Venezuela Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Venezuela, state of northern South America; 912 050 km², 28.9 million residents (2019).Venezuela borders Colombia in the west, Brazil in the south and Guyana in the east. In the Caribbean north of Venezuela are the Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago and some of Venezuela’s islands. The capital is Caracas (1.9 million residents, 2012).

Country facts

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela / Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Country abbreviation: VE
Area: 912 050 km²
Population (2019): 28.9 million residents
Capital: Caracas
Main language: Spanish
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Nicolás Maduro (President)
Per capita GDP (2014): US $ 16,614
GNI per capita (2014): US $ 12,890
Currency unit: 1 bolívar fuerte = 100 centimos
Currency code: VEF
Country number (telephony): 58
Internet domain name: ve
Time difference compared to Sweden: −5
National Day: July 5 (Independence Day, 1811)

Nature

Land use: forest (34%), agricultural land (4%), other (62%)
Highest mountain: Pico Bolívar (5 007 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 32 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.1%; birth rate 18 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (28%), 15-65 (66%), 65- (7%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 68 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 25 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 42 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.761 (place 78 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 88%
Most populous cities (2012): Maracaibo (1.9 million), Caracas (1.9 million residents), and Valencia (1.4 million)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (5%), industry (40%), service (55%)
Exports (2017): US $ 32,060 million
Main export products: oil, bauxite, aluminum
Main exporting countries: USA, India, China
Imports (2017): USD 11,000 million
Main import products: agricultural products, machinery, chemicals
Main importing countries: USA, China, Mexico
Railway network (2014): 450 km

Geography of Venezuela

Location

Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Colombia to the west. The country covers an area of approximately 916,445 square kilometers (353,841 square miles), making it the 33rd largest country in the world. Venezuela is a country of significant geographic diversity, featuring everything from tropical beaches and vast plains to towering mountains and dense rainforests.

Topography

Venezuela’s topography is extremely varied, consisting of coastal regions, mountains, and vast inland plains. The country is divided into four major regions: the Andes mountains in the west, the central highlands, the Llanos (tropical plains) in the center and south, and the Guiana Highlands in the east. The Andes, with peaks such as Pico Bolívar, which rises to 4,978 meters (16,332 feet), create a natural border with Colombia in the west and provide the country with a mountainous terrain that is home to many of Venezuela’s indigenous communities. These mountains are home to dense forests and dramatic landscapes.

To the south, the Llanos, or plains, stretch across Venezuela and are characterized by flat, grass-covered terrain. This area is crucial for agriculture, particularly livestock farming. The east of Venezuela is dominated by the Guiana Highlands, a series of steep, forested plateaus that extend into Brazil and feature spectacular natural formations, including Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, which plunges 979 meters (3,212 feet).

Venezuela also has an extensive coastline along the Caribbean Sea, which has contributed to its importance in maritime trade. Offshore, the country owns numerous islands and islets, including Margarita Island, which is a popular tourist destination.

Natural Resources

Venezuela is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources, particularly oil. It has some of the largest proven oil reserves globally, especially in the Orinoco Belt, which is a vast oil-rich region in the eastern part of the country. Oil has been a primary driver of Venezuela’s economy for decades, with the state-owned oil company PDVSA controlling the vast majority of the country’s petroleum production.

In addition to oil, Venezuela is rich in minerals such as gold, diamonds, and bauxite, and its large forests are home to timber and other natural resources. The country’s agricultural resources include vast amounts of fertile land for crops such as coffee, cocoa, sugar, rice, and corn. However, over-reliance on oil has led to neglect in other sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, which has affected the country’s ability to sustain a diversified economy.

Climate of Venezuela

General Climate

Venezuela’s climate varies significantly based on geographic region, with tropical climates in most of the country’s lowland areas and more temperate climates in the higher altitudes. The country generally experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures, but its geographical diversity means the climate can shift dramatically depending on the region’s elevation and proximity to the equator.

The lowland regions, including the Llanos and coastal plains, are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C (72°F to 93°F) throughout the year. These regions also experience a marked wet season from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April. The annual rainfall varies, but the wet season can bring heavy rainfall, especially in the Llanos and Guiana Highlands.

In contrast, the Andean regions, particularly in the west, have a more temperate climate, with cooler temperatures due to the high altitudes. The temperature here can dip below freezing during the winter months, particularly at higher elevations. The cool climate allows for the cultivation of crops that require lower temperatures, such as potatoes and certain fruits.

