The former Netherlands Antilles was a group of Caribbean islands once unified under Dutch administration, dissolved as a political entity in 2010. Its territory included Curaçao and Sint Maarten, now autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, which became special municipalities of the Netherlands. Though no longer one political unit, the legacy of the Netherlands Antilles endures through shared history, culture, and Dutch-Caribbean ties.

Geographically diverse, the islands span both the southern Caribbean near Venezuela and the northeastern Lesser Antilles. Curaçao and Bonaire are known for arid landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and colorful Dutch colonial towns like Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, Saba’s dramatic volcanic peak, “The Unspoiled Queen,” rises steeply from the sea, and Sint Maarten blends French and Dutch influences on a single small island. Together, these islands reflect a striking variety of natural and cultural environments within a relatively small region.

The atmosphere of the former Netherlands Antilles is one of cultural fusion. Dutch, Afro-Caribbean, Latin American, and indigenous traditions mix in architecture, cuisine, and music. From Carnival parades and steel drum rhythms to Dutch holidays celebrated with a Caribbean twist, the islands carry a unique character shaped by centuries of global connections. While each island now defines its own identity, their shared heritage continues to link them in memory and spirit.