Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles

Willemstad is the territorial capital of the Netherlands Antilles. Located on the island of Curaçao, it has a estimated population of 125,000. The city consists of two sections: Punda and Otrobanda. Punda was established in 1634, when Dutch captured the island from Spain. The original name of Punda originally was de punt in Dutch. Otrobanda, which was founded in 1707, is the newer section of the city and is considered to be the cultural center of Willemstad. Its names originated from the Spanish Otro banda, which means "the other side."

Willemstad is a center for oil-refining and is considered to be the city in the West Indies with the most European cultural influence. Classic Dutch-style windmills are scattered all around Willemstad. The city also is a tourist destination and contains several gambling casinos.