WILLEMSTAD - The population of Curaçao has increased by 3.5% since 2011, reaching a total of 155,826 residents in 2023, according to the latest census from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). This growth is primarily attributed to immigration, with the number of immigrants rising by 7%, now accounting for 25% of the island's total population. 

Among the immigrant groups, European Dutch nationals remain the largest, with 9,047 individuals, but their share of the migrant population has slightly decreased. Meanwhile, the number of Venezuelan immigrants has significantly risen, from 4.2% in 2011 to 11.3% in 2023. The Colombian community has also seen growth, now making up 15% of the immigrant population. 

In contrast, the percentage of immigrants from the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) has decreased from 6% to 3.4%. Additionally, the number of migrants from Sint Maarten, Aruba, Suriname, Portugal, and China has dropped. The CBS emphasizes that immigration remains a key driver of growth and diversity on Curaçao. 

The CBS notes that these figures illustrate the ongoing demographic evolution driven by migration. The increase in foreign residents is occurring at a faster rate than the growth of the local population. Despite the shifting proportions, immigration continues to be a crucial factor for the future of Curaçao.