Bonaire
Population
More births among young women on Bonaire
In 2020, Bonaire’s population increased by 830 to 21.7 thousand. This growth rate is similar to 2019, but high compared to the growth over the previous five years. The number of inhabitants born in the Caribbean Netherlands, almost all of them on Bonaire, has risen by almost 1.2 thousand over the past decade. On 1 January 2021, Bonaire was home to almost 3.4 thousand persons born in the European Netherlands, almost twice as many as ten years previously.
| Country | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean Netherlands |
6.58 | 7.29 | 7.79 |
| Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten |
3.41 | 3.93 | 4.62 |
| Other South and Central America |
3.00 | 3.87 | 4.49 |
| North America |
0.34 | 0.62 | 0.47 |
| European Netherlands |
1.71 | 2.66 | 3.37 |
In 2020, there were 228 live births on the island, against on average 192 over the years 2015–2019. Women in the age group 25 to 29 years in particular had more children. The reason for this increase has not been investigated. A possible explanation is that, due to coronavirus measures, women were more likely to give birth on Bonaire itself.
| Population development | 2015/2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live births | 195 | 204 | 228 |
| Deaths | 89 | 97 | 111 |
Mortality was relatively high with 111 deaths; this is more than in the previous year and also exceeds the average over the period 2015–2019. Mortality was up, among people in their sixties and seventies in particular. In 2020, Bonaire registered 3 confirmed COVID-19 deaths. In 2021 up until end of June, 17 confirmed COVID-19 deaths were recorded.
| Migration | Country of origin/destination | 2020 | 2019 | 2015/2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration, region of origin |
Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Immigration, region of origin |
424 | 347 | 273 |
| Immigration, region of origin |
Other South and Central America, Immigration, region of origin |
210 | 359 | 288 |
| Immigration, region of origin |
North America, Immigration, region of origin |
57 | 75 | 55 |
| Immigration, region of origin |
European Netherlands, Immigration, region of origin |
670 | 615 | 600 |
| Emigration, region of destination |
Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Emigration, region of destination |
90 | 118 | 159 |
| Emigration, region of destination |
Other South and Central America, Emigration, region of destination |
9 | 17 | 21 |
| Emigration, region of destination |
North America, Emigration, region of destination |
14 | 14 | 10 |
| Emigration, region of destination |
European Netherlands, Emigration, region of destination |
538 | 558 | 580 |
In 2020, immigration into Bonaire was higher than in previous years. There were relatively more migrants from the European Netherlands and Curaçao, but fewer from the Dominican Republic and Peru. Emigration declined, to Curaçao and Aruba in particular, and to a lesser extent to the European Netherlands.
| Number of persons | 2015/2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrying | 169 | 160 | 96 |
| Divorcing | 98 | 122 | 93 |
The number of marriages declined sharply in 2020. Ninety-six Bonaire inhabitants were married, down from 160 in 2019. Due to COVID-19, grand weddings were not permitted on Bonaire, which may have led to the decline in 2020.
More information about the population of Bonaire.
Youth
Only half of young Bonaire residents are island-born
In early 2021, Bonaire had 5.7 thousand young residents (0 to 24 years). Only half – 2.9 thousand – were born on the island; almost one-fifth were born on Curaçao and 14 percent in the European Netherlands. In addition, 11 percent were born in Central or South America, mostly in the Dominican Republic, Colombia or Venezuela, and 2 percent on Aruba. Relative to early 2020, the number of young people born on Bonaire, Curaçao and in the European Netherlands was up. Relative to five years ago, the highest increase was seen in young residents born on Bonaire itself and in Central or South America, while there was a decrease in the number born on Curaçao. The declining number of people born on Curaçao was partly due to improved medical facilities on Bonaire over the five years.
| Country of birth | 2021 | 2020 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonaire | 2.94 | 2.86 | 2.65 |
| Curaçao | 1.07 | 1.02 | 1.19 |
| European Netherlands | 0.81 | 0.76 | 0.77 |
| Central and South America | 0.63 | 0.63 | 0.53 |
| Aruba | 0.11 | 0.11 | 0.09 |
| Other | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.24 |
The number of Bonaire-born young people is relatively low among the higher age categories, mainly due to emigration. Of all 0‑to-4‑year-olds, 880 were born on the island, versus 311 young people aged 20 to 24. In the latter age group, a relatively high number was born on Curaçao. In addition, the young adults also include a fairly large group born in Central or South America. Although the number born in the European Netherlands is highest in the 10 to 14‑year-old age group, it is lower among the 15‑to-20 and 20‑to-24‑year-olds.
| Country of birth | Bonaire | Curaçao | European Netherlands | Central and South America | Aruba | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 yrs | 880 | 108 | 58 | 51 | 26 | 8 |
| 5 to 9 yrs | 751 | 118 | 195 | 116 | 17 | 30 |
| 10 to 14 yrs | 606 | 230 | 225 | 148 | 32 | 34 |
| 15 to 19 yrs | 393 | 291 | 205 | 145 | 22 | 41 |
| 20 to 24 yrs | 311 | 323 | 123 | 173 | 12 | 63 |
More information about youth on Bonaire.
