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Venezuela

Venezuela

Capital:Caracas
Population:28.8M
Currency:Venezuelan Bolivar (VEF)
Language:Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Venezuela.

Venezuela Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Venezuelans tend to be tolerant of cultural and racial differences. Venezuelans tend to have a more relaxed view of time. They even say that they are on Venezuelan time (hora Venezolana).

Venezuelans consider it important to finish conversations, even if it means they arrive a little later at their next destination. Venezuelans are proud of their country and heritage.

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Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    7/5

    Independence Day

  • Birth date - Simón Bolívar

    7/24

    Birthday

    Birth date - Simón Bolívar , South American revolutionary, was born in Caracas, Venezuela on July 24, 1783.

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    The Christmas season begins with the Misa del Aguinald (Mass of the Gift) held each morning around 5 am. Church bells ringing and children setting off firecrackers alert villages that the hour of Mass has arrived. Aguinaldo (Holiday Music) is also played.

    Christmas dinner includes hallacas (cornmeal pie stuffed with pork, chicken, olives, raisins, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled), pan de jamón (long bread filled with ham and raisins), pavo (turkey), pernil de cochino (pork dish), dulce de lechoza (cold dessert of green papaya and brown sugar), and ponche crema (cream punch with or without liquor).

    Children receive Christmas gifts from El Niño Jesus (the Christ child), who leaves them under their beds.

    In some areas on New Year ’s Eve, children create a life-size effigy of the apostle Judas and solicit money for the poor. At midnight they burn Judas with fireworks as a sign of burning away the old year and bringing in the New Year.

    Between New Year’s day and February 2 (Candlemas), Andean cities observe the custom of La paradura del Niño (The Standing up of the Christ Child).

Dates of Interest

  • Annually

    During the annual celebrations of the Feast of Corpus Christi in the small communities of the central coast of Venezuela, dancers disguised as masked devils dance backwards in penitence as an official of the Catholic Church carries forth the Blessed Sacrament. At the climax of the celebration the devils surrender to the Sacrament symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The dancers or ''promeseros'' (promise-keepers) are lifelong members of a confraternity that transmit the historical memory and ancestral traditions of the communities.

How do people greet each other in Venezuela?

Venezuelans greet with a firm handshake and a time-appropriate phrase, and often use affectionate nicknames even for people they don't know well.

Do

  • Use the greeting for the time of day: 'buenos días', 'buenas tardes', or 'buenas noches'
  • Offer a firm handshake to acquaintances and strangers

Good to know

  • Don't be surprised to be called 'mi amor' (my love) by an acquaintance
  • Many nicknames are based on a person's appearance

What are dining customs and typical foods in Venezuela?

Venezuelans eat Continental style and enjoy arepas in place of bread; the largest meal is eaten between noon and 3 p.m., with a light supper at 8 p.m. or later.

Do

  • Hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right while eating
  • Leave a small amount of food on your plate when finished
  • Place the knife and fork diagonally across the plate, prongs down and handles to the right, when done

Good to know

  • Try arepas (corn or wheat pancakes filled with meat, eggs or cheese)
  • Sample national dishes like pabellón criollo, sancocho, cachapas, tequeños and empanadas
  • Save room for desserts like quesillo, májarete, or guavas with cream cheese

What should I know about etiquette and social customs in Venezuela?

Venezuelans are tolerant, proud of their heritage, and have a relaxed view of time, valuing the completion of conversations over strict punctuality.

Do

  • Accept the small cup of strong, thick coffee usually offered when you arrive at a home or business
  • Take time to finish conversations rather than rushing off

Good to know

  • Expect a more relaxed sense of time ("hora venezolana")

How should I dress in Venezuela?

Venezuelans take pride in their appearance, so being neat, clean, and well-groomed is important.

Do

  • Dress neatly and keep well-groomed

Good to know

  • Clothing may reflect French and Italian styles, and some wear traditional dress

What gestures should I be aware of in Venezuela?

Venezuelans use many hand gestures to emphasize points and value eye contact during conversation.

