Venezuela: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Capital: Caracas
Population: 24,287,670
Currency: bolivar (VEB)
Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%
Borders: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km |
| Venezuela is situated on the north coast of South America. It is bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea, to the west by Colombia, to the south by Brazil and to the east by Guyana. The total area of Venezuela measures 912,050 sq km, with a water mass of 30,000 sq km. The northern coastline that faces the Caribbean is 2,800 km in length. This area is home to some of the finest South American beaches, offering white sand shaded by coconut palm trees. Inland the terrain is made up of the Guyana Highlands in the southeast and the Andes mountain range in the northwest. In between, Southern America's third largest river, the Orinoco, cuts through an area of dense rainforest and vegetation that is home to some spectacular wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs and the much feared anaconda snake. The highest point within Venezuela is Pico Bolivar at a height of 5,007m. South America's largest lake, Maracaibo can be found in the far northwestern corner of Venezuela, the other side of the Andes. Another stunning natural feature is the Angel Falls. These are the highest waterfalls in the world. Venezuela is often subject to natural hazards such as floods and mudslides. These reek havoc especially during the wet season. The capital city of Venezuela is Caracas. This is the industrial and economic hub of Venezuela and is home to some 4,608,934 people. The total population of Venezuela is 24,287,670. The official language of Venezuela is Spanish although a great number of tribal languages are also spoken throughout the country. The national unit of currency is the Bolivar. Venezuela possesses a great deal of valuable natural resources including petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite and diamonds. The workforce is largely represented by the service industry (64%), although 13% of Venezuela's workforce is Agriculture-based. The agricultural produce of Venezuela include corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables and coffee. Venezuela receives a tropical climate although the Andean and Guianan ranges receive a cooler, more temperate climate due to the high elevations of their terrain. The wet season in Venezuela lasts from April to October. The highest recorded temperature recorded in Caracas was 32°C. |
Regional: Americas: Southern: Northern South America:
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