CuraçaoYesterday, the Dutch Caribbean island, Curaçao, became an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Previously, it had been one of five island territories of the Netherlands Antilles, which had its seat in Willemstad, Curaçao.

Taking the helm of the new world state, Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte is the youngest prime minister in the Kingdom at age 36. Curaçao's taxes will further its tourism development, including the addition of port facilities and hotels. Recent developments include an increase of 53 percent in travelers from the United States, as of April 2010 from April 2009, and the 350-room Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina that opened in April.

Visit www.curacao.com or call 1-800-328-7222 for a free information package.