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 |
Europe/Guernsey |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+0 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+1 |
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.
The islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayenhem are not independent countries, but are Arctic archipelagic administrations under Norwegian jurisdiction. Located between latitudes 74° and 81° N, Svalbard, with its capital city of Longyearbyen, has a unique international treaty status - the 1920 Treaty of Svalbard grants equal commercial rights to the citizens of the signatory countries, but Norway maintains sovereignty. With 60% of the archipelago covered by glaciers, the archipelago is a major global Arctic research center, with a Chinese Yellow River Station. The population is about 2,700, and polar bears outnumber the residents, who are required to carry weapons for protection.
Jan Mayen is a volcanic island between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard, with an area of 377 square kilometers and no permanent population. The island's volcano, Berenberg, is active, and the Norwegian military operates a weather station and navigation facility there. Together with Svalbard, the island forms Norway's strategic Arctic pivot, and has both scientific and military value.
Svalbard is known as the "Kingdom of Arctic Wildlife", with polar foxes, reindeer and walruses to be spotted during the summer polar days. The city of Longyearbyen prohibits death and procreation (critical cases must leave the island), and has a "Doomsday Seed Bank" to preserve the genes of global crops. Visitors can experience dog sledding and aurora observation, but must adhere to strict environmental regulations.