Venezuela

The Bolivarian Republic – Oil Riches, Political Shifts, and Natural Wonders

Venezuela is a resource-rich country located in northern South America, bordered by Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, and the Caribbean Sea. Known for having the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela is also home to the Andes Mountains, Orinoco River Basin, and Angel Falls—the world’s highest waterfall. In recent years, the country has faced economic collapse, mass emigration, and political turmoil, but efforts at reform and recovery are emerging.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Inhabited by Carib, Arawak, and other indigenous tribes.

  • Colonized by Spain in the 16th century.

  • Became the birthplace of Latin American independence hero Simón Bolívar.

  • Declared independence on July 5, 1811.

  • Transitioned through dictatorships and democracy, with recent decades shaped by Hugo Chávez’s Bolivarian Revolution and Nicolás Maduro’s contested rule.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Capital Caracas
Continent South America
Official Language Spanish
Currency Bolívar (VES); USD widely used
Area Approx. 916,445 sq. km
Population Approx. 29.3 million (2025 est.)
Time Zone UTC−4
ISO Code VE
Internet TLD .ve
Calling Code +58

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Roman Catholicism ~70%
Protestant / Evangelical ~20%
Other / Afro-indigenous beliefs ~4%
Unaffiliated / Atheist ~6%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
President Nicolás Maduro (contested by opposition)
Opposition Leader / Parallel President (claimed) Juan Guaidó (disputed status post-2023)
Government Type Presidential republic (de facto centralized)
Legislature National Assembly (contested control)
Judiciary Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) – politicized

Administrative Divisions (States)

Venezuela is divided into 23 states, 1 Capital District, and the Federal Dependencies (islands):

  1. Amazonas

  2. Anzoátegui

  3. Apure

  4. Aragua

  5. Barinas

  6. Bolívar

  7. Carabobo

  8. Cojedes

  9. Delta Amacuro

  10. Falcón

  11. Guárico

  12. Lara

  13. Mérida

  14. Miranda

  15. Monagas

  16. Nueva Esparta

  17. Portuguesa

  18. Sucre

  19. Táchira

  20. Trujillo

  21. Vargas (La Guaira)

  22. Yaracuy

  23. Zulia

  24. Capital District (Caracas)

  25. Federal Dependencies (Caribbean islands)

Local Government Structure

  • States governed by elected governors

  • Municipalities (municipios) have elected mayors and councils

  • Many institutions suffer from political interference and centralized control

Leadership & Governance

  • Nicolás Maduro remains president under controversial elections

  • Key issues:

    • Human rights concerns, international sanctions, internal displacement

    • Government seeks normalization of foreign relations and limited reforms

    • Recent dialogues with opposition and partial lifting of some sanctions

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Agencies:

    • National Bolivarian Police (PNB)

    • SEBIN (intelligence) and FANB (military)

  • Issues:

    • High crime rates, extrajudicial abuses, corruption

    • Government crackdown on dissent and press freedom

    • Armed gangs operate in many regions

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Oil and gas: Main export but severely impacted by underinvestment and sanctions

    • Mining: Gold, iron ore, bauxite

    • Agriculture: Coffee, cacao, corn, sugarcane (revival efforts underway)

    • Informal economy dominant

  • GDP (2024): Approx. USD 85 billion (highly fluctuating)

  • Inflation: High but relatively more stable than hyperinflationary 2017–2021

  • Main partners: China, Turkey, Iran, Cuba, select Latin American and Caribbean nations

Education & Institutions

  • Public education is free and compulsory, but infrastructure weakened

  • Key universities:

    • Central University of Venezuela (UCV)

    • Simón Bolívar University

  • Challenges:

    • Teacher shortages, brain drain, ideological interference

Healthcare

  • Universal in theory, but public system collapsed in many areas

  • Widespread shortages of medicine, equipment, and staff

  • Private clinics operate for those with USD-based income

  • Epidemic risks: malaria, measles resurgence, maternal mortality

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: Main highways operational but in poor condition in rural areas

  • Airports:

    • Simón Bolívar International (Maiquetía, near Caracas)

  • Ports: La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Maracaibo

  • Digital: Poor connectivity, frequent blackouts; mobile internet more common

Tourism & Attractions

Natural:

  • Angel Falls – tallest waterfall on Earth

  • Gran Sabana, Mérida Andes, Los Roques Archipelago

  • Morrocoy National Park, Orinoco Delta

Cultural:

  • Colonial towns like Coro, Barquisimeto

  • Caracas’s Bolivarian sites, indigenous heritage, and Afro-Venezuelan rhythms

  • Rich in festivals, but tourism limited due to instability

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic composition: Mestizo (~70%), White (~20%), Afro-Venezuelan, Indigenous

  • Languages: Spanish (official), 30+ indigenous languages

  • Cuisine: Arepas, pabellón criollo, cachapas, hallacas

  • Music: Joropo, salsa, merengue, gaita

  • Strong emphasis on family, faith, and resilience amidst adversity

Summary

Venezuela is a nation of immense natural wealth, cultural depth, and geopolitical significance—grappling with crisis and potential. As of 2025, the country remains at a political crossroads, with signs of recovery emerging alongside persistent challenges. Its people continue to persevere with hope for stability, sovereignty, and renewal.