Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Venezuela
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
CapitalCaracas
Population28,516,896
GDP$99.7bn
Area912,050 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830, the others being Ecuador and New Granada (Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, military strongmen ruled Venezuela and promoted the oil industry while allowing some social reforms. Democratically elected governments largely held sway until 1999, but Hugo CHAVEZ, who was president from 1999 to 2013, exercised authoritarian control over other branches of government. This trend continued in 2018 when Nicolas MADURO claimed the presidency for his second term in an election boycotted by most opposition parties and widely viewed as fraudulent. The legislative elections in 2020 were also seen as fraudulent, and most opposition parties and many international actors consider the resulting National Assembly illegitimate. In 2021, many opposition parties broke a three-year election boycott and participated in mayoral and gubernatorial elections, despite flawed conditions. As a result, the opposition more than doubled its representation at the mayoral level and retained four of 23 governorships. The 2021 regional elections marked the first time since 2006 that the EU was allowed to send an electoral observation mission to Venezuela.
MADURO has placed strong restrictions on free speech and the press. Since CHAVEZ, the ruling party has expanded the state's role in the economy through expropriations of major enterprises, strict currency exchange and price controls, and over-dependence on the petroleum industry for revenues. Years of economic mismanagement left Venezuela ill-prepared to weather the global drop in oil prices in 2014, sparking an economic decline that has resulted in reduced government social spending, shortages of basic goods, and high inflation. Worsened living conditions have prompted nearly 8 million Venezuelans to emigrate, mainly settling in nearby countries. The US imposed financial sanctions on MADURO and his representatives in 2017 and on sectors of the Venezuelan economy in 2018. Limited sanctions relief followed when the MADURO administration began making democratic and electoral concessions.
The government's mismanagement and lack of investment in infrastructure has also weakened the country's energy sector. Caracas has relaxed some controls to mitigate the impact of its sustained economic crisis, such as allowing increased import flexibility for the private sector and the informal use of US dollars and other international currencies. Ongoing concerns include human rights abuses, rampant violent crime, political manipulation of the judicial and electoral systems, and corruption.
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017MADURO has placed strong restrictions on free speech and the press. Since CHAVEZ, the ruling party has expanded the state's role in the economy through expropriations of major enterprises, strict currency exchange and price controls, and over-dependence on the petroleum industry for revenues. Years of economic mismanagement left Venezuela ill-prepared to weather the global drop in oil prices in 2014, sparking an economic decline that has resulted in reduced government social spending, shortages of basic goods, and high inflation. Worsened living conditions have prompted nearly 8 million Venezuelans to emigrate, mainly settling in nearby countries. The US imposed financial sanctions on MADURO and his representatives in 2017 and on sectors of the Venezuelan economy in 2018. Limited sanctions relief followed when the MADURO administration began making democratic and electoral concessions.
The government's mismanagement and lack of investment in infrastructure has also weakened the country's energy sector. Caracas has relaxed some controls to mitigate the impact of its sustained economic crisis, such as allowing increased import flexibility for the private sector and the informal use of US dollars and other international currencies. Ongoing concerns include human rights abuses, rampant violent crime, political manipulation of the judicial and electoral systems, and corruption.
Geography
Location
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana
Map references
South America
Area
total: 912,050 sq km
land: 882,050 sq km
water: 30,000 sq km
land: 882,050 sq km
water: 30,000 sq km
Area - comparative
almost six times the size of Georgia; slightly more than twice the size of California
Land boundaries
total: 5,267 km
border countries: Brazil 2,137 km; Colombia 2,341 km; Guyana 789 km
border countries: Brazil 2,137 km; Colombia 2,341 km; Guyana 789 km
Coastline
2,800 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 15 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
contiguous zone: 15 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
Terrain
Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast
Elevation
highest point: Pico Bolivar 4,978 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 450 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 450 m
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds
Land use
agricultural land: 24.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 20.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 53.5% (2023 est.)
other: 22.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 20.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 53.5% (2023 est.)
