Steenrijk
Neighbourhood in Willemstad, Curaçao, Kingdom of the Netherlands
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Steenrijk is a neighbourhood of Willemstad, Curaçao. It is located about one kilometre south-east of the centre of Willemstad,[3] and has the highest population density of the island.[1]
Steenrijk | |
|---|---|
Neighbourhood | |
Anglican Church in Steenrijk | |
  Steenrijk Location in Curaçao | |
| Coordinates: 12.09788°N 68.91214°W | |
| State | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Country | Curaçao |
| City | Willemstad |
| Area | |
• Total | 1.05 km2 (0.41 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
• Total | 3,752 |
| • Density | 3,570/km2 (9,250/sq mi) |
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.[3] Until 1925, the economy was based on subsistence agriculture and fishing.[4] 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.[3]
The Dutch word "steenrijk" translates to "filthy rich", however Steenrijk is a poor neighbourhood[5] with an average income of 22% below the average for Curaçao.[6]
Steenrijk has a large number of shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants and hotels.[6] 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,[3] and have been declared a monument.[7]
Notable people
- George Jamaloodin (born 1967), Minister of Finance and convicted criminal.[8]