Do

  • Maintain eye contact throughout a conversation

Don’t

  • Don't point with your index finger, as it is considered rude

What role does family play in Venezuela?

Family is at the center of Venezuelan life, and many spend much of their free time together, with up to three generations living in one home.

Good to know

  • Elderly people are usually treated with respect
  • Grandparents (abuelitos) often care for young children when both parents work

What do people do for recreation in Venezuela?

Baseball and soccer are popular, and Venezuelans enjoy beaches and lakes for water sports as well as games like bolas criollas (Venezuelan bowling).

Good to know

  • Watch for baseball, soccer, and bullfighting
  • Try or watch bolas criollas, an outdoor team bowling game
  • Soap operas and beauty pageants are popular on television

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Venezuela

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Currency
Venezuelan bolivar (VEB)
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
Airports
368
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Arepas (cornmeal cakes)

Main Dish

Browse all 9 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Pre-Colonial Era

    1000 BCE – 1498

    Before European contact, Venezuela's territory was home to diverse indigenous peoples including the Caribs, Arawaks, and Timoto-Cuicas, who inhabited coastal regions, llanos, and Andean highlands. These societies were organized into chiefdoms and villages sustained by fishing, agriculture, and trade. Unlike neighboring regions, Venezuela fell outside the territorial reach of the great Mesoamerican and Andean empires.

  2. Spanish Colonial Period

    1498 – 1811

    Christopher Columbus made his first landfall on the South American mainland along Venezuela's coast in 1498, and Spanish colonization followed with the founding of settlements such as Nueva Cádiz on Isla de Cubagua around 1500. Venezuela remained a peripheral outpost of the Spanish empire, lacking significant gold or silver deposits, though it grew prosperous through cocoa and later coffee cultivation. The late colonial period saw rising discontent, culminating in Venezuela's first formal rebellion against Spanish rule in 1749.

  3. Independence & Gran Colombia

    1811 – 1830

    Venezuela became the first South American colony to formally declare independence from Spain in 1811, launching a brutal decade-long war of liberation led most prominently by Simón Bolívar. Decisive victories at the Battle of Boyacá in 1819 and the Battle of Carabobo in 1821 secured Venezuelan and Colombian independence and enabled the formation of Gran Colombia. Venezuela seceded from that federation in 1829–1830, the same year Bolívar died, disillusioned by the failure of his dream of unified Latin American statehood.

  4. Caudillo Republic

    1830 – 1908

    Following independence, Venezuela descended into prolonged political instability dominated by regional strongmen, or caudillos, who repeatedly seized and lost power through armed conflict. The devastating Federal War of 1859–1863, in which federalist forces under Ezequiel Zamora challenged the centralist government, epitomized the era's chronic violence and social upheaval. Coffee exports sustained the economy, but the nation's political culture remained fractured and authoritarian throughout the nineteenth century.

  5. Military Rule & Oil Age

    1908 – 1958

    The dictatorship of Juan Vicente Gómez, who ruled from 1908 until his death in 1935, coincided with the explosive growth of Venezuela's petroleum industry, transforming the country from an agricultural exporter into one of the world's leading oil producers. Successive military governments oversaw the gradual assertion of state authority over the foreign-dominated oil sector and allowed limited social reforms. Venezuela became a founding member of OPEC in 1960, though the transition to civilian democracy was already under way by 1958.

  6. Democratic Era

    1958 – present

    The overthrow of dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez in 1958 inaugurated a sustained period of elected civilian government, making Venezuela a rare democratic model in Latin America for decades. The nationalization of the oil industry in 1976 cemented state control over the country's dominant economic resource, though dependence on volatile petroleum revenues created deep vulnerabilities. From the late 1990s onward, Hugo Chávez's Bolivarian Revolution and subsequent political crises under Nicolás Maduro reshaped Venezuelan society amid growing authoritarianism, economic collapse, and mass emigration.

Overview

Statue of Simón Bolívar Palacios in Caracas

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1498

    Christopher Columbus landed in Venezuela

    Christopher Columbus landed in Venezuela which is inhabited by Carib, Arawak and Chibcha peoples.