other: 22.1% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
10,550 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major lakes (area sq km)
salt water lake(s): Lago de Maracaibo - 13,010 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Rio Negro (shared with Colombia [s] and Brazil [m]) - 2,250 km; Orinoco river source and mouth (shared with Colombia) - 2,101 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km)
Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the northern and western highlands along an eastern spur at the northern end of the Andes, an area that includes the capital of Caracas
Natural hazards
subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts
Geography - note
note 1: the country lies on major sea and air routes linking North and South America
note 2: Venezuela has some of the most unique geology in the world; tepuis are the massive table-top mountains of the western Guiana Highlands that tend to be isolated and thus support unique endemic plant and animal species; their sheer cliffsides help create some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, including Angel Falls, the world's highest (979 m; 3,212 ft) that drops from Auyan Tepui
note 2: Venezuela has some of the most unique geology in the world; tepuis are the massive table-top mountains of the western Guiana Highlands that tend to be isolated and thus support unique endemic plant and animal species; their sheer cliffsides help create some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, including Angel Falls, the world's highest (979 m; 3,212 ft) that drops from Auyan Tepui
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Venezuelan(s)
adjective: Venezuelan
adjective: Venezuelan
Ethnic groups
unspecified Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Indigenous
Languages
Languages: Spanish (official) 98.2%, indigenous 1.3%, Portuguese 0.1%, other 0.4% (2023 est.)
major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Reference: 2023major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 48.1%, Protestant 31.6% (Evangelical 31.4%, Adventist 0.2%), Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, African American/umbanda 0.7%, other 0.1%, believer 3.5%, agnostic 0.1%, atheist, 0.4%, none 13.6%, unspecified 0.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Age structure
0-14 years: 25% (male 3,987,361/female 3,811,307)
15-64 years: 65.9% (male 10,264,353/female 10,330,376)
65 years and over: 9.1% (2024 est.) (male 1,303,737/female 1,553,172)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65.9% (male 10,264,353/female 10,330,376)
65 years and over: 9.1% (2024 est.) (male 1,303,737/female 1,553,172)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 51.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 37.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 13.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 7.2 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 37.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 13.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 7.2 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 31 years (2024 est.)
male: 30.3 years
female: 31.7 years
Reference: 2024male: 30.3 years
female: 31.7 years
Population growth rate
2.34% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
16.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
6.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the northern and western highlands along an eastern spur at the northern end of the Andes, an area that includes the capital of Caracas
Major urban areas - population
2.972 million CARACAS (capital), 2.368 million Maracaibo, 1.983 million Valencia, 1.254 million Barquisimeto, 1.243 million Maracay, 964,000 Ciudad Guayana (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
227 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.06 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: total: total: 93.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 6.7% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: total: total: 6.7% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.66 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Reference: 2017Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: total: total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: total: total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
51.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 20,911 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 2,338 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 2,338 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Delcy Rodriguez | — | 2026-01-03 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
conventional short form: Venezuela
local long form: República Bolivariana de Venezuela
local short form: Venezuela
former: State of Venezuela, Republic of Venezuela, United States of Venezuela
etymology: in 1499, the stilt-houses built on Lake Maracaibo reminded explorers Alonso de OJEDA and Amerigo VESPUCCI of buildings in Venice, Italy, and they named the region "Venezuola," meaning "Little Venice"
conventional short form: Venezuela
local long form: República Bolivariana de Venezuela
local short form: Venezuela
