|
|
|
World > South America > Venezuela
 |
Venezuela |
Introduction:
|
Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). 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. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, has promoted a controversial policy of 'democratic socialism,' which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking globalization and undermining regional stability. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence 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.
|
| Official name: |
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela |
| Capital: |
name: Caracas
geographic coordinates: 10 30 N, 66 56 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| Government type: |
federal republic |
| Population: |
26,023,528 (July 2007 est.) |
| Languages: |
Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects |
| Official Currency: |
Venezuelan Bolivar (VEB)
Current Venezuelan Bolivar Exchange Rates
Historical Venezuelan Bolivar Exchange Rates
Chart Venezuelan Bolivar Exchange Rates |
| Currency code: |
VEB |
| Area: |
total: 912,050 sq km
land: 882,050 sq km
water: 30,000 sq km |
| Climate: |
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands |
|
Map of Venezuela
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
|
|
-
-
-
-
-
|
|
|
|
|
