Venezuela

Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America. Its capital is Caracas. It covers about 916,445 square kilometers. It is a federal presidential republic with a president as head of state and government, and a unicameral National Assembly as the legislature. The country is culturally diverse, with Spanish as the dominant language.

Geographically, it is bordered by Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, Guyana to the east, and the Caribbean Sea to the north. The terrain includes the Andes, the Llanos plains, and the Amazon region, as well as the Orinoco River basin and Lake Maracaibo. The economy has long relied on oil, concentrated in the Orinoco Belt.

Historically, Venezuela was home to pre-Columbian civilizations before Spanish colonization. It gained independence in the early 19th century, achieving full sovereignty in 1830 after secession from Gran Colombia. The 20th century saw oil-driven modernization, and the 1999 constitution established the current constitutional framework. Since the 2010s, political and economic crises have driven migration and inflation.

The economy is dominated by oil, with other sectors such as mining and agriculture. The country has faced high inflation, shortages, and currency devaluation, and government policy has included several nationalizations and social programs. Venezuela is home to people of mixed Indigenous, European, African, and other heritages, with large urban centers and rural communities.

Culturally, Venezuelan society features diverse music, literature, and cuisine. Spanish is the predominant language, with several Indigenous languages spoken. Notable natural and cultural attractions include Canaima National Park and Angel Falls, both UNESCO-recognized, and Venezuela's biodiversity and landscapes contribute to regional culture and tourism.