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Bonaire

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For other uses, see Bonaire (disambiguation).
Bonaire
Flag of Bonaire
Anthem: Tera di Solo y suave biento
Location of Bonaire
Capital Kralendijk
Area
 - Total
 - % water 		(Not ranked)
288 km²
Negligible
Population

 - Total
 - Density


10,185 (2004)
35/km²

Bonaire Island and Klein Bonaire, from space, March 1996

Bonaire is an island in the Netherlands Antilles, and as such, is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Together with Aruba and Curaçao it forms a group referred to as the ABC islands. While Papiamento, English and Spanish are commonly spoken, the official language is Dutch.

Bonaire has a land area of 288 km² (111 sq. miles). At the 2001 Netherlands Antilles census, the population was 10,791 inhabitants, which means a population density of 37 inh. per km². In 2004 the population was estimated at 10,185 inhabitants. Uninhabited Klein Bonaire, nestled in the western crescent of the main island, is 6 km² (2.3 sq. miles). Bonaire is served by Flamingo International Airport.

The structure of the relationship between Bonaire and the Kingdom is being considered for change under proposed legislation.

Cities/Towns

The only generally recognized towns on the island are Kralendijk and Rincon. Kralendijk has many suburbs/neighborhoods (on an island with such a small population, the distinction is not always clearcut). Kralendijk's suburbs/neighborhoods include:

  • Antriol
  • Belnem
  • Hato
  • Lagoen
  • Lima
  • Noord Salina
  • Nikiboko
  • Republiek
  • Sabadeco
  • Sabana
  • Santa Barbara
  • Tera Cora

Several smaller towns had existed in the national park, but are now abandoned. They were: Labra, Ishiri, Kokorobi, Jan Doran, Vlijt, Rigot, Porto Spano, and Kunchi.

Salt

Exploiting its natural topography, Bonaire has been a major supplier of salt to the USA for many years, and continues to do so through the flooding of flat-lands with sea water. Bonaire was originally settled by the Dutch in the late 15th century as a source of salt, using the same evaporative methods used today, albeit on a small scale. Much of the early population of the island was in the form of slaves used to work the salt ponds. Today the slave huts remain as a historical site, and are the names of two popular dive sites "Red-" and "White Slave Huts." Salt production today covers much of the southern half of the island, and is run by the industrial giant Cargill.

Diving and Other Natural Features

Bonaire is one of the best places in the world for both shore diving and shore snorkeling.
Wild Donkey

Bonaire is world renowned for its excellent scuba diving and is consistently rated among the top shore diving and Caribbean diving locations in the world. In fact, Bonaire's license plates carry the logo Diver's Paradise in English. The island is ringed by a coral reef that is easily accessible from the shore along the Western and Southern sides. Furthermore, the entire coastline of the island has been declared a marine sanctuary, preserving local fish life. Bonaire is also consistently recognized as one of the best destinations for snorkeling.

The coral reef around uninhabited Klein Bonaire is particularly well conserved, and it draws divers, snorkelers, and boaters.

In addition to its rich marine preserve, Bonaire is also famed for its flamingo populations and its donkey sanctuary.

Washington Slagbaai National Park, located at the north side of the island, is an ecological preserve. The highest point of Bonaire, Brandaris, located within this preserve has a complete view of the island.

Lac Bay on the eastern side of the island is a windsurfer's paradise. Locals Taty and Tonky Frans in 2004 were ranked in the top five of the world's freestyle windsurfing professionals.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bonaire.
  • The coast of Bonaire is renowned for its clear, coral-rich waters.
    The coast of Bonaire is renowned for its clear, coral-rich waters.
  • Banded coral shrimp resting under some Bonaire coral.
    Banded coral shrimp resting under some Bonaire coral.

Template:Maplr Mapquest zoom level 7 only has the Kralendijk region; this region is also available in zoom level 8, 9, and 10.

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