Country Profile: Venezuela

Venezuela, located in northern South America, is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and lies between Colombia and Guyana. The country has a population of approximately 31.8 million and boasts a rich but tumultuous history marked by oil wealth and political instability. Since the late 1990s, governance has shifted towards authoritarianism, particularly under Hugo Chávez and his successor Nicolás Maduro, which has contributed to economic decline and mass emigration. Amid ongoing hyperinflation and economic mismanagement, Venezuela remains heavily reliant on its petroleum industry.

Geography

Venezuela spans an area of 912,050 sq km, featuring a diverse landscape that includes the Andes Mountains, central plains, and the Guiana Highlands. The country's climate ranges from tropical and humid in the lowlands to more moderate conditions in the highlands. Major natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, and various minerals.

• 883,050 sq km of land area
• 2,800 km of coastline
• Highest point: Pico Bolivar at 4,978 m
• 24.4% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
• Major rivers include the Orinoco and Rio Negro

People and Society

Venezuela is home to approximately 31.8 million inhabitants, with a median age of 31.3 years. The population is predominantly urban, with 88.4% living in cities. The country has a rich cultural tapestry featuring Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, and Indigenous influences.

• 97.2% literacy rate (2017 est.)
• Birth rate: 16.45 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
• Life expectancy: 74.5 years (2024 est.)
• Urban population: 88.4% (2023)
• Major urban areas: Caracas (2.972 million), Maracaibo (2.368 million)

Economy

Venezuela's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, which constitute a significant portion of its revenue. The country has faced severe economic challenges, including hyperinflation and a chaotic economic environment. Despite these hardships, there are signs of potential recovery as infrastructure investments and economic reforms are gradually introduced.

• Real GDP (PPP): $110.943 billion (2023 est.)
• GDP per capita (PPP): $4,900 (2023 est.)
• 5.5% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• Exports primarily include crude oil, accounting for 50% of trade with the USA (2023)
• 33.1% of the population lived below the poverty line (2015 est.)

Government

Venezuela is classified as a federal presidential republic, featuring a complex political landscape shaped by a history of authoritarian governance. Nicolás Maduro's presidency has been marked by accusations of electoral fraud, with a National Assembly that many view as illegitimate.

• Capital: Caracas
• Form of government: Federal presidential republic
• National Assembly has 277 members
• Citizens gain the right to vote at 18 years of age
• The legal system is based on civil law from the Spanish tradition

Military and Security

The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) occupy a crucial role in Venezuela, extending beyond defense to include involvement in various sectors of the economy. The military plays a significant role in domestic law enforcement and has been involved in counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism operations.

• Active personnel: 125-150,000
• Military expenditure: 0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
• The FANB includes army, navy, air force, and militia components
• 200,000 estimated Bolivarian Militia

Energy

Venezuela possesses one of the largest oil reserves globally, primarily relying on hydroelectric power for its electricity needs. The energy sector has suffered significantly due to mismanagement and underinvestment, yet it remains a vital aspect of the economy.

• Total oil production: 801,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
• 100% electricity access rate (2022 est.)
• 56.493 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• Proven oil reserves: 303.806 billion barrels (2021 est.)

Environment

Venezuela faces numerous environmental challenges, including pollution, deforestation, and the threats posed by mining activities. Its rich biodiversity is increasingly at risk from urban and industrial pollution.

• 53.5% of land is forested (2023 est.)
• Major environmental issues include sewage and urban pollution, soil degradation
• Participates in various international environmental agreements
• 21.3% of municipal waste is recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Venezuela has a diverse transportation network, including extensive air and maritime services. However, the country's infrastructure has deteriorated due to economic challenges.

• 509 airports (2025)
• 272 merchant vessels (2023)
• 447 km of railway (2014)
• 31 ports (2024)

Communications

The communications sector in Venezuela is characterized by state control and censorship, especially in broadcast media. Internet access has increased, but there remains a significant divide in connectivity.

• 20.2 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
• Fixed-line subscriptions: 2.683 million (2022)
• Internet users comprise 62% of the population (2017 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,755,435	2025 est.
Area	912,050 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$110.943 billion	2023 est.
Energy consumption	56.493 billion kWh	2023 est.
Birth rate	16.45 births/1,000 people	2025 est.
Unemployment rate	5.5%	2024 est.
Life expectancy	74.5 years	2024 est.
Literacy rate	97.2%	2017 est.
Urban population	88.4%	2023