WILLEMSTAD – The Venezuelan community in Curaçao has seen explosive growth over the past twelve years, becoming the fastest-growing migrant group on the island, according to newly released data from the Senso 2023 census conducted by the Curaçao Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). 

Venezuelans now make up 11.3% of all foreign-born residents, a significant rise from just 4.2% in 2011—an increase of nearly 2.7 times over the past decade. This places Venezuela fourth among countries of birth for Curaçao’s foreign-born population, with 4,264 individuals born in the South American country now residing on the island. 

Venezuelan Nationals Among Largest Foreign Groups 

When measured by nationality, Venezuelans also rank among the top four foreign nationalities in Curaçao, following Dutch, Colombian, and Dominican citizens. As of Senso 2023, 3,479 individuals on the island held Venezuelan nationality, a sharp rise compared to past censuses: 

667 in 1992 

749 in 2001 

1,152 in 2011 

Of note, 18% of Venezuelan-born migrants have since acquired Dutch nationality, demonstrating both legal integration and long-term settlement trends. 

Recent Migration Wave and Labor-Driven Demographics 

The CBS notes that around 60% of the Venezuelan community arrived less than nine years ago, indicating a relatively recent wave of migration. “This group is likely still in the early phases of integration,” the report states. 

The average age at immigration among Venezuelans is 30 years, reflecting a population that is primarily of working age. The community consists largely of adults seeking employment opportunities, with relatively fewer children and elderly when compared to groups such as Dutch immigrants. 

More Women Than Men 

The Venezuelan population in Curaçao also shows a gender imbalance, with 2,359 women compared to 1,904 men in 2023. This trend is consistent with other Latin American migrant groups in Curaçao, such as Colombians, where women also outnumber men. 

As Curaçao continues to navigate the social and economic dynamics of immigration, the expanding Venezuelan community presents both opportunities and challenges in areas such as integration, labor, education, and public services. 

Curaçao Chronicle will continue to monitor developments and community perspectives as these demographic shifts shape the future of the island.