The A in the ABC Islands (followed by Bonaire and Curaçao), Aruba is small—only 19 ½ mi (31 ½ km) long and 6 mi (9 ½ km) across at its widest point. It became an independent entity within the Netherlands in 1986. The official language is Dutch, but almost every native speaks English and Spanish as well. The island's population is 72,000.