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Hey aspirant, welcome back to our captivating “Know your Country” series. This time, we invite you to join on an exploration of the remarkable country that is Venezuela. Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America with diverse natural attractions.

Venezuela is known as “Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the beautiful Caribbean coastline. Before looking at different aspects, one must know the country symbols of the particular country. The country symbols of Venezuela are:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:300px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2" style="text-align:center"> Venezuela</td>
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			<td>
			Official Name 
			</td>
			<td>
			Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
			</td>
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			<td>
			Capital
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			<td>
			Caracas
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			<td>
			Continent
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			South America
			</td>
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			<td>
			President
			</td>
			<td>
			Nicolás Maduro 
			</td>
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			<td>
			Currency
			</td>
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			Venezuelan bolívar
			</td>
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			<td>
			Language
			</td>
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			Spanish
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			<td>
			Religion
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			Roman Catholic
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			<td>
			National Flag
			</td>
			<td>
			<img loading="lazy" alt="National Flag of Venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/National Flag of Venezuela.webp" style="height:133px; width:200px">
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td>
			National Anthem
			</td>
			<td>
			Gloria al Bravo Pueblo
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td>
			National Game
			</td>
			<td>
			Baseball
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			<td>
			National Bird
			</td>
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			Venezuelan Troupial
			</td>
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			<td>
			National Tree
			</td>
			<td>
			Araguaney
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td>
			National Flower
			</td>
			<td>
			Orchid Cattleya Mossiae
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 

<img loading="lazy" alt="Venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Venezuela.webp" style="height:230px; width:400px">

[Source: Tripsavvy]

So now, let’s move on the first aspect of the blog i.e. History of Venezuela.

<h2 id="content-id-47130-0"> History of Venezuela</h2>

The history of Venezuela reflects events in areas of the Americas colonized by Spain starting 1502; amid resistance from indigenous peoples, led by Native caciques, such as Guaicaipuro and Tamanaco. The territory of Venezuela was colonized by Spain in 1522 amid resistance from Indigenous peoples. In 1811, it became one of the first Spanish-American territories to declare independence from the Spanish and to form part of the first federal Republic of Colombia.

<h3>Ancient and Medieval Period:</h3>

The earliest inhabitants of Venezuela were food-gathering Amerindians who arrived in the Upper Paleolithic Period. Arawak and Carib Indigenous people were prominent among the groups that arrived later. Nomadic hunting and fishing groups roamed the Lake Maracaibo basin, the Llanos, and the coast. After Venezuela separated from Colombia in 1830, the United States recognized and established diplomatic relations with Venezuela in 1835.

<h3>Colonial period:</h3>

From the 1950s to the early 1980s, the Venezuelan economy experienced a steady growth that attracted many immigrants, with the nation enjoying the highest standard of living in Latin America. The situation reversed when oil prices collapsed during the 1980s. In 1811, it became one of the first Spanish-American territories to declare independence, which was not securely established until 1821, when Venezuela was a department of the federal republic of Gran Colombia.

<img loading="lazy" alt="History of Venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/History of Venezuela.webp" style="height:250px; width:400px">

[Source: Simple Wikipedia]

In the 18th century, cocoa plantations grew up along the coast, worked by further importations of African slaves. Cacao beans became Venezuela's principal export, monopolized by the Compañía Guipuzcoana de Caracas. Most of the surviving indigenous people had by then migrated to the south, where Spanish friars were active.

<h3>Independence and Beyond:</h3>

Venezuela effectively achieved its independence from Spain by 1819 as part of the Republic of Colombia, and the United States recognized the Colombian federation in 1822. After Venezuela separated from Colombia in 1830, the United States recognized and established diplomatic relations with Venezuela in 1835.

Before going further we will get discuss about the Events of the country:

<h2 id="content-id-47130-1">Here is the timeline of some key events in Venezuela</h2>

<ul>
	<li>1521 - Spanish colonisation begins.</li>
	<li>1749 - First rebellion against Spanish colonial rule.</li>
	<li>1810 - Venezuelans take advantage of Napoleon's invasion of Spain to declare independence.</li>
	<li>1829- Venezuela secedes from Gran Colombia.</li>
	<li>1870- Ruler Antonio Guzman Blanco attracts foreign investment, modernises infrastructure and develops agriculture and education.</li>
	<li>1908 - Under dictator Juan Vicente Gomez, Venezuela becomes world's largest oil exporter.</li>
	<li>1945 - Coup establishes civilian government after decades of military rule.</li>
	<li>1958 - Admiral Wolfgang Larrazabal ousts Marcos Perez Jimenez; leftist Romulo Betancourt of the Democratic Action Party (AD) wins presidential election.</li>
	<li>1973 - Venezuela benefits from oil boom and its currency peaks against the US dollar; oil and steel industries nationalised.</li>
</ul>

The timeline showcases Venezuela as a rich and diverse history in a simple way. Let’s move on to the next aspect of this blog i.e. Geographical Aspects.

