The island of curaçao lies in the Southern Caribbean about 70 km (44 miles) north of Venezuela. Curaçao forms part of the Netherlands Antiles,a group of four islands in the Caribbean,and is the largest of the four. The island measures nearly 60 km in length while the width varies between 5 and 14 km.Its total area is 444 square km. Curaçao is generally flat,with a small hilly area in western part.The highest top is the St.Christopher hill with 375 m.

Curacao was discovered in 1499 by a Spanish navigator, Alonso de Ojeda.In the early 1500's, the Spaniards settled here, and in 1634 the island was captured by the Dutch. From 1666 in early 19th century, the English and French alternately tried to take curacao. In 1815, by the Treaty of Paris, the Dutch finally regained the island and kept it thereafter. Some of the 40 to 50 nationalities now comprise the cosmopolitan population of Curacao. Curacao celebrates its flag day on July 2. The antillean and Dutch flags are flown as well.

                                                                                     

Climate

The Climate is comfortable and healthy, as constant easterly trade winds stir the air, bringing cool breezes from the sea. The average daily temperature on the island is about 28C. The coolest months fall in the rainy seasons (December to February) and show readings of around 26C. The hottest months are August - September which show readings of 30 - 32C. Curacao is safely situated outside the hurricane belt.

        

     Curacao has an average annual rainfall of 565mm. The greater part comes down during the months of October up to January.Notwithstanding man made dams much of the rain rapidly flows back to the sea.Also muchof the rain in Curacao is lost because of the high evaporation  due to the high temperatures on the island. Water temperatures is about 26C. The average wind velocity is 16 m.p.h. it is this north-east Tradewind that keeps Curacao cool. the north-east Tradewind is very steady it blows almost throughout the whole year. Due to the constant wind is blowing out of     rhe nort-east direction the Divi Divi treetop always point to the south-west.

Near to Christoffel park at the north coast you'll find one of Curacao's most spectacular places: Boca Tabla. This rocky area that is formed by the sea looks is completely different from the rest of Curacao.