  2. 1500

    Nueva Cadiz was established on Isla de Cubagua

    Nueva Cadiz was established on Isla de Cubagua off the coast of Venezuela after Columbus discovered rich pearl oyster beds nearby.

  3. 1509 – 1520

    The Spanish colonized the area of Nueva Granada (modern Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela)

    The Spanish colonized the area of Nueva Granada (modern Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela).

  4. 1521

    Spanish colonization begins

    Spanish colonization begins on the north-east coast.

  5. 1541

    Earthquake and tidal wave

    An earthquake and tidal wave finished off the settlement of Nueva Cadiz on Isla de Cubagua off the coast of Venezuela.

  6. 1749

    First rebellion against Spanish colonial rule

    First rebellion against Spanish colonial rule.

  7. 1800

    Civil war

    Venezuela was torn by civil war.

View full timeline (29 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they put their tooth under their pillow. While they are asleep, a mouse will take the tooth and bring some coins.

  • The world's highest waterfall is Angel Falls. It is 3,212 feet high.

  • The name “Venezuela” actually means “Little Venice”. The Italian explorer, Amerigo Vespucci, noticed houses built on stilts in the water. This reminded him of Venice, Italy, where canals run through the city.

  • Lake Maracaibo in western Venezuela is the largest lake in South America. It is joined to the Caribbean sea by a narrow body of water, and the waters are partly salty. In 1922, a huge oilfield was discovered near the lake.

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Geography and Environment

Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, between 0 degrees 5’ and 12 degrees 15 N, and 59 degrees 45’ and 73 degrees 09 W. It covers 352,150 square miles. The capital, Caracas, is situated in the magnificent Avila Mountains on the north coast at about 2,700 feet above sea level, giving the city a permanent springtime climate.
Terrain
Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
Natural Hazards
subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts
Current Environmental Issues
sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining operations
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

  • Spanish

Population

Population
28,838,499
Population: Male/Female
male: 15,555,451 female: 15,694,855
Population Distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the northern and western highlands along an eastern spur at the northern end of the Andes, an area that includes the capital of Caracas
Urban Population
urban population: 88.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
2.972 million CARACAS (capital), 2.368 million Maracaibo, 1.983 million Valencia, 1.254 million Barquisimeto, 1.243 million Maracay, 964,000 Ciudad Guayana
Nationality Noun
noun: Venezuelan(s) adjective: Venezuelan
Ethnic Groups
unspecified Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Indigenous
Language Note
Spanish (official) 98.2%, indigenous 1.3%, Portuguese 0.1%, other 0.4%

Demographic Profile

Venezuela’s ongoing socio-economic, political, and human rights crises have resulted in widespread poverty and food insecurity and have devastated the country’s healthcare system. According to a 2018 national hospital survey, many hospitals were unable to provide basic services, and 20% of operating rooms and intensive care units were non-functional. Hospitals reported shortages in water (79%), medicines (88%), and surgical supplies (79%). The poor conditions in healthcare facilities have motivated many doctors and other health professionals to emigrate, resulting in shortages of specialists, particularly in emergency care. The scarcity of medicines, vaccines, medical supplies, and mosquito controls is leading to a rise in infectious diseases. Tuberculosis cases jumped by 68% between 2014 and 2017, and malaria rates had the largest rise in the world from 2016 to 2017 at 69%. Diptheria, which had been eradicated in the country in 1999, re-emerged in 2016, and new cases have surfaced in 2023. Infectious disease outbreaks, such as measles and malaria, have crossed into neighboring countries. Infant mortality, which had been decreasing since the 1950s, has been on the rise since 2009. Between 2015 and 2016, infant deaths increased 30%, while maternal mortality increased 65%.