former: State of Venezuela, Republic of Venezuela, United States of Venezuela
etymology: in 1499, the stilt-houses built on Lake Maracaibo reminded explorers Alonso de OJEDA and Amerigo VESPUCCI of buildings in Venice, Italy, and they named the region "Venezuola," meaning "Little Venice"
Capital
name: Caracas
geographic coordinates: 10 29 N, 66 52 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named for the Caracas tribe that originally settled in the area; the origin of their name is unknown
geographic coordinates: 10 29 N, 66 52 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named for the Caracas tribe that originally settled in the area; the origin of their name is unknown
Administrative divisions
23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency** (dependencia federal); Amazonas, Anzoátegui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales (Federal Dependencies)**, Distrito Capital (Capital District)*, Falcon, Guárico, La Guairá, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Táchira, Trujillo, Yaracuy, Zulia
note: note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islands
note: note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islands
Legal system
civil law system based on the Spanish civil code
Constitution
history: many previous; latest adopted 15 December 1999, effective 30 December 1999
amendment process: proposed through agreement by at least 39% of the National Assembly membership, by the president of the republic in session with the cabinet of ministers, or by petition of at least 15% of registered voters; passage requires simple majority vote by the Assembly and simple majority approval in a referendum
Reference: 1999amendment process: proposed through agreement by at least 39% of the National Assembly membership, by the president of the republic in session with the cabinet of ministers, or by petition of at least 15% of registered voters; passage requires simple majority vote by the Assembly and simple majority approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years; reduced to five years in the case of applicants from Spain, Portugal, Italy, or a Latin American or Caribbean country
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years; reduced to five years in the case of applicants from Spain, Portugal, Italy, or a Latin American or Caribbean country
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: Notification Statement: the United States does not recognize Nicolas MADURO Moros as president of Venezuela
President Nicolas MADURO Moros (since 19 April 2013)
head of government: President Nicolas MADURO Moros (since 19 April 2013)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 28 July 2024
election results: 2024: official results disputed; Nicolas MADURO Moros was declared the winner by the MADURO-controlled National Electoral Council; percent of vote - Nicolas MADURO Moros (PSUV) 52%, Edmundo GONZÁLEZ Urrutia (Independent) 43.2%, Luis Eduardo MARTÍNEZ (AD) 1.2%, other 3.6%
2018: Nicolas MADURO Moros reelected president; percent of vote - Nicolas MADURO Moros (PSUV) 67.9%, Henri FALCON (AP) 20.9%, Javier BERTUCCI 10.8%
expected date of next election: 2030
note: note 1: the president is both chief of state and head of government
note 2: the United States recognizes that Edmundo GONZÁLEZ won the most votes in the 28 July 2024 presidential election because of overwhelming evidence, including more than 80% of the tally sheets received directly from polling stations that indicated GONZÁLEZ received the most votes by an insurmountable margin
Reference: 2030, 2024, 2018, 2013President Nicolas MADURO Moros (since 19 April 2013)
head of government: President Nicolas MADURO Moros (since 19 April 2013)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 28 July 2024
election results: 2024: official results disputed; Nicolas MADURO Moros was declared the winner by the MADURO-controlled National Electoral Council; percent of vote - Nicolas MADURO Moros (PSUV) 52%, Edmundo GONZÁLEZ Urrutia (Independent) 43.2%, Luis Eduardo MARTÍNEZ (AD) 1.2%, other 3.6%
2018: Nicolas MADURO Moros reelected president; percent of vote - Nicolas MADURO Moros (PSUV) 67.9%, Henri FALCON (AP) 20.9%, Javier BERTUCCI 10.8%
expected date of next election: 2030
note: note 1: the president is both chief of state and head of government
note 2: the United States recognizes that Edmundo GONZÁLEZ won the most votes in the 28 July 2024 presidential election because of overwhelming evidence, including more than 80% of the tally sheets received directly from polling stations that indicated GONZÁLEZ received the most votes by an insurmountable margin
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 277 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/6/2020
percentage of women in chamber: 32.1%
expected date of next election: May 2025
note: note: in 2020, the National Electoral Council increased the number of seats in the National Assembly from 167 to 277 for the December 2020 election
Reference: 2025, 2020legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 277 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/6/2020
percentage of women in chamber: 32.1%
expected date of next election: May 2025
