Venezuela

Venezuela was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Ecuador).
For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959.
Current concerns include: drug-related conflicts along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

border countries: Brazil, Colombia, Guyana

Official Name:
República Bolivariana de Venezuela
short form: Venezuela
int'l long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

ISO Country Code: ve

Time:
Local Time = UTC -4h

Country Calling Code: +58

Capital City: Caracas (pop. 3.1 million)

Other major Cities:
Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto.

Government:
Type: Federal Republic.
Independence: 5 July 1811.
Constitution: 30 December 1999.

Geography:
Location: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Area: 912 050 sq. km. (352 143 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains; Guiana Highlands in southeast.

Climate: Varies from tropical to temperate, depending on elevation.

People:
Nationality: Venezuelan(s).
Population: 24 700 000.
Ethnic groups: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Amerindian.
Religion: Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%
Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects.
Literacy: 93%

Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds.

Agriculture products: Corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish.

Industries: Petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly.

Exports partners: USA 58.7%, Netherlands Antilles 4.1%, Canada 2.5% (2004)

Imports partners: USA 33.2%, Colombia 5.7%, Brazil 5%, Germany 4% (2004)

Currency: Bolivar (VEB)