Please also visit our Youth Monitor with information on the Caribbean Netherlands
Nature
Sea Turtle nests
Turtles play a vital role in the health of the oceans, linking various ecosystems from beaches to seagrass beds and coral reefs. Bonaire is home to three of the world’s seven species of sea turtles. Green and hawksbill turtles can be seen year-round, while loggerheads generally only visit during the nesting season. Since the start of the turtle nests surveys on Bonaire, a moderate increase in turtle nests has been observed.
| Year | Loggerhead (Klein Bonaire) | Hawksbill (Klein Bonaire) | Green Turtle (Klein Bonaire) | Loggerhead (Main island) | Hawksbill (Main island) | Green Turtle (Main island) | Hybrid (Loggerhead x Hawksbill) (Main island) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 14 | 46 | 0 | 9 | 13 | 24 | 4 |
| 2019 | 18 | 31 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 16 | 0 |
| 2018 | 18 | 32 | 5 | 21 | 8 | 21 | 0 |
| 2017 | 17 | 61 | 0 | 7 | 22 | 21 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 | 57 | 1 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 0 |
| 2015 | 10 | 46 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 18 | 45 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 0 |
| 2013 | 25 | 54 | 0 | 6 | 34 | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 | 19 | 60 | 3 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 23 | 20 | 0 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | 5 | 34 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| 2009 | 16 | 35 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2008 | 16 | 29 | 0 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 0 |
| 2007 | 25 | 26 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| 2006 | 8 | 42 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 0 |
| 2005 | 14 | 29 | 0 | . | . | . | 0 |
| 2004 | 24 | 50 | 0 | . | . | . | 0 |
| 2003 | 9 | 34 | 0 | . | . | . | 0 |
| Source: Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire and Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database | |||||||
Litter
On Bonaire’s beaches marine litter washes up containing a wide variety of litter items, of which plastics, paper, metal, glass are the most prevalent ones. In 2020 a reduction in marine litter items occurred, but it is too early to call this a trend.
| Year | Plastics | Paper | Metal | Glass | Other litter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15.65 | 4.67 | 1.35 | 1.14 | 0.78 |
| 2019 | 24.18 | 4.92 | 0.99 | 0.91 | 1.02 |
| Source: Clean Coast Bonaire & WWF and Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database | |||||
Visitors to Washington Slagbaai Park
Every year, Bonaire’s Washington Slagbaai Park welcomes visitors from all over the world. Dutch nationals make up the large majority of visitors, followed by tourists from the US and local people. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic – and shutdown of tourism in 2020 – there was a sharp decline in visitor numbers.
| Year | Month | Local | United States | Netherlands | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | January, 2019 | 687 | 1061 | 2347 | 2334 |
| 2019 | February, 2019 | 599 | 1060 | 2503 | 2110 |
| 2019 | March, 2019 | 895 | 1321 | 2378 | 2229 |
| 2019 | April, 2019 | 827 | 884 | 1971 | 1594 |
| 2019 | May, 2019 | 779 | 828 | 1865 | 498 |
| 2019 | June, 2019 | 980 | 848 | 1654 | 1904 |
| 2019 | July, 2019 | 1055 | 1042 | 1921 | 810 |
| 2019 | August, 2019 | 965 | 736 | 2444 | 552 |
| 2019 | September, 2019 | 650 | 341 | 1675 | 1835 |
| 2019 | October, 2019 | 698 | 401 | 1851 | 735 |
| 2019 | November, 2019 | 509 | 642 | 1751 | 1216 |
| 2019 | December, 2019 | 552 | 842 | 1702 | 1561 |
| 2020 | January, 2020 | 667 | 1389 | 1926 | 2159 |
| 2020 | February, 2020 | 589 | 967 | 1925 | 2365 |
| 2020 | March, 2020 | 337 | 664 | 1270 | 933 |
| 2020 | April, 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | May, 2020 | 698 | 12 | 96 | 29 |
| 2020 | June, 2020 | 602 | 13 | 76 | 17 |
| 2020 | July, 2020 | 1229 | 12 | 748 | 91 |
| 2020 | August, 2020 | 1183 | 24 | 1344 | 242 |
| 2020 | September, 2020 | 413 | 32 | 878 | 152 |
| 2020 | October, 2020 | 281 | 12 | 230 | 72 |
| 2020 | November, 2020 | 102 | 12 | 162 | 52 |
| 2020 | December, 2020 | 679 | 25 | 1710 | 203 |
| Source: STINAPA and Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database | |||||
Flamingos
The annual average number of flamingos is an indicator for the health of salt lakes and wetlands. Bonaire has a relatively small, but regionally important, stable population of these migratory birds.