note: note: in 2020, the National Electoral Council increased the number of seats in the National Assembly from 167 to 277 for the December 2020 election
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Tribunal of Justice (consists of 32 judges organized into constitutional, political-administrative, electoral, civil appeals, criminal appeals, and social divisions)
judge selection and term of office: judges proposed by the Committee of Judicial Postulation (an independent body of organizations dealing with legal issues and of the organs of citizen power) and appointed by the National Assembly; judges serve nonrenewable 12-year terms
subordinate courts: Superior or Appeals Courts (Tribunales Superiores); District Tribunals (Tribunales de Distrito); Courts of First Instance (Tribunales de Primera Instancia); Parish Courts (Tribunales de Parroquia); Justices of the Peace (Justicia de Paz) Network
judge selection and term of office: judges proposed by the Committee of Judicial Postulation (an independent body of organizations dealing with legal issues and of the organs of citizen power) and appointed by the National Assembly; judges serve nonrenewable 12-year terms
subordinate courts: Superior or Appeals Courts (Tribunales Superiores); District Tribunals (Tribunales de Distrito); Courts of First Instance (Tribunales de Primera Instancia); Parish Courts (Tribunales de Parroquia); Justices of the Peace (Justicia de Paz) Network
Political parties
A New Era (Un Nuevo Tiempo) or UNT
Cambiemos Movimiento Ciudadano or CMC
Christian Democrats or COPEI (also known as the Social Christian Party)
Citizens Encounter or EC
Clear Accounts or CC
Coalition of parties loyal to Nicolas MADURO - Great Patriotic Pole or GPP
Coalition of opposition parties - Democratic Alliance (Alianza Democratica) (includes AD, EL CAMBIO, COPEI, CMC, and AP)
Come Venezuela (Vente Venezuela) or VV
Communist Party of Venezuela or PCV
Consenso en la Zona or Conenzo
Convergencia
Democratic Action or AD
Fatherland for All (Patria para Todos) or PPT
Fearless People's Alliance or ABP
Fuerza Vecinal or FV
Hope for Change (Esperanza por el Cambio) or EL CAMBIO
Justice First (Primero Justicia) or PJ
LAPIZ
Movement to Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo) or MAS
Popular Will (Voluntad Popular) or VP
Progressive Advance (Avanzada Progresista) or AP
The Radical Cause or La Causa R
United Socialist Party of Venezuela or PSUV
Venezuela First (Primero Venezuela) or PV
Venezuelan Progressive Movement or MPV
Venezuela Project or PV
Cambiemos Movimiento Ciudadano or CMC
Christian Democrats or COPEI (also known as the Social Christian Party)
Citizens Encounter or EC
Clear Accounts or CC
Coalition of parties loyal to Nicolas MADURO - Great Patriotic Pole or GPP
Coalition of opposition parties - Democratic Alliance (Alianza Democratica) (includes AD, EL CAMBIO, COPEI, CMC, and AP)
Come Venezuela (Vente Venezuela) or VV
Communist Party of Venezuela or PCV
Consenso en la Zona or Conenzo
Convergencia
Democratic Action or AD
Fatherland for All (Patria para Todos) or PPT
Fearless People's Alliance or ABP
Fuerza Vecinal or FV
Hope for Change (Esperanza por el Cambio) or EL CAMBIO
Justice First (Primero Justicia) or PJ
LAPIZ
Movement to Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo) or MAS
Popular Will (Voluntad Popular) or VP
Progressive Advance (Avanzada Progresista) or AP
The Radical Cause or La Causa R
United Socialist Party of Venezuela or PSUV
Venezuela First (Primero Venezuela) or PV
Venezuelan Progressive Movement or MPV
Venezuela Project or PV
Diplomatic representation in the US
none
note: the embassy, which had been run by the Venezuelan political opposition, announced on 5 January 2023, that it had ended all embassy functions
Reference: 2023note: the embassy, which had been run by the Venezuelan political opposition, announced on 5 January 2023, that it had ended all embassy functions
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires John McNAMARA (since 1 February 2025); note - serves as the chief of mission of the Venezuela Affairs Unit, located in the US Embassy, Bogota
embassy: Venezuela Affairs Unit, US Embassy, Carrera 45 N. 24B-27, Bogota, Colombia
mailing address: 3140 Caracas Place, Washington DC 20521-3140
telephone: 1-888-407-4747
email address and website: ACSBogota@state.gov
https://ve.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Venezuela Affairs Unit, US Embassy, Carrera 45 N. 24B-27, Bogota, Colombia
mailing address: 3140 Caracas Place, Washington DC 20521-3140
telephone: 1-888-407-4747
email address and website: ACSBogota@state.gov
https://ve.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
5 July 1811 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 5 July (1811)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red, with the coat of arms on the left side of the yellow band and an arc of eight five-pointed white stars centered on the blue band
meaning: yellow stands for the riches of the land, blue for the courage of its people, and red for the blood shed in attaining independence
