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 About Venezuela |
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Called the “Land of Grace,” the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a country of great natural beauty, with the snow-capped Andes in the west, the steamy jungles of the Amazon in the south, and stretches of sparkling beaches in the north.
A former Spanish colony, Venezuela is culturally and geographically the most Caribbean country of South America, having in its possession over 600 islands. Venezuela is known for its oil industry, and it is a megadiverse country with a great number of animal and vegetable species.
The site of one of the first permanent Spanish settlements in South America, the territory of present-day Venezuela became part of the viceroyalty of New Granada and New Andalusia. After a number of unsuccessful uprisings, independence from Spain was declared in 1811, under the leadership of Simón Bolívar. But full control over Venezuelan territory was achieved after Bolívar, with the help of General José Antonio Páez and General Antonio José de Sucre. After the war of independence, Venezuela became, along with Colombia and Ecuador, part of the Republic of Gran Columbia. In 1830, through a rebellion, Venezuela separated from this republic.
Much of Venezuela's 19th and early 20th century history is characterized by political instability, and dictatorial regimes. Democratic struggles eventually forced the military to leave direct political involvement in 1958. Since then, Venezuela has experienced democratic civilian government, though not without conflict. Venezuela is a member of Mercosur, joining with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. |
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Location |
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The northernmost country in South America, Venezuela borders the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and is considered part of Caribbean South America. The country of Guyana lies to to the east of Venezuela, Brazil to the southeast, and Columbia to the west. Off the coast of Venezuela are the Caribbean states of Aruba, the Netherlands Antilles, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls, and the northern edge of Amazonia are in Venezuela. The Orinoco River is the largest and most important river in the country, originating one of the largest watersheds in Latin America. |
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Population |
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The population of Venezuela is more than 25 million, with about 85% of the people living in urban areas in the northern part of the country. Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, and Amerindian are the major heritage groups. Ninety-six percent of the people are Roman Catholics, 2% are Protestant, and 2% adhere to other beliefs. |
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Language |
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Spanish is the official language, and there are numerous indigenous dialects. English, French, German and Portuguese are also spoken by some. |
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Education |
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In Venezuela, private schools account for 17% of primary education and 30% of secondary education. The private schools consist of non-subsidized and subsidized facilities, the latter of which are partially or totally funded by the state. Most of the subsidized schools are Catholic, and belong to the Venezuelan Association of Catholic Education (AVEC).
“Bolivarian schools” were introduced in Venezuela to tackle problems of education and poverty. These schools have replaced a full day for the half-day split sessions adopted across Latin America in the 1960s and 70s. Schools provide basic education, cultural and sports activities, and meals. The Bolivarian schools nurture patriotism, and busts of Venezuelan liberator Simón Bolívar and national flags are prominent in classrooms. Military instruction is mandatory for students of age 14 and older. |
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Weather |
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Altitude is a major determinate of weather in Venezuela. Lowland areas have a tropical climate, typically hot and humid. The highlands weather is more moderate. Some low-lying areas, such as the Llanos and certain valleys of the Andes, may experience flooding during the rainy season.
The dry season is from December to April, and the rainy season from May to December. Parts of Venezuela, including Caracas and the eastern part of Sucre, are vulnerable to earthquakes. |
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Money and Cost of Living |
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With the largest proven oil reserves in the Western Hemisphere, Venezuela can boast incredibly cheap gasoline prices. And in fact, prices in general are inexpensive, and the cost of living a real bargain compared to countries in North America or Europe.
Banking hours are Mon-Fri 0830-1530. |
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Currency |
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The currency in Venezuela is the Bolivar (VEB) = 100 centimos. Notes are in denominations of VEB50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of VEB500, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5
centimos. |
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Health |
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The best-equipped medical facilities are in the state capitals. Emergency treatment is free and most hospitals have intensive care units. The professional standards in private hospitals are much higher than in public. Health insurance is not mandatory, but is highly recommended.
In general, no vaccinations are required for entry to Venezuela, but before moving it is recommended to be up-to-date on immunizations for hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus-diptheria, and measles.
A malaria risk in rural areas in Apure, Amazonas, Barinas, Bolivar, Sucre, Tachira, Delta Amacuro, and Angel Falls is present. People who will be in these areas should take a recommended antimalarial drug. Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in tropical South America. Epidemics of viral encephalitis and dengue fever occur in some countries in the area. Bartonellosis, or Oroya fever (a sand fly-borne disease), occurs in arid river valleys on the western slopes of the Andes up to 9,842 feet (3,000 meters). Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent these diseases.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be contracted in fresh water, is found in north-central Venezuela. Do not swim in fresh water, rather swim in well-chlorinated swimming pools.
Tap water is not drinkable, and should be boiled or filtered. Bottled water is available and is advised. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilization is recommended. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
If you visit the Andes Mountains, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude sickness. In addition, use sun block rated at least 15 SPF, because the risk of sunburn is greater at high altitudes. |
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Weights and Measures |
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Venezuela uses the metric system, with units in grams and kilograms, and milliliters and liters. |
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Electricity |
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Venezuela uses 120V and 60Hz electricity with A and B plugs. A plugs are the flat blade attachment type, and B plugs have flat blades with round grounding pins. |
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