| Year | Total number of flamingos |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2855 |
| 2019 | 2560 |
| 2018 | 3381 |
| 2017 | 4702 |
| 2016 | 2646 |
| 2015 | 3081 |
| 2014 | 2429 |
| 2013 | 2083 |
| 2012 | 1946 |
| 2011 | 3026 |
| 2010 | 2520 |
| 2009 | 2711 |
| 2008 | 3085 |
| 2007 | 2932 |
| 2006 | 3342 |
| 2005 | 3641 |
| 2004 | 3170 |
| 2003 | 3391 |
| 2002 | 3347 |
| 2001 | 3039 |
| 2000 | 4547 |
| 1999 | 4125 |
| 1998 | 2731 |
| 1997 | 3911 |
| 1996 | 1822 |
| 1995 | 4185 |
| 1994 | 3026 |
| 1993 | 3132 |
| 1992 | 3147 |
| 1991 | 1870 |
| 1990 | 2381 |
| 1989 | . |
| 1988 | 5941 |
| 1987 | 3259 |
| 1986 | 2964 |
| 1985 | 2725 |
| 1984 | 2944 |
| 1983 | 1708 |
| 1982 | 2661 |
| 1981 | 4532 |
| Source: Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire | |
| 1) No data available for 1989 | |
Energy and water
| Year | Fossil | Renewable |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 73.5 | 0.7 |
| 2008 | 70.8 | 1.4 |
| 2009 | 73.9 | 1.5 |
| 2010 | 77.3 | 4.9 |
| 2011 | 58.8 | 26.3 |
| 2012 | 58.6 | 32.5 |
| 2013 | 56.9 | 36.7 |
| 2014 | 56.1 | 41.2 |
| 2015 | 63.4 | 40.1 |
| 2016 | 73.3 | 35.1 |
| 2017 | 81.9 | 31.5 |
| 2018 | 76.0 | 37.1 |
| 2019* | 88.1 | 32.5 |
| 2020* | 95.7 | 25.4 |
| * Provisional figures | ||
In 2020, Bonaire produced 121.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. This is 0.6 million kWh more than in the previous year and 63.3 percent more than in 2007, when production still stood at 74,2 million kWh. Of the total electricity production in 2020, 25.4 million kWh (21 percent) came from renewable sources, down from just under 27 percent the previous year. Practically all of it (99 percent) was produced by wind turbines. Solar panels generated the remaining 1 percent. The fact that less renewable electricity was produced from wind energy had to do with lower average wind speeds on Bonaire in 2020.
In 2020, 0.6 million more kWh of electricity were produced compared to 2019. This increase is less significant than in previous years. The number of connections increased almost as much as in 2019, both in homes and in businesses (478 new connections in 2019 and 498 in 2020). The average consumption per connection decreased. An explanation for this could be that, due to the lockdown, no tourists were able to visit Bonaire during most of 2020.
| Year | Households | Other |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5725 | 1426 |
| 2008 | 6071 | 1493 |
| 2009 | 6437 | 1531 |
| 2010 | 6789 | 1518 |
| 2011 | 7053 | 1540 |
| 2012 | 7262 | 1565 |
| 2013 | 7571 | 1619 |
| 2014 | 7715 | 1669 |
| 2015 | 7918 | 1830 |
| 2016 | 8143 | 1907 |
| 2017 | 8432 | 1972 |
| 2018 | 8647 | 2030 |
| 2019* | 9078 | 2077 |
| 2020* | 9483 | 2170 |
| * Provisional figures | ||
In 2020 Bonaire produced 2.0 million cubic metres (m3) of water. This is 77.5 percent more than in 2007, when 1.1 million cubic metres (m3) were produced. The increase in water production is partly due to population change. In 2011 there were 15,679 residents, against 20,915 in 2020. This represents an increase of 30 percent.