history: the flag retains the three equal horizontal bands and three main colors from the flag of Gran Colombia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; in 2006, President Hugo CHAVEZ added the eighth star -- the original seven stars represented the country's provinces that united in the war of independence -- to match Simon Bolivar's flag from 1827 and to represent the historic province of Guayana
Reference: 2006meaning: yellow stands for the riches of the land, blue for the courage of its people, and red for the blood shed in attaining independence
history: the flag retains the three equal horizontal bands and three main colors from the flag of Gran Colombia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; in 2006, President Hugo CHAVEZ added the eighth star -- the original seven stars represented the country's provinces that united in the war of independence -- to match Simon Bolivar's flag from 1827 and to represent the historic province of Guayana
National symbol(s)
troupial (bird)
National color(s)
yellow, blue, red
National anthem(s)
title: "Gloria al bravo pueblo" (Glory to the Brave People)
lyrics/music: Vicente SALIAS/Juan Jose LANDAETA
history: adopted 1881; lyrics were written in 1810; both SALIAS and LANDAETA were executed in 1814 during Venezuela's fight for independence
lyrics/music: Vicente SALIAS/Juan Jose LANDAETA
history: adopted 1881; lyrics were written in 1810; both SALIAS and LANDAETA were executed in 1814 during Venezuela's fight for independence
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 3 (2 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Coro and its Port (c); Canaima National Park (n); Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Coro and its Port (c); Canaima National Park (n); Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venezuela official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of Venezuela | — | 285 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
South American economy; ongoing hyperinflation since mid-2010s; chaotic economy due to political corruption, infrastructure cuts, and human rights abuses; in debt default; oil exporter; hydropower consumer; rising Chinese relations
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $110.943 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $106.672 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $98.768 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $106.672 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $98.768 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $4,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $4,000 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015Real GDP per capita 2022: $4,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $4,000 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Agricultural products
milk, sugarcane, maize, rice, plantains, oil palm fruit, bananas, chicken, pineapples, potatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
agricultural products, livestock, raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, construction materials, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, iron and steel products, crude oil and petroleum products
Labor force
11.136 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 10.6% (2024 est.)
male: 9.3% (2024 est.)
female: 13.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 9.3% (2024 est.)
female: 13.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
33.1% (2015 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2015note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Average household expenditures
on food: 52% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 2.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Budget
revenues: $30 million (2017 est.)
expenditures: $76 million (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017expenditures: $76 million (2017 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 38.9% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: data cover central government debt, as well as the debt of state-owned oil company PDVSA; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include some debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; some debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions
Reference: 2017note: note: data cover central government debt, as well as the debt of state-owned oil company PDVSA; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include some debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; some debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions
Current account balance
Current account balance 2016: -$3.87 billion (2016 est.)
Current account balance 2015: -$16.051 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2016, 2015Current account balance 2015: -$16.051 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2018: $83.401 billion (2018 est.)
Exports 2017: $93.485 billion (2017 est.)
Exports 2016: $28.684 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2018, 2017, 2016Exports 2017: $93.485 billion (2017 est.)
Exports 2016: $28.684 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 50%, China 10%, Spain 9%, Brazil 6%, Turkey 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, petroleum coke, scrap iron, alcohols, fertilizers (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2018: $18.432 billion (2018 est.)
