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Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Willemstad | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Constituent country | Netherlands Antilles |
| Island | Curaçao |
| Established | 1634 |
| Quarters | Punda, Otrobanda |
| Population | |
| - Total | 125,000 |
| Estimated | |
| Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Netherlands Antilles* | |
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| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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| State Party |  Netherlands |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iv, v |
| Reference | 819 |
| Region† | Europe and North America |
| Inscription History | |
| Inscription | 1997 (21st Session) |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. † Region as classified by UNESCO. |
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Willemstad is the territorial capital of the Netherlands Antilles. Located at , on the island of Curaçao, it has an estimated population of 125,000. The city consists of two quarters: Punda and Otrobanda. They are separated by the St. Anna bay, an inlet that leads into the large natural harbour called the 'Schottegat'.
Punda was established in 1634, when the Dutch captured the island from Spain. The original name of Punda originally was de punt in Dutch. Otrobanda, which was founded in 1707, is the newer section of the city and is considered to be the cultural center of Willemstad. Its name originated from the Papiamentu otro banda, which means "the other side." Punda and Otrobanda are connected by Queen Emma Bridge, a long pontoon bridge. The city center of Willemstad boasts an array of colonial architecture that is influenced by Dutch styles. The city center, with its peculiar architecture and beautiful harbour entry, has been made a UNESCO world heritage site.
Due to its location, Willemstad is the site of a seaport. The port of Willemstad has brought the island of Curaçao much prosperity. Willemstad became a center for oil refining by Royal Dutch/Shell in 1914.
The city also is a tourist destination and contains several gambling casinos.
Willemstad is served by Hato International Airport, which is the home base of Insel Air, Curacao's airline.
Pabao Little League has also appeared is the last 5 Little League World Series.
MLB All-star Andruw Jones hails from Willemstad.
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Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) · Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station) · Defence Line of Amsterdam · Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout · Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) · Schokland and Surroundings · Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Netherlands Antilles |
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This Netherland Antilles location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
Categories: World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands | Capitals in North America | Settlements in the Netherlands Antilles | Government of the Netherlands Antilles | Politics of Curaçao | World Heritage Sites | Settlements established in 1634 | Port cities in the Caribbean | Caribbean geography stubs | Netherlands geography stubs