| Year | Water production |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1.10 |
| 2008 | 1.13 |
| 2009 | 1.18 |
| 2010 | 1.21 |
| 2011 | 1.25 |
| 2012 | 1.31 |
| 2013 | 1.36 |
| 2014 | 1.51 |
| 2015 | 1.59 |
| 2016 | 1.59 |
| 2017 | 1.63 |
| 2018 | 1.75 |
| 2019* | 1.94 |
| 2020* | 1.95 |
| * Provisional figures | |
| Year | Households | Other |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5890 | 1009 |
| 2008 | 6126 | 1073 |
| 2009 | 6453 | 1152 |
| 2010 | 6756 | 1099 |
| 2011 | 6953 | 1115 |
| 2012 | 7125 | 1156 |
| 2013 | 7353 | 1149 |
| 2014 | 7609 | 1216 |
| 2015 | 7693 | 1370 |
| 2016 | 7855 | 1506 |
| 2017 | 8017 | 1631 |
| 2018 | 8184 | 1700 |
| 2019* | 8912 | 1770 |
| 2020* | 8910 | 1833 |
| * Provisional figures | ||
More information about water and electricity production on Bonaire.
Tourism and transport
In 2020, the number of visitors (non-residents) arriving on Bonaire by air stood at 65.8 thousand. This is 58 percent down on 2019. The largest decrease occurred in April and May when, due to COVID-19 measures, the number of visitors arriving at Bonaire International Airport dropped to almost zero. As in previous years, most of the visitors in 2020 originated from the European Netherlands or the United States, at 43 and 16 percent respectively. Due to the ongoing travel restrictions, the tourism market did not recover in the first quarter of 2021. Only 11.4 thousand visitors arrived by air during this year’s first quarter as compared to 37.8 thousand in Q1 2020 and 44.5 thousand visitors in Q1 2019. Approximately 50 percent of all visitors by air in Q1 2021 were Dutch nationals residing in the European part of the Netherlands. The share of visitors by air from the United States fell to 5 percent. In addition, the cruise sector was hit hard. Since mid-March 2020, no more cruise ships have visited Bonaire.
| Year | Number of visitors |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 128.9 |
| 2015 | 133.4 |
| 2016 | 135.8 |
| 2017 | 128.5 |
| 2018 | 147.8 |
| 2019 | 157.8 |
| 2020* | 65.8 |
| * Provisional figures | |
| Year | Month | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | January, 2018 | 13.2 |
| 2018 | February, 2018 | 12.1 |
| 2018 | March, 2018 | 13.8 |
| 2018 | April, 2018 | 13.9 |
| 2018 | May, 2018 | 11.2 |
| 2018 | June, 2018 | 11.3 |
| 2018 | July, 2018 | 12.1 |
| 2018 | August, 2018 | 10.9 |
| 2018 | September, 2018 | 10.2 |
| 2018 | October, 2018 | 11.9 |
| 2018 | November, 2018 | 12.1 |
| 2018 | December, 2018 | 15.1 |
| 2019 | January, 2019 | 14.8 |
| 2019 | February, 2019 | 13.7 |
| 2019 | March, 2019 | 16.0 |
| 2019 | April, 2019 | 14.1 |
| 2019 | May, 2019 | 12.1 |
| 2019 | June, 2019 | 12.5 |
| 2019 | July, 2019 | 13.1 |
| 2019 | August, 2019 | 11.9 |
| 2019 | September, 2019 | 10.0 |
| 2019 | October, 2019 | 12.2 |
| 2019 | November, 2019 | 13.4 |
| 2019 | December, 2019 | 14.0 |
| 2020* | January, 2020* | 14.8 |
| 2020* | February, 2020* | 15.6 |
| 2020* | March, 2020* | 7.4 |
| 2020* | April, 2020* | 0.0 |
| 2020* | May, 2020* | 0.1 |
| 2020* | June, 2020* | 1.1 |
| 2020* | July, 2020* | 5.7 |
| 2020* | August, 2020* | 5.6 |
| 2020* | September, 2020* | 2.8 |
| 2020* | October, 2020* | 1.7 |
| 2020* | November, 2020* | 4.0 |
| 2020* | December, 2020* | 7.0 |
| 2021* | January, 2021* | 3.6 |
| 2021* | February, 2021* | 4.5 |
| 2021* | March, 2021* | 3.3 |
| * Provisional figures | ||
| Nationality | 2021* | 2020* | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch (Europe) | 53 | 43 | 35 |
| Dutch (Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten) | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| US | 5 | 16 | 25 |
| Other | 16 | 18 | 18 |
| * Provisional figures. The 2021 estimates are only based on data of the 1st quarter of 2021 | |||
More information about inbound tourism by air on Bonaire.