Imports 2017: $18.376 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $25.81 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2018, 2017, 2016Imports 2017: $18.376 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $25.81 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 35%, USA 24%, Brazil 12%, Colombia 7%, Turkey 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, soybean meal, corn, plastic products, vehicle parts/accessories (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2017: $9.794 billion (2017 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2016: $10.15 billion (2016 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2015: $15.625 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2017, 2016, 2015Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2016: $10.15 billion (2016 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2015: $15.625 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: bolivars (VEB) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2017: 9.975 (2017 est.)
Exchange rates 2016: 9.257 (2016 est.)
Exchange rates 2015: 6.284 (2015 est.)
Exchange rates 2014: 6.284 (2014 est.)
Exchange rates 2013: 6.048 (2013 est.)
Reference: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014Exchange rates 2017: 9.975 (2017 est.)
Exchange rates 2016: 9.257 (2016 est.)
Exchange rates 2015: 6.284 (2015 est.)
Exchange rates 2014: 6.284 (2014 est.)
Exchange rates 2013: 6.048 (2013 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2016: -$3.87 billion (2016 est.)
Current account balance 2015: -$16.051 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2016, 2015Current account balance 2015: -$16.051 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2018: $83.401 billion (2018 est.)
Exports 2017: $93.485 billion (2017 est.)
Exports 2016: $28.684 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2018, 2017, 2016Exports 2017: $93.485 billion (2017 est.)
Exports 2016: $28.684 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 50%, China 10%, Spain 9%, Brazil 6%, Turkey 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, petroleum coke, scrap iron, alcohols, fertilizers (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2018: $18.432 billion (2018 est.)
Imports 2017: $18.376 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $25.81 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2018, 2017, 2016Imports 2017: $18.376 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $25.81 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 35%, USA 24%, Brazil 12%, Colombia 7%, Turkey 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, soybean meal, corn, plastic products, vehicle parts/accessories (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 33.493 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 56.493 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 600 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 25.849 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 56.493 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 600 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 25.849 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 21.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 78.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023hydroelectricity: 78.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 149,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 80,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 124,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 730.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 80,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 124,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 730.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 801,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 203,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 303.806 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 203,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 303.806 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 23.873 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 23.873 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 5.674 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 23.873 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 5.674 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 54.474 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2.683 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
227 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.66 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Reference: 2017Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system based on the Spanish civil code
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Tribunal of Justice (consists of 32 judges organized into constitutional, political-administrative, electoral, civil appeals, criminal appeals, and social divisions)
judge selection and term of office: judges proposed by the Committee of Judicial Postulation (an independent body of organizations dealing with legal issues and of the organs of citizen power) and appointed by the National Assembly; judges serve nonrenewable 12-year terms
subordinate courts: Superior or Appeals Courts (Tribunales Superiores); District Tribunals (Tribunales de Distrito); Courts of First Instance (Tribunales de Primera Instancia); Parish Courts (Tribunales de Parroquia); Justices of the Peace (Justicia de Paz) Network
judge selection and term of office: judges proposed by the Committee of Judicial Postulation (an independent body of organizations dealing with legal issues and of the organs of citizen power) and appointed by the National Assembly; judges serve nonrenewable 12-year terms
subordinate courts: Superior or Appeals Courts (Tribunales Superiores); District Tribunals (Tribunales de Distrito); Courts of First Instance (Tribunales de Primera Instancia); Parish Courts (Tribunales de Parroquia); Justices of the Peace (Justicia de Paz) Network
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Bolivarian National Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana, FANB): Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Bolivariano, EB), Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana, AB; includes marines, Coast Guard), Bolivarian Military Aviation (Aviacion Militar Bolivariana, AMB), Bolivarian Militia (Milicia Bolivariana), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia Nacional Bolivaria, GNB), Presidential Honor Guard
Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace: Bolivarian National Police (Policía Nacional Bolivariana, PNB) (2025)
