The population of Aruba is estimated to be 75% mixed European/Amerindian, 15% Black and 10% other ethnicities. The Arawak heritage is stronger on Aruba than on most Caribbean islands. Although no full-blooded Aboriginals remain, the features of the islanders clearly indicate their genetic Arawak heritage. Most of the population is descended from Caquetio Indians and Dutch and to a lesser extent of Africans, Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, and Sephardic Jewish ancestors. Recently, there has been substantial immigration to the island from neighboring American and Caribbean nations.
Aruba's national flag, adopted on March 18, 1976, consists of a field of light blue (called Larkspur), two narrow parallel horizontal yellow (Bunting Yellow) stripes in the bottom half, and a four-pointed white-fimbriated red (Union Flag red) star in the canton. The blue field represents the sky, the sea, peace, hope, Aruba's future and its ties to the past. The two narrow stripes "suggest the movement toward status aparte". In addition to sun, gold, and abundance, the yellow is also said to represent wanglo flowers. The star also represents the island itself: a land of often red soil bordered by white beaches in a blue sea.
About the stamp
The stamp is part of a definitive series issued in 2009, and depicting Alto Vista Chapel, about which I wrote here.
References
Aruba, Demographics - Wikipedia
Flag of Aruba - Wikipedia
Sender: Denise
Sent from Oranjestad (Aruba), on 04.07.2014
Photo: Luis Minoz / 2005
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