Rainfall Patterns

Rainfall in Venezuela is highly variable depending on the region. The Llanos region, located in the heart of the country, receives substantial rainfall, especially during the rainy season from May to October. The central and coastal regions also experience heavy rains during this time. In the Guiana Highlands, the climate is tropical and wet, contributing to the lush rainforests that dominate the region.

The Andean region experiences more moderate rainfall, with the wet season occurring during the summer months. Although the Andean region is generally cooler and drier, it is still prone to occasional torrential rainfall, particularly in the mountain valleys.

People of Venezuela

Population and Ethnic Composition

Venezuela has a population of approximately 28 million people. The population is ethnically diverse, with the majority being mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous ancestry), followed by significant populations of European descent, particularly from Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Indigenous groups, such as the Wayuu, Pemon, and Warao, make up a small percentage of the population but have historically been important in shaping the cultural identity of the country.

Venezuelan society has been strongly influenced by its colonial history, as well as the migration of people from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, which has contributed to the multicultural makeup of the country. There is also a large Afro-Venezuelan population, particularly in the coastal regions, due to the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

Urbanization in Venezuela has led to a concentration of the population in the capital, Caracas, and other major cities like Maracaibo and Valencia. As a result, approximately 90% of the population lives in urban areas, with rural communities scattered across the Llanos and Andean regions.

Language

Spanish is the official language of Venezuela, spoken by nearly all of its population. The dialect spoken in Venezuela is similar to that of other Latin American countries, with some regional variations in accent and vocabulary. Venezuelans also use indigenous languages, particularly in rural areas where Indigenous populations remain significant. Languages such as Wayuu, Pemon, and Warao are spoken by indigenous communities in the country, although their usage is less widespread.

In addition to Spanish and indigenous languages, English is spoken by some sectors of the population, particularly in business and tourism. Portuguese is also spoken by a smaller population, due to historical ties with Portuguese-speaking immigrants.

Religion

The majority of Venezuelans identify as Roman Catholic, with about 80% of the population adhering to the faith. Catholicism was introduced during the Spanish colonial period and has deeply influenced the culture, traditions, and festivals in Venezuela. Catholic holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated, and Catholicism plays a key role in community and family life.

There is also a significant Protestant population in Venezuela, particularly in the Evangelical Christian and Pentecostal communities, which have grown in size over recent decades. Other religions practiced in Venezuela include indigenous beliefs, African-derived religions like Santería, and small communities of Jews and Muslims.

Economy of Venezuela

Oil Industry

Venezuela’s economy has long been dominated by oil, which has been the country’s primary source of income and foreign currency. The country is one of the world’s largest oil exporters, and its vast reserves are located primarily in the Orinoco Belt. The state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), controls the country’s oil extraction and refining operations, making it the most important industry in Venezuela. Oil exports account for the vast majority of government revenue, and fluctuations in global oil prices have a profound impact on the country’s economy.

Despite its oil wealth, the Venezuelan economy has faced significant challenges, including declining production, mismanagement, and a lack of investment in the oil sector. Political instability and economic sanctions have further exacerbated the situation, contributing to hyperinflation and a severe economic crisis in recent years.

Non-Oil Industries

Venezuela has a diverse but struggling non-oil economy. Agriculture, once a significant contributor to the economy, has diminished over the years due to the country’s reliance on oil exports. The major agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, corn, and rice, but declining agricultural output and difficulties with land distribution have hindered growth in this sector.

Venezuela also has a small but developing industrial sector, particularly in the manufacturing of basic goods, such as cement, textiles, and food products. However, the manufacturing sector has suffered due to the economic crisis, lack of raw materials, and an unreliable power supply.

Inflation and Economic Crisis

Venezuela has been grappling with severe inflation, which has led to a significant devaluation of its currency, the bolívar. This hyperinflation has eroded savings, making basic goods unaffordable for most of the population. The country’s economic crisis, exacerbated by political instability and a decline in oil revenues, has resulted in widespread poverty, food and medicine shortages, and mass emigration.

Venezuela’s currency crisis has led to the adoption of alternative currencies, including the US dollar, which is used in parallel with the bolívar in many sectors of the economy. The government has also implemented various measures, including price controls and subsidies, in an attempt to stabilize the economy, but the results have been largely ineffective.