note: note 1: the Bolivarian Militia and the Presidential Honor Guard are considered special/secondary components of the FANB; the Militia is composed of the Military Reserve and the Territorial Militia and is comprised of armed civilians who receive periodic training in exchange for a small stipend
note 2: the National Guard was made part of the FANB in 2007 and is responsible for maintaining public order, guarding the exterior of key government installations and prisons, conducting counter-narcotics operations, monitoring borders, and providing law enforcement in remote areas; it reports to both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace
note 3: the PNB is a federal force created by Hugo CHAVEZ in 2008 as a “preventative police force,” separate from state and local ones; the PNB largely focuses on policing Caracas’ Libertador municipality, patrolling Caracas-area highways, railways, and metro system, and protecting diplomatic missions; the PNB includes the Special Action Forces (Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales, FAES), a paramilitary unit created by President MADURO to bolster internal security after the 2017 anti-government protests
Reference: 2025, 2017, 2008, 2007Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace: Bolivarian National Police (Policía Nacional Bolivariana, PNB) (2025)
note: note 1: the Bolivarian Militia and the Presidential Honor Guard are considered special/secondary components of the FANB; the Militia is composed of the Military Reserve and the Territorial Militia and is comprised of armed civilians who receive periodic training in exchange for a small stipend
note 2: the National Guard was made part of the FANB in 2007 and is responsible for maintaining public order, guarding the exterior of key government installations and prisons, conducting counter-narcotics operations, monitoring borders, and providing law enforcement in remote areas; it reports to both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace
note 3: the PNB is a federal force created by Hugo CHAVEZ in 2008 as a “preventative police force,” separate from state and local ones; the PNB largely focuses on policing Caracas’ Libertador municipality, patrolling Caracas-area highways, railways, and metro system, and protecting diplomatic missions; the PNB includes the Special Action Forces (Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales, FAES), a paramilitary unit created by President MADURO to bolster internal security after the 2017 anti-government protests
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; approximately 125-150,000 active Armed Forces; estimated 200,000 Bolivarian Militia (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FANB inventory is comprised mostly of Russian/Soviet-era weapons and equipment; in recent years, it has acquired some material from China and Iran; it also has smaller quantities of older equipment from France, Germany, Spain, the UK, and the US (2024)
note: note: the US prohibited the sale or transfer of military arms or technology to Venezuela in 2006
Reference: 2024, 2006note: note: the US prohibited the sale or transfer of military arms or technology to Venezuela in 2006
Military service age and obligation
18-30 (25 for women) for voluntary service; the minimum service obligation is 24-30 months; 17-39 for Militia service; all citizens of military service age (18-50) are obligated to register for military service and subject to military training (2025)
Military - note
the armed forces (FANB) are responsible for ensuring Venezuela’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; they also have a domestic role, including assisting with maintaining internal security, conducting counter-narcotics missions, contributing to national socio-economic development, and providing disaster relief/humanitarian assistance; the military conducts internal security operations in large parts of the country and has been deployed against illegal armed groups operating in the Colombian border region and other areas to combat organized crime gangs involved in narcotics trafficking and illegal mining; it has ties with the militaries of China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia
the FANB has a role in the country’s economy and political sectors; military officers hold key positions in state-owned companies, government ministries, and funding agencies; the FANB runs corporation involved in agriculture, banking, communications, energy, insurance, mining, and transportation (2025)
the FANB has a role in the country’s economy and political sectors; military officers hold key positions in state-owned companies, government ministries, and funding agencies; the FANB runs corporation involved in agriculture, banking, communications, energy, insurance, mining, and transportation (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
none
note: the embassy, which had been run by the Venezuelan political opposition, announced on 5 January 2023, that it had ended all embassy functions
Reference: 2023note: the embassy, which had been run by the Venezuelan political opposition, announced on 5 January 2023, that it had ended all embassy functions
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires John McNAMARA (since 1 February 2025); note - serves as the chief of mission of the Venezuela Affairs Unit, located in the US Embassy, Bogota
embassy: Venezuela Affairs Unit, US Embassy, Carrera 45 N. 24B-27, Bogota, Colombia
mailing address: 3140 Caracas Place, Washington DC 20521-3140
telephone: 1-888-407-4747
email address and website: ACSBogota@state.gov
https://ve.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Venezuela Affairs Unit, US Embassy, Carrera 45 N. 24B-27, Bogota, Colombia
mailing address: 3140 Caracas Place, Washington DC 20521-3140
telephone: 1-888-407-4747
email address and website: ACSBogota@state.gov
https://ve.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| OPEC (OPEC) | member | 1960-09-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-11-15 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACS, Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 20,911 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 2,338 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 2,338 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 3 — Venezuela does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any efforts to do so, therefore, Venezuela remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/venezuela/
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
National Liberation Army (ELN); Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP); Segundo Marquetalia (SM); Tren de Aragua (TdA)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YV
Airports
509 (2025)
Heliports
88 (2025)
Railways
total: 447 km (2014)
