Country Profile: Venezuela

Venezuela is located in northern South America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and neighboring countries Colombia and Guyana. The nation has a population of approximately 31.8 million people, with most residing in urban areas, particularly in the capital, Caracas. Economically, Venezuela is heavily reliant on its oil industry, which has faced severe challenges due to years of mismanagement and fluctuating global oil prices, leading to hyperinflation and significant emigration of its people. The governance of the country has been marked by authoritarian rule, first under Hugo Chávez and later Nicolás Maduro, resulting in numerous political and social issues.

Geography

Venezuela boasts a diverse geography characterized by tropical climates and significant natural resources. The Andes Mountains dominate the northwest, while the central plains and Guiana Highlands provide varied terrains. The country has a total area of approximately 912,050 square kilometers, with significant coastlines along the Caribbean Sea.

Area: 912,050 sq km
Borders: 5,267 km (Brazil: 2,137 km, Colombia: 2,341 km, Guyana: 789 km)
Coastline: 2,800 km
Highest Point: Pico Bolivar at 4,978 m
Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, gold, and hydropower

People and Society

With a projected population of about 31.8 million in 2025, Venezuela is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Spanish, Italian, Indigenous, and African descents. The population is predominantly urban, with 88.4% residing in cities. Spanish is the official language, and the society reflects a blend of cultures and religions, with Roman Catholicism being the most common faith.

Urban Population: 88.4% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 97.2% (2017)
Median Age: 31.3 years (2025)
Life Expectancy: 74.5 years (2024)
Population Growth Rate: 0.88% (2025)

Economy

Venezuela's economy has struggled significantly due to hyperinflation and reliance on oil exports. The ongoing economic crisis has led to increased poverty and reduced social spending. Though it has vast natural resources, mismanagement and international sanctions have crippled its economic stability.

GDP (PPP): $110.943 billion (2023)
GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,900 (2023)
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2024)
Inflation Rate: 200.9% (2022)
Public Debt: 38.9% of GDP (2017)

Government

Venezuela operates as a federal presidential republic with significant political turmoil. The current interim president is Delcy Rodríguez, following a disputed electoral process that has led to international non-recognition of recent elections. The legislative body consists of the National Assembly, which has faced challenges regarding its legitimacy.

Government Type: Federal presidential republic
Capital: Caracas
Constitution: Adopted 15 December 1999
Voting Age: 18 years
Legislative Branch: National Assembly with 277 seats

Military and Security

The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) comprise the army, navy, aviation, and militia, playing a crucial role in domestic security and government operations. Venezuela allocates a modest percentage of its GDP to military spending, reflecting its focus on internal order and regional stability.

Military Expenditure: 0.6% of GDP (2024)
Active Armed Forces Personnel: Approximately 125,000
Military Age: 18-30 (voluntary service)
Military Equipment Sources: Mix from China, Russia, and other nations

Energy

Venezuela's energy sector is heavily reliant on oil and hydropower, with extensive production capabilities. The country enjoys full electricity access, but its energy infrastructure has suffered due to economic challenges and lack of investment.

Total Petroleum Production: 801,000 bbl/day (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 56.493 billion kWh (2023)
Hydroelectricity Contribution: 78.3% of total installed capacity
Proven Oil Reserves: 303.806 billion barrels (2021)

Environment

Venezuela faces various environmental challenges, including pollution and deforestation. Rapid urbanization has exacerbated conditions, particularly in coastal regions, while mining activities threaten rainforest ecosystems.

Major Environmental Issues: Oil and urban pollution, deforestation
Forest Area: 53.5% of land (2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 76.73 million metric tonnes (2023)
Total Water Resources: 1.325 trillion cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

Venezuela's transportation infrastructure includes a network of ports, railways, and airports, facilitating both domestic and international trade. The country has numerous airports and a growing merchant marine, showcasing its proximity to trade routes.

Airports: 509 (2025)
Total Railways: 447 km (2014)
Merchant Marine: 272 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 31 (2024)

Communications

Venezuela has a mix of state-run and private media, heavily regulated under the current government. While mobile and internet usage has grown, challenges remain due to political control and infrastructure issues.

Mobile Subscriptions: 20.2 million (2024)
Internet Users: 62% of the population (2017)
Telephones - Fixed Lines: 2.683 million (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,755,435 (2025 est.)
Area	912,050 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$110.943 billion (2023)
Energy Consumption	54.474 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	16.45 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.5% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	74.5 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.2% (2017)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	76.73 million metric tonnes (2023)
Total Water Withdrawal	5.123 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)