Venezuela

Overview

From the empty white sand beaches of Los Roques to the steady drip-drip of the air conditioners among the concrete towers of Caracas, Venezuela is a country defined by contrasts. The high Andes of the west descend rapidly into the wildlife rich, water logged plains of the Janos. Eastwards, and we come to the northern reaches of jungle clad Amazonia, which swiftly transform into the plains and table top mountains that mark the border with Brazil. Venezuela has been gifted with many natural wonders and provides a rich hunting ground for travellers in search of a touch of adventure.

Sitting atop the South American continent on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, squeezed between mountains, sea and jungle, Venezuela is home to 25 million souls in a country about twice the size of California. Most are native to the country, but there remain some vestiges of the Eurpean immigrants from the 18th century. Gifted with oil, it is one of the richest countries on the continent, but like many South American nations there are stark distinctions between rich and poor. In terms of wealth, the capital, Caracas, with its skyscrapers and metro system, is not unlike a city in Eastern Europe while the southern provinces are much poorer. By and large however, many of the features of a modern nation are present and, from a traveller's perspective, the links between cities, mostly by bus or plane, are reliable and regular, sometimes even comfortable!

There is much to see all over the...more

History

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Ecuador). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Current concerns include: a polarized political environment, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.