomy in 1954, although it still forms part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Foreign affairs and defense remain the responsibility of The Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles Government function under a democratic system which is derived from the European parliamentary systems. The Netherlands Antilles is regarded as one of the most stable democracies in the region. Hence, NACOs are known for being domiciled in a modern and stable jurisdiction.

The Netherlands Antilles enjoys a legal system based on that of The Netherlands: the Civil or Roman Law system. Rights of Appeal exist from The Netherlands Antilles Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court of The Netherlands, in the Hague.

Infrastructure and Economy

Curacao is one of the most developed islands in the region, with a good infrastructure.

The main sources of income are derived from the oil refinery, the Free Zone and the financial services industry of Curacao, as well as tourism in all five islands. The Netherlands Antilles enjoys Associate status in the European Economic Community (EEC).

Since the 1940's, the Government of the Netherlands Antilles has created a favourable climate for offshore companies through special tax provisions and tax treaties, particularly with The Netherlands. Similarly, the U.S.-Netherlands Antilles Tax Treaty was mostly abrogated on 1st January, 1988. The offshore industry has been extremely important for the economy of the Netherlands Antilles as this industry does not only provide the Government with direct and indirect revenue, but it also creates considerable employment opportunities.

Currently, the Netherlands Antilles is popular for the incorporation of the following NACOs: finance companies; mutual funds; ultimate holding and finance companies of multi-nationally operating corporations; shipping companies; trading companies; investment companies; Free Zone companies; royalty holding companies; offshore banks; insurance companies; foundations and limited partnerships. 

Language

The official and spoken language is Dutch. However, English is spoken widely and a local dialect, called 'Papiamento', is also spoken.

Currency

Netherlands Antilles Florin or Guilder, but U.S. Dollar is in wide circulation. The exchange rate is approximately NAFL 1.80, U.S.$1.00.

Exchange Control

Yes.