Government of Venezuela

Political System

Venezuela is a federal republic, but the country has been experiencing significant political instability since the rise of Hugo Chávez in 1999. Chávez, who served as president until his death in 2013, established a socialist government under the banner of the Bolivarian Revolution. His successor, Nicolás Maduro, has continued many of Chávez’s policies, but the country has faced increasing political polarization, civil unrest, and allegations of electoral fraud under Maduro’s rule.

The Venezuelan political system is characterized by a strong executive branch, with the president holding significant power. The National Assembly, which is the country’s legislative body, has been the site of intense conflict between the opposition and the government. In recent years, the government has faced criticism for undermining democratic institutions and curbing opposition parties’ ability to participate in politics.

Political History

Venezuela’s political history has been shaped by periods of military dictatorship and democratic rule. In the 20th century, the country oscillated between authoritarian regimes and democratic governments. Following decades of military dictatorships, Venezuela established a democratic government in 1958, which lasted until the rise of Hugo Chávez in 1999.

Chávez’s election marked a shift in the country’s politics, as he implemented socialist reforms and sought to reduce the influence of the private sector and the United States in the Venezuelan economy. Chávez’s government was characterized by populist rhetoric, nationalization of industries, and a focus on social welfare programs for the poor. However, after Chávez’s death in 2013, the country entered a period of deep economic crisis, exacerbated by corruption, the collapse of oil prices, and political infighting.

The political crisis escalated under Nicolás Maduro, with growing protests, allegations of electoral fraud, and economic mismanagement contributing to widespread discontent. In 2019, opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president, leading to a standoff between Guaidó and Maduro’s government, supported by military and political allies.

Governance Challenges

Venezuela’s governance is marked by severe challenges, including a lack of transparency, corruption, and an erosion of democratic norms. The economic crisis has severely affected the population, with millions fleeing the country in search of better living conditions. The humanitarian situation has been dire, with shortages of food, medicine, and essential goods.

Internationally, Venezuela is isolated due to economic sanctions and diplomatic tensions, particularly with the United States and some Latin American countries. The government has responded to opposition protests with heavy repression, further deepening the divide between the government and the people.

Culture of Venezuela

Traditional Music and Dance

Venezuelan music is deeply rooted in its indigenous, African, and Spanish heritage. The country has a rich musical tradition, with genres such as joropo, salsa, merengue, and gaita forming an important part of the national identity. Joropo, a lively and rhythmic style of folk music from the Llanos, is typically accompanied by the harp, cuatro (a four-stringed guitar), and maracas.

The country also has a strong tradition of dance, with the joropo and salsa being popular forms of dance during celebrations and festivals. Venezuela’s music reflects its multicultural influences and plays an important role in national celebrations such as Carnival.

Art and Craft

Venezuelan art is a blend of indigenous, African, and European traditions. The country has a vibrant arts scene, with painters, sculptors, and craftsmen producing works that reflect the country’s history, politics, and natural beauty. The country has produced several internationally renowned artists, including Armando Reverón, whose works reflect the country’s unique landscapes and people.

Handicrafts are an essential part of Venezuelan culture, with artisans creating colorful textiles, pottery, and wood carvings. These crafts are often sold in local markets and are used for both practical and decorative purposes.

Cuisine

Venezuelan cuisine is a fusion of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. The country’s cuisine is centered around staples such as corn, rice, and beans, with popular dishes including arepas (cornmeal cakes), empanadas, and pabellón criollo (a dish consisting of rice, black beans, shredded beef, and fried plantains). Tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and guava are also widely consumed.

Seafood is prevalent along the coast, with dishes such as cazón (shark) and ceviche being popular. The use of local ingredients like avocados, coconut, and various meats gives Venezuelan cuisine its distinct flavor. The country also has a rich tradition of making sweets, such as quesillo (a type of caramel flan) and tequeños (fried dough filled with cheese).

Festivals and Celebrations

Venezuelans celebrate a variety of festivals, many of which are rooted in religious and cultural traditions. One of the most important celebrations is Carnival, which takes place before Lent and features parades, dancing, and music. The Feria de la Chinita, held in Maracaibo, celebrates the patron saint of the city and includes processions, traditional dances, and food.

Venezuelans also celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm, marked by family gatherings, traditional food, and fireworks. The country’s rich folklore and traditions are celebrated throughout the year, with regional festivals showcasing local music, dance, and cuisine.