Time Zone |
America/Aruba |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Africa/Asmara |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Aruba is an island nation located in the southern Caribbean Sea and is a constituent state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a high degree of autonomy. The capital is Oranjestad and the official language is Dutch, although English and Papiamento are commonly spoken. Known for its tropical desert climate, Aruba is a famous tourist destination with year-round sunshine and an average annual temperature of about 28℃. Its unique white sand beaches, crystal clear Caribbean waters, and abundance of water activities (e.g. diving, windsurfing) attract tourists from all over the world. In addition, Aruba has preserved Dutch colonial architecture, such as the colorful houses and historic churches of Oranjestad, and the perfect blend of culture and natural beauty makes it the "Island of Joy".
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is located on the country's central plateau at an altitude of about 2,350 meters and has a pleasant climate that has been described as the "Italy of Africa". The city is a blend of Italian colonial architecture and local culture, with a large number of well-preserved modernist buildings, including futuristic churches, Art Deco theaters, and colorful homes. An example of early 20th century urban planning, its historic center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Asmara is not only a political and economic hub, but is also known for its unique cultural scene and laid-back pace of life, and is a window to explore Eritrea's history and diverse civilizations.