Traffic and Transport
In 2020, there were nearly 7.8 thousand aircraft movements to and from Bonaire, down 51 percent on the previous year. The number of passengers visiting Bonaire in 2020 declined by 58 percent. By mid-March, air traffic to and from Bonaire was suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. In the first quarter of 2021, the number of passengers visiting Bonaire was 13.8 thousand, a 69‑percent decrease on the first quarter of 2020. In 2020, 8 out of 10 passengers arrived from the airports of Curaçao, Amsterdam or Aruba.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2.9 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 3.2 |
| 2015 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| 2016 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.7 |
| 2017 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 3.1 | 3.2 |
| 2018 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| 2019 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| 2020 * | 3.5 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 1.3 |
| 2021 * | 1.7 | . | . | . |
| * Provisional figures | ||||
More information about monthly airport data on Bonaire.
Labour
In 2020, the size of the working age population (15 to 74 years) on Bonaire was almost 16.5 thousand, with 69.8 percent in employment. The labour force participation rate was higher among men: 73.6 percent of the men were employed, versus 65.7 percent of the women. Participation was relatively low among young people: 42.7 percent for those between 15 and 24 years old. 64.0 percent of lower educated people were in employment, versus 74.8 percent of those with an intermediate education level and 77.4 of the highly educated. Bonaire’s unemployment rate was 4.6 percent. This is equivalent to almost 550 unemployed who were looking for work and immediately available.
Just over 4.4 thousand Bonaire residents were not in the local labour force. They were not looking for work or not available at short notice; in most cases, a combination of both. A third (33 percent) were not prepared or unable to work due to old age or retirement. For 20 percent of those not in the labour force – young residents in particular – education was the predominant reason for not working. Other, smaller groups included people who were unable to work due to a disability or poor health (11 percent) or because they had to take care of relatives (9 percent).
| Net labour participation rate | |
|---|---|
| Total | 69.8 |
| Male | 73.6 |
| Female | 65.7 |
| 15-24 yrs | 42.7 |
| 25-44 yrs | 86.0 |
| 45-74 yrs | 64.6 |
| Low education level | 64.0 |
| Intermediate education level | 74.8 |
| High education level | 77.4 |
| Population not in labour force | |
|---|---|
| Not available or not looking | . |
| Available but not looking for work | 510 |
| Looking but not available for work | 100 |
| Not available and not looking | . |
| Willing to work | 250 |
| Not willing/able to work because of | . |
| Care | 380 |
| Education | 890 |
| Retirement or old age | 1460 |
| Illness, disability, poor health | 480 |
| Other reason | 340 |
The average annual wage of employee jobs on Bonaire was 25.2 thousand US dollars in 2019. This is 4 percent more than in 2018. Women’s wages were 6 percent lower than men’s. Half of the jobs had earnings of less than 20 thousand US dollars.
| Year | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 23.22 | 19.12 |
| 2012 | 23.91 | 20.73 |
| 2013 | 24.22 | 21.25 |
| 2014 | 25.04 | 22.24 |
| 2015 | 24.59 | 22.37 |
| 2016 | 24.49 | 22.33 |
| 2017 | 24.87 | 23.33 |
| 2018 | 25.13 | 23.22 |
| 2019* | 26.03 | 24.36 |
| * Provisional figures | ||
More information about jobs and wages on Bonaire.
Income
In 2019, the median disposable household income on Bonaire was 24.6 thousand US dollars, equaling the level of 2013; it grew as of that year and peaked at 26.8 thousand US dollars in 2016. By 2019, the median income had dropped by more than 2 thousand US dollars relative to 2016. The same pattern was seen among households with incomes primarily from work. In 2019 they had 27.9 thousand US dollars to spend, i.e. nearly 2.5 thousand less than in 2016. For households receiving social benefits, the median income stood at 8.4 thousand US dollars in 2019, up by nearly 8 percent on 2018.
| All households | Main income from work | Main income from social benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 25.0 | 27.6 | 8.4 |
| 2012 | 24.5 | 27.0 | 8.2 |
| 2013 | 24.6 | 27.6 | 8.2 |
| 2014 | 24.9 | 27.9 | 7.9 |
| 2015 | 25.7 | 29.0 | 8.1 |
| 2016 | 26.8 | 30.2 | 8.0 |
| 2017 | 26.3 | 29.6 | 8.0 |
| 2018 | 24.9 | 28.0 | 7.8 |
| 2019* | 24.6 | 27.9 | 8.4 |
| * Provisional figures | |||
More information about the income of households on Bonaire.
