Venezuela was one of 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: an embattled president who is losing his once solid support among Venezuelans, a divided military, 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.

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds

arable land: 2.99%
permanent crops: 0.96%
other: 96.05% (1998 est.)

24,654,694 (July 2003 est.)

Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.4%
male: 93.8%
female: 93.1% (2003 est.)

Caracas

federal republic

5 July 1811 (from Spain)

Independence Day, 5 July (1811)