Islam in Aruba is a small minority religion on the Caribbean island of Aruba. The Muslim population, primarily located in Oranjestad, represents less than 1% of the islandâÂÂs total population.
Estimates of ArubaâÂÂs Muslim population range from approximately 500 individuals, making up roughly 0.5% of the total population. The U.S. Department of StateâÂÂs International Religious Freedom Report (2022) cites the 2010 census: around 75.3% identified as Roman Catholic, 4.9% Protestant, 1.7% JehovahâÂÂs Witness, 5.5% no religion, and 12% âÂÂotherâÂÂâÂÂa category that includes Muslim residents.
Detailed historical records of early Muslim migration to Aruba are sparse. The Muslim presence is believed to have increased in recent decades through migration from countries including Lebanon, Syria, Suriname, Nigeria, Egypt, and others, as well as community formation around the establishment of a mosque.
The central institution is the Aruba Islamic Foundation (also known as Islamic Center of Aruba), based in Oranjestad. It offers Jumÿah prayers, community services, religious education, and hosts weddings (nikÃÂḥs), though full mosque amenities (e.g. wudu areas) remain under development.
ArubaâÂÂs constitution enshrines freedom of religion. Religious organizations are not obliged to register unless pursuing tax-exempt status. There have been no notable cases of religious persecution or institutional restriction of Muslim practice.
The Muslim community in Aruba is ethnically diverse, with roots in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria, Egypt, Suriname, as well as diaspora communities from North America and Europe.