As of November 2023, more than 7.7 million Venezuelan migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers had been reported by host governments, with approximately 85% relocating in Latin America and the Caribbean. Colombia has been the largest recipient, accommodating almost 2.5 million as of February 2022, followed by Peru and Ecuador. As of June 2022, almost 212,000 of the refugees and close to 1.04 million of the asylum seekers were recognized by national authorities. An additional 4.3 million Venezuelans have been granted residence permits or other types of regular stay arrangements, as of March 2023. The initial wave of migrants were highly educated professionals. These were followed by university-educated young people. As the economy collapsed in 2017-2018, Venezuelan migrants have been less-educated and from low-income households.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

All children must wear a uniform to school. And under the current political emphasis on education, school meals are provided in every nationally-funded school, called a “Bolivarian” school. In order to improve the general education level of its citizens, the Venezuelan education office requires that school last much of the day, from 8:00 in the morning until later afternoon, with up to three meals provided, depending on the actual length of the school day in each school.

The school canteen is open most of the school day, and the students are responsible for keeping the area clean and tidy. Parents can arrange for a prepaid amount to be available for their child to take advantage of each day or week. The canteen offers a variety of healthy sandwiches, salads, stews, fruit drinks, and lunch meals that include beef, pork chops, chicken, and fish.

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 72.4 years male: 69.2 years female: 75.7 years
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
degree of risk: high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.51 liters of pure alcohol beer: 1.54 liters of pure alcohol wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 0.92 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 13.9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 72.4 years male: 69.2 years female: 75.7 years
Median Age
total: 31 years male: 30.3 years female: 31.7 years
Age Structure
0-14 years: 25% (male 3,987,361/female 3,811,307) 15-64 years: 65.9% (male 10,264,353/female 10,330,376) 65 years and over: 9.1% (male 1,303,737/female 1,553,172)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 13.9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.2 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Venezuela
Full Country Name
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Local - Long
Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela
Local - Short
Venezuela

Government Structure

Government Type
federal republic
Legal System
based on organic laws as of July 1999; open, adversarial court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
Acting Pres. Delcy RODRIGUEZ Gomez Executive Vice Pres. Delcy RODRIGUEZ Gomez Min. of Borders Gerardo IZQUIERDO Torres, Maj. Gen. Min. of Communes & Social Movements Angel PRADO Min. of Communications & Information Miguel Angel PEREZ Pirela Min. of Culture Raul CAZAL Min. of Defense Gustavo GONZALEZ Lopez, Gen. Min. of Ecological Mining Development Hector SILVA Min. of Economy & Finance Anabel PEREIRA Fernandez Min. of Ecosocialism Freddy NANEZ Min. of Education Hector RODRIGUEZ Min. of the Elderly Magally VINA Gutierrez Min. of Electricity Rolando ALCALA Min. of Fisheries & Aquaculture Juan Carlos LOYO Min. of Food Carlos LEAL Telleria Min. of Foreign Affairs Yvan GIL Pinto Min. of Foreign Trade Johann ALVAREZ Marquez Min. of Habitat & Housing Paola POSANI Min. of Health Nuramy GUTIERREZ Min. of Hydrocarbons Paula HENAO Min. of Indigenous Peoples Clara VIDAL Min. of Commerce, Industry, & National Production Luis VILLEGAS Min. of Interior, Justice & Peace Diosdado CABELLO Rondon Min. of Labor Carlos Alexis CASTILLO Min. of the Office of the Presidency & Govt. Performance Monitoring Juan ESCALONA Min. of Penitentiary Services Julio Garcia ZERPA Min. of Planning Ricardo MENENDEZ Prieto Min. of Productive Agriculture & Lands Vladimir PADRINO Lopez Min. of Public Works Juan Jose RAMIREZ Min. of Science, Technology, & Innovation Gabriela JIMENEZ Ramirez Min. of Sports Franklin CARRILLO Min. of Tourism Daniella CABELLO Contreras Min. of Transportation Francisco GARCES Min. of University Education Ana Maria SANJUAN Min. of Water Carlos Guillermo MAST Yustiz Min. of Women & Gender Equality Yelitze SANTAELLA Min. of Youth Sergio LOTARTARO Attorney Gen. Larry DEVOE Chief, Capital District Govt. Nahum FERNANDEZ Pres., Central Bank Luis Alberto PEREZ Gonzalez Permanent Representative to the UN, New York Coromoto GODOY Calderon
Legislative Branch
unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (277 seats; members elected by a mixed electoral system combining proportional representation and direct constituency votes to serve five-year terms; seats reserved for indigenous peoples of Venezuela) Elections: last held on 6 December 2020 (next to be held in 2025) Election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - pro-government 253 (PSUV and allied parties), opposition and other parties 24; the 2020 elections were boycotted by major opposition coalitions, who disputed the legitimacy of the process, resulting in an overwhelmingly pro-government assembly; international observers from the European Union and the United States did not recognize the results as free or fair
Judicial Branch
Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribuna Suprema de Justicia (magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a single 12-year term)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
30-Dec-99
Independence
5 July 1811 (from Spain)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Capital City

