Venezuela is a country located in South America, bordered by Brazil to the south, Guyana to the east, Colombia to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the north. It has a population of approximately 28 million people and its capital is Caracas.

Venezuela is known for its vast natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, and diamonds. Its economy has traditionally relied heavily on the oil industry, which accounts for over 95% of its export earnings. However, the country has faced economic difficulties in recent years, including hyperinflation and shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods.

Venezuela has a diverse culture that reflects its indigenous, European, and African roots. The country is known for its music, dance, and festivals, including the Carnival of Venezuela, which is celebrated throughout the country.

Spanish is the official language of Venezuela, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. The country has a democratic government, with a president as the head of state and government. However, there have been concerns about human rights abuses and political instability in recent years.

Venezuela is home to several national parks and natural attractions, including Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, and the Orinoco Delta, a vast wetland region that is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, crocodiles, and monkeys. The country's beaches, including those on the islands of Margarita and Los Roques, are also popular tourist destinations.

Telephone Code
58

Local Emergency Phone
171

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Currency (Code)
Bolivars (VEB)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
Spanish, numerous indigenous dialects

Major Religions
Nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Venezuela, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Los Roques Archipelago; Isla de Margarita; Morrocoy National Park; Canaima National Park (includes Angel Falls, Mount Roraima, Gran Sabana)

Major Sports
Baseball, basketball, soccer

Cultural Practices
Offering coffee is a sign of hospitality in Venezuela, so declining a cup from a host may be seen as rude.

Tipping Guidelines
Most restaurants already add a 10% service charge, but an additional 5-10% tip is still expected. Bellhops expect the equivalent of $1 (USD) per piece of luggage. Taxis do not expect a tip, but do appreciate rounding up the bill.

Souvenirs
Handwoven baskets, blankets, and hammocks; papier mâché devil masks; musical instruments; jewelry; liquor

Traditional Cuisine
Pabellón criollo — black beans, white rice, and slices of steak cooked with tomatoes; often served with fried plantains and arepas (cornbread) and white cheese

Geography
Area
total: 912,050 sq km
land: 882,050 sq km
water: 30,000 sq km

Climate
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds

People and Society
Population
30,518,260 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
unspecified Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Indigenous

Languages
Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Religions
Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Population growth rate
2.4% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal presidential republic

Capital
name: Caracas

Economy
Economic overview
South American economy; ongoing hyperinflation since mid-2010s; chaotic economy due to political corruption, infrastructure cuts, and human rights abuses; in debt default; oil exporter; hydropower consumer; rising Chinese relations

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$269.068 billion (2018 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$7,704 (2018 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, maize, milk, rice, plantains, bananas, pineapples, potatoes, beef, poultry

Industries
agricultural products, livestock, raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, construction materials, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, iron and steel products, crude oil and petroleum products

Exports
$83.401 billion (2018 est.)

Exports - partners
India 34%, China 28%, United States 12%, Spain 6% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, industrial alcohols, gold, iron (2019)

Imports
$18.432 billion (2018 est.)

Imports - partners
China 28%, United States 22%, Brazil 8%, Spain 6%, Mexico 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, rice, corn, tires, soybean meal, wheat (2019)