| Global Cost of Living Rank |
| CIA Background Information |
Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking globalization and undermining regional stability. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.
| U.S. State Department Description |
Country Description:
Venezuela is a medium income country whose economy is dominated by a substantial oil industry. The political climate in Venezuela is highly polarized and volatile. Violent crime is a continuing problem. Assaults, robberies, and kidnappings occur throughout the country. Scheduled air service and all-weather roads connect major cities and most regions of the country. Venezuela’s tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location and price. For an in depth Country Description of Venezuela, please read the Department of State Background Notes
on Venezuela.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport ... Read this Article
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Venezuelan(s).
Population (Dec. 2008 est.): 28,091,383.
Annual population growth: 1.6%.
Religion: Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%.
Language: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects.
Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy--95%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--22.02 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy--73.38 years.
Ethnic groups: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Amerindian.
Government
Type: Federal Republic.
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Location: Venezuela is Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana See Map
Capital: name: Caracas
geographic coordinates: 10 30 N, 66 56 W
time difference: UTC-4.5 (half an hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Currency (Code): bolivar (VEB) ...More
Area: total: 912,050 sq km , land: 882,050 sq km , water: 30,000 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)
Area Comparison: slightly more than twice the size of California
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m , highest point: Pico Bolivar (La Columna) 5,007 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)
Population: 26,414,816 (July 2008 est.)
Unemployment: 8.5% (2007 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people
Religion: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%
Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
More Statistics
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| History AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
At the time of Spanish discovery, the indigenous in Venezuela were mainly agriculturists and hunters living in groups along the coast, the Andean mountain range, and the Orinoco River. The first permanent Spanish settlement in South America--Nuevo Toledo--was established in Venezuela in 1522. Venezuela was a relatively ... Read this Article
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| Geographic Info for Venezuela : |
Geography
Area: 912,050 sq. km. (352,143 sq. mi.); slightly more than twice the size of California.
Cities: Capital--Caracas (metro. area pop. 3.2 million). Other major cities--Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, Maracay, Merida, Ciudad Bolivar.
Terrain: Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains; Guiana Highlands in southeast.
Climate: Varies from tropical to temperate, depending ... Read this Article
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