Caracas
28.44 million (as of 2023)
Bolívar (VES)
July 5, 1811
Venezuela, officially known as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country located on the northern coast of South America. It is bordered by Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the east. To the north lies the Caribbean Sea. The nation is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, and has a diverse ecosystem ranging from the Andes mountains in the west to the Amazon Basin rainforest in the south, and extensive plains (llanos) and Caribbean coastline.
Venezuela was originally inhabited by various indigenous groups. The Spanish arrived in the late 15th century, and the area became part of the Spanish Empire. It gained independence from Spain in 1821 under the leadership of Simón Bolívar, who played a crucial role in the liberation of several South American countries. Initially part of Gran Colombia, Venezuela became a fully independent nation in 1830.
The economy of Venezuela is heavily dependent on oil, which accounts for the majority of the country’s revenue and exports. The discovery of large oil reserves in the early 20th century transformed the country’s economic landscape. Venezuela is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). However, in recent years, the economy has faced severe challenges due to political instability, mismanagement, and a drop in oil prices. Hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, and a significant decrease in living standards have led to a humanitarian crisis, prompting millions of Venezuelans to emigrate.
Venezuela’s political scene has been tumultuous, particularly in the last two decades. Hugo Chávez, elected in 1998, introduced the Bolivarian Revolution, which aimed to establish a socialist state. After his death in 2013, Nicolás Maduro assumed the presidency. His tenure has been marked by controversy, with allegations of authoritarianism, electoral fraud, and human rights abuses. The political opposition, led by figures such as Juan Guaidó, has challenged Maduro’s legitimacy, leading to a polarized and volatile political environment.
Venezuelan culture is a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. The country is known for its music, particularly genres like joropo and gaita. Baseball is the most popular sport, and Venezuela has produced many Major League Baseball players. The nation’s cuisine includes arepas, empanadas, and hallacas, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
Education and healthcare, once robust sectors, have suffered significantly due to the economic crisis. Despite these challenges, Venezuela has a rich tradition of literature, art, and cinema, with internationally recognized figures in each field.
Venezuela boasts remarkable natural beauty, including Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. The country’s diverse habitats support a wide array of wildlife, making it a significant region for biodiversity. National parks such as Canaima and Morrocoy attract tourists with their stunning landscapes and ecological diversity.