Purchasing power development
In 2019, median purchasing power on Bonaire was up by 3.9 percent on 2018. Wages were raised that year, with a structural increase in minimum wages and social benefits adding an extra 5.0 percent to the regular indexation. The employed profited from a 3.5‑percent increase in median purchasing power. The largest increase in buying power was recorded among households with incomes primarily from social benefits, adding up to 7.2 percent. By contrast, in 2018 the median purchasing power had decreased.
| All households | Main income from work | Main income from social benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| 2013 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 0.4 |
| 2014 | 2.0 | 2.7 | 0.3 |
| 2015 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 2.5 |
| 2016 | 3.0 | 3.4 | -0.5 |
| 2017 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 0.1 |
| 2018 | -1.8 | -1.3 | -2.8 |
| 2019* | 3.9 | 3.5 | 7.2 |
| * Provisional figures | |||
In 2019, purchasing power growth applied to persons in all household types on Bonaire. Due to a higher child benefit rate, purchasing power rose particularly rapidly for households with underage children. For those in one-parent households, the buying power increase was most substantial, namely 8.2 percent. For couples with children, buying power increased by 4.7 percent. Median purchasing power still decreased in 2018 for all household types.
| 2019* | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Single person households | 4.5 | -2.8 |
| One parent households | 8.2 | -1.0 |
| Couples, without child(ren) | 2.0 | -2.7 |
| Couples, with child(ren) | 4.7 | -0.6 |
| Multiperson housholds nec | 2.2 | -1.8 |
| * Provisional figures | ||
More information about the purchasing power on Bonaire.
Income inequality
Bonaire has the most stable income inequality in the Caribbean Netherlands. The Gini coefficient was 0.39 in 2019. Disparities in standardised disposable income have remained virtually unchanged since 2011. As for the Gini coefficient, 0 means total equality: every household has the same income, and 1 means total inequality: one household has all the income, the rest has none.
| Gini coefficient | |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 0.39 |
| 2012 | 0.39 |
| 2013 | 0.39 |
| 2014 | 0.40 |
| 2015 | 0.40 |
| 2016 | 0.39 |
| 2017 | 0.40 |
| 2018 | 0.40 |
| 2019* | 0.39 |
| * Provisional figures | |
More information about the income inequality on Bonaire.
Support for companies
As of March 2020, a package of emergency measures has been in place in the Caribbean Netherlands to tackle the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis. On Bonaire, 45 percent of businesses availed of a financial contribution towards their wage costs and/or fixed overhead last year, with USD 28.1 million being paid out for wage costs and 13.4 million for fixed charges. Of all contributions, 36 percent were intended for the accommodation and food services sector.
| Categories | Total companies | Companies receiving support |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | 420 | 230 |
| Accommodation and food services | 330 | 190 |
| Construction | 300 | 60 |
| Rental and other business services | 280 | 140 |
| Specialist business services | 230 | 70 |
| Real estate activities | 210 | 80 |
| Other services | 200 | 80 |
| Culture, sports and recreation | 120 | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 100 | 30 |
| Health care and welfare | 100 | 40 |
| Transport and storage | 90 | 60 |
| Financial services | 90 | 20 |
| Information and communication | 70 | 20 |
| Education | 70 | 20 |
Applications were made for wage and living cost allowances related to 3.5 thousand jobs of both employees and self-employed. One-third of these applications were made in the accommodation and food services sector.
More information about companies receiving support through the emergency package on Bonaire.
Consumer prices
In 2020, prices of consumer goods and services on Bonaire dropped by 2.5 percent. This is a sharp decrease after 2019, when prices rose by 1.3 percent year-on-year. In the first half of 2021, prices increased again relative to the second half of 2020.
