Overview of Venezuela

Quick Overview

A land of contrasts, Venezuela (officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) can be divided into three distinct zones. To the north/north-west lie the Andes (Pico Bolívar at 4,978 m) and the cordilleras, which shelter a narrow, densely populated coastal strip (Caracas, Maracaibo, and other major cities). The central part is occupied by the vast plains of the Llanos, a cattle-raising region. This tropical savanna stretches along the Orinoco River to its delta. Further south, the Guiana Highlands (< 2,835 m), almost uninhabited, border the Amazon rainforest. It is in this part of Venezuela that the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls, is located.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: at the northern tip of South America, on the Caribbean coast.

• Latitude/longitude: 10°29' N, 66°54' W.

• Local time: Heure : 3929

• Capital: Caracas.

• Nature of the state: federal presidential republic.

• Official language: Spanish.

• Currency: Venezuelan bolívar.

• Population: 31,689,176 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 916,445 km².

• Density: 34.5 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Pico Bolívar (4,978 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 2,800 km.

• Driving side: right.

Tourism

Venezuela is a complete country with its Andean massif, Caribbean coast, vast Amazon rainforest, and llanos, along with remnants of its colonial past. It has everything to offer, yet tourism is "marred" by insecurity, a dictatorship, and recurring socio-political unrest, which hardly encourage travel—so much so that tourism has now come to a standstill.

Essentials for Travel

• Destination: for slightly experienced/seasoned travelers.

• By air: France-Caracas.

• Entry requirements: passport.

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★/★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": -/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $12,500 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: around +1,000,000% (2018), the highest inflation in the world.

• "Official" unemployment: +27.1% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 19.7% (2015)

• Life expectancy: 76.2 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -1.2 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.21% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 97.1% (2016)

• Urban population: 88.2% (2018)

• Press freedom: 143/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: authoritarian regime (134/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook