Oranjestad (Dutch: "Orange City"), with a population of 26,355 (2000), is the capital and most important city of Aruba located on the southern coast near the western end of the island. The town was built around Fort Zoutman, shortly after it was built in 1796 and Oranjestad has been the capital of Aruba ever since. The fort is still one of the town's attractions, others being the tax-free harbour and the Willem III Tower, located near the fort. Edit this section or read more