| Year | Quarter | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Q1, 2017 | 0.1 |
| 2017 | Q2, 2017 | 0.4 |
| 2017 | Q3, 2017 | 0.6 |
| 2017 | Q4, 2017 | 1.2 |
| 2018 | Q1, 2018 | 3.9 |
| 2018 | Q2, 2018 | 3.0 |
| 2018 | Q3, 2018 | 3.5 |
| 2018 | Q4, 2018 | 3.4 |
| 2019 | Q1, 2019 | 0.7 |
| 2019 | Q2, 2019 | 1.1 |
| 2019 | Q3, 2019 | 1.2 |
| 2019 | Q4, 2019 | 2.2 |
| 2020 | Q1, 2020 | 1.0 |
| 2020 | Q2, 2020 | -1.0 |
| 2020 | Q3, 2020 | -4.8 |
| 2020 | Q4, 2020 | -5.2 |
| 2021 | Q1, 2021 | -3.2 |
| 2021 | Q2, 2021 | 0.2 |
The price index of housing, water and energy fell by 9.6 percent in 2020 and prices for communication by 11.4 percent. This was caused mainly by government subsidies on electricity, water and internet (relief measures in the context of the coronavirus epidemic).
| Year | Quarter | Food and non-alcoholic beverages | Housing, water and energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Q1, 2017 | 99.3 | 99.8 |
| 2017 | Q2, 2017 | 99.8 | 99.3 |
| 2017 | Q3, 2017 | 100.6 | 100.4 |
| 2017 | Q4, 2017 | 100.3 | 100.5 |
| 2018 | Q1, 2018 | 102.8 | 107.3 |
| 2018 | Q2, 2018 | 102.3 | 104.8 |
| 2018 | Q3, 2018 | 101.3 | 109.3 |
| 2018 | Q4, 2018 | 101.6 | 109.3 |
| 2019 | Q1, 2019 | 102.5 | 109.9 |
| 2019 | Q2, 2019 | 105.0 | 109.6 |
| 2019 | Q3, 2019 | 105.5 | 110.5 |
| 2019 | Q4, 2019 | 106.2 | 111.2 |
| 2020 | Q1, 2020 | 106.0 | 105.3 |
| 2020 | Q2, 2020 | 106.0 | 100.4 |
| 2020 | Q3, 2020 | 105.7 | 96.4 |
| 2020 | Q4, 2020 | 107.2 | 96.9 |
| 2021 | Q1, 2021 | 107.4 | 99.1 |
| 2021 | Q2, 2021 | 109.0 | 100.8 |
Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 1.4 percent compared to 2019. Restaurants were 1.9 percent more expensive than in 2019 while transport went up by 1.4 percent. Prices of clothing and footwear, furnishing and household equipment, recreation and accommodation and food services all rose slightly.
More information about the consumer price index (CPI) for Bonaire.
House prices
In 2020, prices of residential property on Bonaire reached the highest point since the beginning of measurement in 2011. Houses had become 48.1 percent more expensive. Relative to 2019, the price index rose by 9.3%.
| Year | Price index |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 100.0 |
| 2012 | 102.7 |
| 2013 | 102.3 |
| 2014 | 102.2 |
| 2015 | 95.2 |
| 2016 | 110.5 |
| 2017 | 109.4 |
| 2018 | 133.0 |
| 2019 | 135.5 |
| 2020 | 148.1 |
Unlike prices, the number of housing transactions fell on Bonaire. In 2020 the number of dwellings sold stood at 182, down 31.6 percent on the previous year. Relative to 2018, the year with the highest number of transactions to date, 44.3 percent fewer houses were sold.
In 2020, 318 house mortgages were issued, down 23.7 percent on the previous year. These also included remortgages and mortgages for building plots.
| Year | Number of dwellings sold | Concluded mortgages |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 155 | 320 |
| 2012 | 151 | 344 |
| 2013 | 168 | 277 |
| 2014 | 156 | 266 |
| 2015 | 150 | 248 |
| 2016 | 215 | 345 |
| 2017 | 214 | 323 |
| 2018 | 327 | 466 |
| 2019 | 266 | 417 |
| 2020 | 182 | 318 |
Looking at the total transaction value of dwellings sold on Bonaire, the pattern is quite similar to the number of dwellings in transaction: a sharp rise in 2018 followed by consecutive declines in 2019 and 2020. Calculating the average dwelling price however, i.e. dividing total transaction value by number of transactions, 2020 shows the highest average: approximately 362 thousand US dollars per dwelling sold.
| Year | Transaction value |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 37.355 |
| 2012 | 36.692 |
| 2013 | 44.283 |
| 2014 | 40.313 |
| 2015 | 40.944 |
| 2016 | 59.245 |
| 2017 | 52.150 |
| 2018 | 111.107 |
| 2019 | 80.471 |
| 2020 | 65.992 |
More information about dwellings on Bonaire.