<h2 id="content-id-47130-2">Geographical Aspects of Venezuela</h2>

Venezuela is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls and the second longest river in South America, the Orinoco. It also has the longest coastline to the Caribbean sea. Venezuela is the world's fifth-largest oil exporter and also has vast untapped reserves of natural gas. The Venezuelan landscape includes towering mountains, tropical jungles, broad river plains, and arid coastal plains, all of which provide a diversity of natural habitats and a range of challenges to social integration and economic development.

<img loading="lazy" alt="Geographical Aspects of Venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Geographical Aspects of Venezuela.webp" style="height:277px; width:400px">

[Source: Kids World Travel Guide]

Venezuela is considered one of seventeen megadiverse countries in the world due to the vast array of ecosystems and habitats that exist in the country. These ecosystems include mountains, rainforests, savannas, coral reefs and more.

<h3>Demographical Aspects:</h3>

Venezuela is a country of immigrants. About two-thirds of the population is mestizo or mulatto-mestizo; about one-fifth of Venezuelans are of European lineage, and one-tenth have mainly African ancestry. However, the World Atlas has found some relevant material, giving estimates of 50% Mestizo, 42.5% European descent, 3.5% African descent, 2.5% indigenous, and 1.2% other groups. Spanish is the official language. However, it is common to hear indigenous dialects in certain areas. Venezuela is among the most urbanized countries in Latin America; the vast majority of Venezuelans live in the cities of the north and in the capital.

<h3>Soil and Vegetation:</h3>

Venezuela's vegetation is tropical and evergreen or semideciduous. Forests cover some two-fifths of the land, and savanna grasses cover about half. Variations in elevation and rainfall create differences in vegetation. Venezuela's habitats range from the Andes mountains in the west to the Amazon Basin rainforest in the south, via extensive Llanos plains and Caribbean coast in the center and the Orinoco River Delta in the east. They include xeric scrublands in the extreme northwest and coastal mangrove forests in the northeast.

<h3>Climate and Weather:</h3>

Venezuela has a hot and humid tropical climate which is more moderate in the highlands. Caracas, the capital, has a Tropical Savanna climate. The annual precipitation varies between 400 mm in the arid zones to 4,000 mm in the Venezuelan Amazon. The Climate of Venezuela is characterized for being tropical and megathermal as a result of its geographical location near the Equator, but because of the topography and the dominant wind direction, several climatic types occur which can be the same as found in temperate latitudes, and even polar regions. 

Now, let’s look at the Political aspects of Venezuela.

<h2 id="content-id-47130-3">Political Aspects of Venezuela</h2>

Venezuela has enjoyed an unbroken tradition of civilian democratic rule. This earned Venezuela a reputation as one of the more stable democracies in Latin America. Venezuela had a dominant-party system, dominated by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela amidst other parties listed in the following section. The governing United Socialist Party of Venezuela. 

<img loading="lazy" alt="Political Aspects of venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Political Aspects of venezuela.webp" style="height:226px; width:400px">

[Source: ABC News]

<ul>
	<li>Legislature: The legislative branch of Government in Venezuela is represented by a unicameral National Assembly. The Assembly is made up of 167 seats. Officials are elected by "universal, direct, personal, and secret" vote on a national party-list proportional representation system.</li>
	<li>Judiciary: The judiciary is headed by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, whose 32 justices ("magistrados") are elected by the National Assembly for a single 12-year term. The legal system of Venezuela is based on the continental law tradition.</li>
	<li>Executive: The chief executive is the President of Venezuela who is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the President. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly of Venezuela. Supreme judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice.</li>
</ul>

As of August 2023, more than 7.7 million people have left Venezuela, making it one of the largest external displacement crises in the world. Much like the Syrian refugee crisis, which remains the largest, the Venezuelan crisis has affected numerous lives.

So now, let’s look at the Culture of Venezuela.

<h2 id="content-id-47130-4">Culture of Venezuela</h2>

In terms of culture, Venezuela has a rich heritage influenced by its indigenous roots, Spanish colonization, and African traditions. The country is known for its vibrant music, such as salsa and meringue, and its delicious cuisine, like arepas and empanadas.

<h3>Language:</h3>

The official language of the country is Spanish, which has taken root since the presence of Spanish colonialism, but the new Venezuelan Constitution recognizes the various tribes of the country's population indigenous languages.

<h3>Cuisine:</h3>

Venezuelan cuisine often features ingredients like plantains, yuca, and coconut milk, which add a unique tropical twist to dishes. On the other hand, Colombian cuisine utilizes ingredients like potatoes, corn, and aji peppers, giving their dishes a distinct flavor profile.

<h3>Festivals:</h3>

Regional and national festivals are often celebrated with parades, musical performances, dancing, costumes and parties, such as religious celebrations like the Fiesta de San Juan and the celebration of Corpus Christi. These also reflect the high value Venezuelans place on the traditions of the past.

<h3>Performing Arts:</h3>

Venezuelan art has a long history. Initially dominated by religious motifs, art in Venezuela began emphasizing historical and heroic representations in the late 19th century, a move led by Martín Tovar y Tovar. 

<h3>Sporting Culture:</h3>

The major sports in Venezuela are baseball, basketball and football. Baseball in Venezuela originates with the early 20th century cultural influence of the United States oil companies. 

