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 |
Indian/Mayotte |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Aruba Fontaine is not an independent country, but the capital and largest city of the Caribbean island nation of Aruba, officially known as Oranjestad. Located on the southwestern coast of Aruba, facing the Caribbean Sea, the city is known for its colorful Dutch colonial-style architecture, bustling port and duty-free shopping area.
Founded in 1796, Oranjestad derives its name from the Dutch royal family of Orange. Historically the political and economic center of Aruba, the city retains a large number of 17th and 18th century Dutch buildings, such as the Willem III Tower and the History Museum. The local culture is a blend of Caribbean, Dutch and Latin American elements, and traditional celebrations such as Carnival are held throughout the year.
As a duty-free port, Oranjestad attracts a large number of cruise ship passengers, and the main street, Caya G.F. Betico Croes, is home to international brand stores. The economy is dominated by tourism, finance and services, and is surrounded by world-class white sand beaches such as Eagle Beach. The city has a well-developed infrastructure, with an international airport and port connecting it to North and South America.
Handrema is the capital and largest city of the French overseas department of Mayotte, located in the eastern part of the main island of Mayotte in the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean. As the administrative, economic and cultural hub of the region, the city blends African Swahili traditions with French colonial flavor.
Handrema is located on the coastal plain of a volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems. Adjacent to one of the largest enclosed lagoon in the world, the city is an important destination for eco-tourism with its unique turtle habitat and rainforest landscape.
Creole culture is predominant in the area, with French as the official language and the Mayotte dialect spoken on a daily basis. Mosques and Catholic churches can be found throughout the city, and an active weekly open-air market filled with traditional handicrafts such as spices and wood carvings reflects the intersection of Arab, African and European cultures.
The economy is based on public services, fishing and spice cultivation. Visitors can explore colonial architecture, dive the coral reefs, or participate in the grand annual traditional dance festival. As part of the European Union in France, it uses the euro and has excellent infrastructure but retains a laid-back island rhythm.