Macroeconomics
The gross domestic product (GDP) of Bonaire increased from 480 million US dollars in 2017 to 505 million US dollars in 2018.noot1 This represents an annual growth rate of 5.0 percent.
| Year | GDP |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 417 |
| 2013 | 434 |
| 2014 | 452 |
| 2015 | 466 |
| 2016 | 487 |
| 2017 | 480 |
| 2018 | 505 |
In volume terms, GDP increased by 3.9 percent year-on-year. The volume growth of GDP is calculated by adjusting value growth for inflation on the basis of the consumer price index.
| Year | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 2.4 |
| 2014 | 1.6 |
| 2015 | 3.4 |
| 2016 | 2.2 |
| 2017 | -1.3 |
| 2018 | 3.9 |
The increase in GDP on Bonaire was mainly driven by the accommodation and food services sector. This sector grew by 19.3 percent, making it the fastest-growing sector in 2018 together with financial institutions (18.8 percent). The growth in accommodation and food services is associated with the opening of new hotel and catering establishments in that year.
| 2018 | |
|---|---|
| Accommodation and food services | 19.3 |
| Financial institutions | 18.8 |
| Construction | 13.0 |
| Business services | 12.8 |
| Real estate activities | 9.5 |
| Manufacturing | 7.0 |
| Wholesale and retail trade | 3.7 |
| Culture, recreation, other services | 3.6 |
| Education | 1.1 |
| Public administration and services | 0.3 |
| Health and social work activities | -4.4 |
| Energy, water, waste treatment | -4.9 |
| Agriculture and mining and quarrying | -7.4 |
| Transport, ICT | -15.5 |
GDP per capita increased slightly from 24.8 thousand US dollars in 2017 to 25.4 thousand US dollars in 2018.
| Year | GDP per capita |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 24.6 |
| 2013 | 24.3 |
| 2014 | 24.2 |
| 2015 | 24.3 |
| 2016 | 25.3 |
| 2017 | 24.8 |
| 2018 | 25.4 |
More information on the Gross Domestic Product of Bonaire.
Definitions
Gross domestic product (market prices) (GDP):
The final result of productive activities of production units in the Netherlands. It equals the sum of value added in all sectors of industry, and includes some transactions that are not classified by sector of industry.
Volume change:
The weighted average of the changes in the volume and quality of the parts of particular goods or service transactions or the value added.
GDP per capita (as defined by Eurostat):
The indicator is calculated as the ratio of real GDP to the average population of a specific year.
International trade
Since little manufacturing or production takes place on Bonaire, most goods need to be imported. The island has a structural trade deficit. In 2020, Bonaire’s trade deficit was 236 million US dollars. This is 2 percent lower compared to 2019, representing the first trade deficit decrease in six years’ time.
In 2020, goods imports and exports on Bonaire amounted to 244 million and 8 million US dollars, respectively. Both imports (–3 percent) and exports (–33 percent) declined on the previous year.
| Year | Import value | Export value | Trade balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 200.6 | 8.7 | -191.9 |
| 2017 | 212.8 | 10.9 | -201.9 |
| 2018 | 223.2 | 9.3 | -213.9 |
| 2019 | 252.6 | 12.0 | -240.6 |
| 2020 | 243.8 | 8.0 | -235.8 |
There is no indication that Bonaire’s smaller trade deficit in 2020 was a direct result of the coronavirus crisis. Compared to 2019, Bonaire had larger deficits for most categories of goods – including goods for dealing with the crisis, such as face masks, disinfectants, medical goods and instruments. The smaller deficit is entirely attributable to a lower import value of machinery and transport equipment.
| Machinery and transport equipment | Food and live animals | Manufactured goods | Chemicals and related products | Beverages and tobacco | Crude materials | Mineral fuels | Other goods | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 75.8 | 44.0 | 37.9 | 22.5 | 19.6 | 4.0 | 2.3 | 34.6 |
| 2020 | 58.2 | 45.2 | 41.7 | 25.2 | 19.8 | 8.2 | 1.8 | 35.8 |
However, in the second quarter of 2020, the import of goods showed the sharpest quarterly decrease (–13 percent) in seven years’ time. Due to the coronavirus crisis, Bonaire had almost one-fifth fewer customs declarations of imported goods than in the same quarter of 2019.
| Import value | |
|---|---|
| Q1 | 62.1 |
| Q2 | 52.9 |
| Q3 | 62.4 |
| Q4 | 66.3 |
More information about international trade on Bonaire.
Noten
Statistics Netherlands publishes GDP figures for the Caribbean Netherlands two years following the reporting period. Earlier publication has not been feasible due to data availability.