Bonaire
Bonaire, one of the five islands that form the Netherland Antilles. It lies in the southern Caribbean Sea, 50 miles (80 km) off the coast of Venezuela. Bonaire has an area of 112 square miles (290 km2). The climate is tropical, with temperatures averaging 82°F (27.8°C) year-round.
The island's economy is based largely on tourism. Its calm waters and variety of marine life provide an excellent environment for diving and snorkeling. Bonaire also has petroleum transshipment facilities. The Bonaire Marine Park and Washington-Slagbaai National Park are here. Flamingo International Airport is located near the island's largest town, Kralendijk.
Bonaire's first inhabitants, the Caiquetios Indians, are believed to have sailed to the island in 1000 A.D. from what is now Venezuela. The first Europeans came to Bonaire in 1499. Bonaire had a flourishing salt industry from the mid-17th century until the mid-19th century, when international competition and the abolition of slavery made the production of salt unprofitable.
Population: 14, 169.