Venezuelan

Venezuelan is a demonym and adjective referring to people, culture, or things associated with Venezuela. A Venezuelan may be a citizen or resident of Venezuela or someone of Venezuelan descent, as well as anything linked to the country’s geography, society, or heritage.

The name Venezuela, meaning "little Venice" in Spanish, is said to have been coined by early Spanish explorers who saw stilt houses around Lake Maracaibo in the 16th century. The term later became the name of the country, which emerged as a republic after independence from Spain.

Spanish is the official language of Venezuela; indigenous languages are spoken in some communities, and other languages such as Portuguese and English are used in commerce and education. Venezuelan identity is diverse, shaped by regional traditions, migration, and urban-rural differences.

Located in northern South America, Venezuela borders Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, and the Caribbean. Its landscape includes the Andes, the vast plains known as los llanos, and tropical rainforest in the Guiana Shield region. The country has experienced economic and political challenges, with a sizable diaspora.

Venezuelan culture features music such as joropo, a rich tradition of folk arts, and cuisine that includes arepas, pabellón criollo, and hallacas. Baseball is popular, and football has broad participation. Festivals and regional traditions contribute to cultural diversity.