Capital Name
Caracas
Capital - geographic coordinate
10 29 N, 66 52 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

named for the native Caracas tribe that originally settled in the city's valley site near the Caribbean coast

Military

Branches: Bolivarian National Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana, FANB): Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Bolivariano, EB), Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana, AB; includes marines, Coast Guard), Bolivarian Military Aviation (Aviacion Militar Bolivariana, AMB; includes a joint-service Aerospace Defense Command (Comando de Defensa Aeroespacial Integral, CODAI), Bolivarian Militia (Milicia Bolivariana), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia Nacional Bolivaria, GNB) Bolivarian National Police (Policía Nacional Bolivariana, PNB) includes the Special Action Forces (Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales, FAES) (2022) note 1: the Bolivarian Militia was added as a "special component" to the FANB in 2020; it is comprised of armed civilians who receive periodic training in exchange for a small stipend note 2: the National Guard is responsible for maintaining public order, guarding the exterior of key government installations and prisons, conducting counter-narcotics operations, monitoring borders, and providing law enforcement in remote areas; it reports to both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace note 3: the PNB's FAES paramilitary unit was created by President MADURO after the 2017 anti-government protests to bolster internal security; it has been accused of multiple human rights abuses

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Caracas

Calle Suapure and Calle F

Colinas de Valle Arriba

Caracas, Venezuela

Telephone: 58-212-975-6411

Emergency after-hours telephone: 58-212-907-8400

Facsimile: 58-212-907-8199

In addition to the Embassy, there is a United States consular agency located in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

U.S. Consular Agency Maracaibo

Calle 77 (5 de Julio) Con Avenida 3F No. 3F-13

Sector Valle Frio

Maracaibo, Venezuela

Telephone: 58-261-200-0600, 58-261-718-0843 or 58-261-718-0845.

