Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles

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Coordinates: 12°7′N 68°56′W / 12.117, -68.933
Willemstad
Willemstad
Map of the Netherlands Antilles
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*
UNESCO World Heritage Site

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.

Willemstad is the territorial capital of the Netherlands Antilles. Located at 12°7′N 68°56′WCoordinates: 12°7′N 68°56′W, 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.

Queen Emma bridge.

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 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.

External links

Curaçao

v • d • e World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands
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