The Netherland Antilles are an integral part of the Netherlands, comprising two island groups of three islands each - the Netherlands Leeward and the Netherlands Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. The Netherland Antilles form an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As with many of the countries located in the Caribbean Sea, the main source of income for the Netherland Antilles is tourism. Because of the beautiful weather and friendly climate, the Netherland Antilles make a gorgeous holiday destination for anyone.

Netherland Antilles Politics Early History

The Spanish took possession of the Leeward Islands in 1527. After the initial period of Spanish control. The Dutch took control of the group of islands in 1634 and ruled the Windward Islands uninterrupted until the early 19th century. The two islands, once known as the Dutch West Indies, formed a colony of the Netherlands until 1954, when they were finally made an integral part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This granted the Netherland Antilles from a colonial territory to a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, basically meaning that it is its own separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherland Antilles also has a link to modern day Aruba. Prior to 1986, Aruba was considered a part of the Netherland Antilles until they were also granted status as a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Netherland Antilles Economy

As already mentioned, the most important source of revenue for the Netherland Antilles is by far tourism. Not only do tourists spend lots of money in resorts, but they also have to spend money on rental cars, tours, food and cultural artefacts. Besides tourism, the major industry of the Netherland Antilles is the refining of petroleum imported from Venezuela. Large refining facilities are located on the islands of Aruba and Curaçao. Although Aruba is not its own country, prior to 1986 the refining served the Netherland Antilles. Petroleum products account for a large portion of the annual value of imports and exports to the Netherland Antilles.

Netherland Antilles Political Realm

Like many other overseas territories that have been granted independence, the Netherland Antilles are also served by a monarch that acts as the head of state. The monarch in the Netherland Antilles is none other than Queen Beatrix. Since she is unable to reside in the Netherland Antilles due to her commitments in the Netherlands, a Governor General is appointed in her absence. The current Governor General of the Netherland Antilles is Frits Goedgedrag.

These three individuals account for the leading power in the executive branch of government, which is the highest branch of government in the Netherland Antilles. Like other countries in the Caribbean Sea, the Netherland Antilles are part of a multi-party system of government that helps to ensure fairness and diversity among the electorates. The legislative branch in the Netherland Antilles is very similar to that of other overseas territories in the area in that there is 22 seats that are available and they are chosen by popular vote for a term of four years, after which another vote will then take place. The judicial branch in the Netherland Antilles is appointed by the monarch, in this case it is Queen Beatrix.

In the Netherland Antilles the judiciary is known as the Joint High Court of Justice and is independent from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in terms of jurisdiction.