Fax: 58-261-792-9674

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Economy

Venezuela's economy remains heavily dependent on the petroleum sector, which historically accounts for roughly 25% of GDP and the vast majority of export earnings and government revenues.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Venezuelan Bolivar (VEF)
GDP — official exchange rate
$106,100,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
4%
Gini Index
49.1
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Venezuela?
The population of Venezuela is approximately 28.8M.
How do people greet each other in Venezuela?
Venezuelans greet with a firm handshake and a time-appropriate phrase, and often use affectionate nicknames even for people they don't know well. Do: Use the greeting for the time of day: 'buenos días', 'buenas tardes', or 'buenas noches' Offer a firm handshake to acquaintances and strangers Don't be surprised to be called 'mi amor' (my love) by an acquaintance Many nicknames are based on a person's appearance
What are dining customs and typical foods in Venezuela?
Venezuelans eat Continental style and enjoy arepas in place of bread; the largest meal is eaten between noon and 3 p.m., with a light supper at 8 p.m. or later. Do: Hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right while eating Leave a small amount of food on your plate when finished Place the knife and fork diagonally across the plate, prongs down and handles to the right, when done Try arepas (corn or wheat pancakes filled with meat, eggs or cheese) Sample national dishes like pabellón criollo, sancocho, cachapas, tequeños and empanadas Save room for desserts like quesillo, májarete, or guavas with cream cheese
What should I know about etiquette and social customs in Venezuela?
Venezuelans are tolerant, proud of their heritage, and have a relaxed view of time, valuing the completion of conversations over strict punctuality. Do: Accept the small cup of strong, thick coffee usually offered when you arrive at a home or business Take time to finish conversations rather than rushing off Expect a more relaxed sense of time ("hora venezolana")
How should I dress in Venezuela?
Venezuelans take pride in their appearance, so being neat, clean, and well-groomed is important. Do: Dress neatly and keep well-groomed Clothing may reflect French and Italian styles, and some wear traditional dress
What gestures should I be aware of in Venezuela?
Venezuelans use many hand gestures to emphasize points and value eye contact during conversation. Do: Maintain eye contact throughout a conversation Don't: Don't point with your index finger, as it is considered rude
What role does family play in Venezuela?
Family is at the center of Venezuelan life, and many spend much of their free time together, with up to three generations living in one home. Elderly people are usually treated with respect Grandparents (abuelitos) often care for young children when both parents work
What do people do for recreation in Venezuela?
Baseball and soccer are popular, and Venezuelans enjoy beaches and lakes for water sports as well as games like bolas criollas (Venezuelan bowling). Watch for baseball, soccer, and bullfighting Try or watch bolas criollas, an outdoor team bowling game Soap operas and beauty pageants are popular on television
What is the capital of Venezuela?
Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela. Situated in a narrow mountain valley near the northern Caribbean coast, it serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1567, Caracas grew dramatically during the 20th-century oil boom and today stands as one of South America's major metropolitan areas, home to the presidential palace, national legislature, and leading universities.
Where is Venezuela located?
Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, fronting the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and northeast. It occupies the uppermost portion of the continent and is considered part of the broader Andean and Caribbean region. Its position gives it access to both Caribbean trade routes and the vast interior of the South American continent, including portions of the Amazon basin and the Orinoco River delta.
What countries border Venezuela?
Venezuela shares land borders with three countries: Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the east. The Colombian border has been a source of ongoing concern due to drug-related conflicts and cross-border trafficking activity. To the north, Venezuela faces the Caribbean Sea, with island neighbors including Trinidad and Tobago situated just off its northeastern coast.
What is the predominant religion in Venezuela?
Roman Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Venezuela, practiced by approximately 96 percent of the population. Protestant denominations account for around 2 percent, with the remaining 2 percent encompassing indigenous spiritual traditions, other Christian sects, and non-religious residents. Catholic feast days and the liturgical calendar strongly influence Venezuelan public life, with festivals such as Carnival and Semana Santa observed widely across the country.
What is the currency of Venezuela?
The official currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan Bolívar, with the ISO currency code VEF. The bolívar is named after Simón Bolívar, the South American independence hero who is a central figure in Venezuelan national identity. Venezuela's economy has historically been heavily tied to petroleum revenues, and the currency has experienced significant volatility in response to fluctuating global oil prices and domestic economic pressures.
What language is spoken in Venezuela?
Spanish is the official language of Venezuela and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Venezuelan Spanish carries a distinctive Caribbean accent and vocabulary shaped by Indigenous, African, and European influences. In addition to Spanish, numerous indigenous dialects are recognized and spoken by native communities, particularly in remote areas of the Orinoco basin, the Amazon region, and along the Guyana border. The government provides some official recognition and protections for these indigenous languages.
What is Venezuela known for?
Venezuela is known internationally for several distinctive features. It is home to Angel Falls (Salto Ángel), the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall at 3,212 feet, located in the Canaima National Park. The country holds some of the world's largest proven petroleum reserves, making oil exports the cornerstone of its economy. Venezuela has also produced multiple Miss Universe and Miss World titleholders, reflecting a strong national pageant culture, and its cuisine — including dishes such as arepas and pabellón criollo — is celebrated throughout Latin America.
What is the origin of the name Venezuela?
The name Venezuela translates roughly as "Little Venice" in Spanish. The Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, upon encountering indigenous stilt houses built over the waters of Lake Maracaibo in the late 15th century, was reminded of the canal-laced city of Venice, Italy, and named the region accordingly. Venezuela was one of three nations that emerged from the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830, alongside Colombia and Ecuador, and has maintained an independent national identity rooted in that Bolívarian revolutionary heritage.

Last reviewed 2026

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