VENEZUELA

HISTORY

• Colonized by the Spanish in 1522
• Gained independence from Spain in 1811
• Faced turmoil and political conflict throughout the 19th and 20th century
• Ruled generally by military strongmen in the 20th century; promoted the oil industry
• Hugo Chavez was president from 1999-2013

GEOGRAPHY

• Located in South America
• Bordered by Colombia to the west and Guyana to the east
• Also bordered by Brazil to the south, the Caribbean Sea, and the North Atlantic Ocean
• Hot and humid, more moderate in the highlands
• Four major regions: Guiana Highlands, Maracaibo Lowlands, Orinoco Plains, and northern mountains

ANGEL FALLS

• Highest waterfall in the world
• 20 times taller than Niagara Falls
• Located in the Guiana Highlands
• In Canaima National Park
• 979 meters tall

CARACAS

• Largest city in Venezuela
• Located in northern Venezuela
• One of Latin America's most modern cities
• Cosmopolitan city with a fast-growing population
• About 4 million inhabitants

POPULATION

• 30,976,873 people
• Official language is Spanish
• 96% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, and 2% other
• Consists mostly of Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people
• 41st most populous country

EXPORTS

• Highly dependent of oil revenues
• It accounts for 96% of export earnings
• Petroleum, petroleum products, minerals, chemicals
• 9th largest exporter and 12th largest producer of petroleum
• Contains one of the largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world

EXPORT PARTNERS

INTERESTING FACTS

• Slavery was abolished in Venezuela in 1854
• Won Miss Universe 6 times
• 43 national parks
• Home to many interesting animals
• Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains are located in Venezuela

Untitled Slide

SOURCES

• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ve.html
• http://atlas.media.mit.edu/profile/country/ven/
• http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Caracas.aspx
• http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/countries/venezuela.html
• http://www.studylands.com/guide/VE-history.htm