Steenrijk Explained

Steenrijk
Settlement Type:Neighbourhood
Pushpin Map:Curaçao
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Curaçao
Pushpin Label Position:right
Coordinates:12.0979°N -68.9121°W
Subdivision Type:State
Subdivision Name:Kingdom of the Netherlands
Subdivision Type1:Country
Subdivision Name1:Curaçao
Subdivision Type2:City
Subdivision Name2:Willemstad
Population Footnotes:[1]
Area Total Km2:1.05
Population As Of:2011
Population Total:3,752
Population Density Km2:auto

Steenrijk is a neighbourhood of Willemstad, Curaçao. It is located about one kilometre south-east of the centre of Willemstad, and has the highest population density of the island.

History

Steenrijk used to be a forested area. In 1791, the Maria Pompoen plantation was established. In 1804, the Steenrijk plantation followed. Both plantations were small scale. Until 1925, the economy was based on subsistence agriculture and fishing. The booming oil and phosphate industry of the early 20th century, resulted in a population increase, and the transformation of Steenrijk into a residential zone.

The Dutch word "steenrijk" translates to "filthy rich", however Steenrijk is a poor neighbourhood[2] with an average income of 22% below the average for Curaçao.

Steenrijk has a large amount of shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants and hotels. During World War II, a coastal battery was built in Steenrijk to protect the island from U-boats. The ruins of the battery can still be seen, and have been declared a monument.[3]

Notable people

References

  1. Web site: Census 2011. Central Bureau of Statistics. 21 April 2021.
  2. News: Vooruit of achteruit? Curaçao weet het nog niet . Louis Cornelisse. 16 August 2003. Trouw. 21 April 2021. nl.
  3. Web site: Kustbatterij, Steenrijk. Curaçao Monuments. 21 April 2021.
  4. Web site: George Jamaloodin veroordeeld tot 28 jaar cel. Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal. 21 April 2021. nl.

Bibliography