<h3>Art and Craft: </h3>

The country is known for its spinning, weaving, clay pottery, jewelry, and gold and silver decorated glassware. Handicrafts made in the country include ceramics, hammock weaving, basket weaving, and items made of seashells.

<h3>Cultural values:</h3>

Culture of Venezuela reflects a blend of indigenous and Spanish customs, as well as regional Caribbean and Andean influences. Venezuelans are often described as warm, welcoming and open people. They are generally unified by a shared desire for fairness and equality.

<h3>Multiculturalism:</h3>

Venezuelans are often described as warm, welcoming and open people. They are generally unified by a shared desire for fairness and equality. This is embodied by the national hero, Simón Bolívar, of whom they are very proud.

<h3>Indigenous Heritage:</h3>

Venezuela reflects a blend of indigenous and Spanish customs, as well as regional Caribbean and Andean influences. Venezuelans are often described as warm, welcoming and open people. They are generally unified by a shared desire for fairness and equality.

<h2 id="content-id-47130-5"><img loading="lazy" alt="Culture of Venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Culture of Venezuela.webp" style="height:275px; width:400px"></h2>

[Source: Vietnam Plus]

<h2 id="content-id-47130-6">Education of Venezuela</h2>

Education of Venezuela. Basic education is free and compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15. Secondary education, which lasts for 2 years, is also free but not required. More than nine-tenths of Venezuelans age 15 and older are literate. Under the social programs of the Bolivarian Revolution, a number of Bolivarian Missions focus on education, including Mission Robinson (primary education including literacy), Mission Ribas (secondary education) and Mission Sucre (higher education). The reason for emigration is reportedly due to the high crime rate in Venezuela and inadequate pay. According to Claudio Bifano, president of the Venezuelan Academy of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, most of Venezuela's "technology and scientific capacity, built up over half a century" had been lost during Hugo Chávez's presidency. 

<h2 id="content-id-47130-7">Economy of Venezuela</h2>

The Venezuelan economy is based primarily on the production and exploitation of petroleum. By 2023, the economic situation of Venezuela improved, with the economy growing by 15% and extreme poverty rates decreasing, thanks to a liberalized economy and more access to the United States dollar. However, inequality is high, with wealthy Venezuelans making more than 70 times the poorest ones. 

<img loading="lazy" alt="Economy of Venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Economy of Venezuela.webp" style="height:399px; width:400px">

[Source: Time and Dates]

Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves at an estimated 304 billion barrels. The country was previously one of the world's largest exporters of oil, but the oil industry saw a significant decline since its peak in 2012. Venezuela's crude oil production has fallen from about 3.2 million b/d in 2000 to 735,000 b/d in September 2023, making it the 10th-largest producer in OPEC despite its significant oil reserves.

Now, let’s check out some Interesting facts about Venezuela.

<h2 id="content-id-47130-8">Interesting Facts about Venezuela</h2>

Venezuela is a South American country with a war-torn history. The geography and wildlife is very diverse, including a tropical climate and rainforests with unique animals like the tapir. The tallest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, is located in Venezuela.

<ol>
	<li>Angel Falls: Angel Falls is a waterfall in Venezuela. It is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, with a height of 979 metres, and a plunge of 807 m. The waterfall drops over the edge of the Auyán-tepui mountain in the Canaima National Park.</li>
	<li>Orinoco River: Flowing in a giant arc from Colombia and Venezuela all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, the Orinoco is one of the longest rivers in South America, its basin and flooded forests home to rich plant and animal life.</li>
	<li>Catatumbo Lightning: Catatumbo lightning is an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs over the mouth of the Catatumbo River where it empties into Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. Catatumbo means "House of Thunder" in the language of the Bari people.</li>
	<li>Lake Maracaibo: Lake Maracaibo is a brackish lagoon located in northwestern Venezuela, between the states of Zulia, Trujillo, and Mérida. Hydrologically, it is a semi-enclosed bay off the coast of the Gulf of Venezuela.</li>
	<li>Andes Mountains: The Andes is the world's longest range of mountains and runs north to south along the Pacific Ring of Fire and seven countries from Venezuela to Chile. It is known for its several volcanoes, the origin of malaria treatment, and ruins of many ancient civilizations.</li>
</ol>

<img loading="lazy" alt="Interesting Facts of Venezuela" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Interesting Facts of Venezuela.webp" style="height:282px; width:400px">

[Source: NASA Earthdata]

Unfortunately, in recent years, Venezuela has faced some challenges, including economic difficulties and political unrest. But despite these challenges, the country still has no much to offer in terms of its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

So, this is all for today. If you like this blog, do check out our blog on the country <a href="https://study.kdcampus.live/pdf/know-your-country-interesting-facts-about-israel-geography-polity-national-flag.pdf">Israel</a>. We will meet again with some another interesting facts about some other countries. Till then stay tuned!

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Explore fascinating insights into Venezuela history, geography, polity, economy, etc. Discover the diverse facets of this remarkable nation in a concise overview.

Here is the timeline of some key events in Venezuela

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