standard gauge: 447 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (41.4 km electrified)
Reference: 2014standard gauge: 447 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (41.4 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 272 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 1, general cargo 26, oil tanker 17, other 225
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 1, general cargo 26, oil tanker 17, other 225
Ports
total ports: 31 (2024)
large: 1
medium: 2
small: 11
very small: 17
ports with oil terminals: 21
key ports: Amuay (Bahia de Amuay), Bahia de Pertigalete, Ciudad Bolivar, Guanta, La Guaira, La Salina, Las Piedras, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, Puerto de Hierro, Puerto la Cruz, Puerto Miranda, Puerto Ordaz, Punta Cardon
Reference: 2024large: 1
medium: 2
small: 11
very small: 17
ports with oil terminals: 21
key ports: Amuay (Bahia de Amuay), Bahia de Pertigalete, Ciudad Bolivar, Guanta, La Guaira, La Salina, Las Piedras, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, Puerto de Hierro, Puerto la Cruz, Puerto Miranda, Puerto Ordaz, Punta Cardon
Environment
Environmental issues
sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from mining operations
International environmental agreements
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
Land use
agricultural land: 24.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 20.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 53.5% (2023 est.)
other: 22.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 20.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 53.5% (2023 est.)
other: 22.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 88.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 76.73 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 179,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 27.928 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 48.623 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 179,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 27.928 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 48.623 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
16.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 3,595.7 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 1,007.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 328.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 1,007.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 328.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 9.779 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 5.123 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 793.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 16.71 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 793.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 16.71 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
1.325 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2.683 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
mix of state-run and private broadcast media subject to high levels of control; 13 public service networks, 61 privately owned TV networks, 1 privately owned news channel with limited national coverage, and a Maduro-backed Pan-American channel; 3 Maduro-aligned radio networks control about 65 news stations and another 30 stations targeted at specific audiences; Maduro-sponsored community broadcasters include 235 radio stations and 44 TV stations; the number of private broadcast radio stations declining, but many remain (2021)
Reference: 2021Internet country code
.ve
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 30,765,720 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 30,565,323 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 29,807,592 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 28,938,098 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 28,444,077 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 28,237,826 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 28,213,017 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 28,300,854 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 28,405,543 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 28,516,896 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $112,948,035,495 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $115,892,475,743 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $101,987,075,929 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $73,014,157,108 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $42,837,965,907 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $56,615,026,263 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $89,013,251,021 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $102,377,501,186 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $120,566,112,397 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $99,661,244,156 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,324,193 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,263,304 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 216,183 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 248,789 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 338,356 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 451,384 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 550,930 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 760,196 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 5,477,198 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 8,328,514 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -283,270 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -817,376 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -1,355,602 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -975,534 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -524,649 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -332,936 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -141,107 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -112,899 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -105,297 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -100,467 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,516,896 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 28,633,711 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 31,250,306 | 2024 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 1,263,304 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 4.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 8,328,514 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -100,467 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 14,333 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 1,577 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 417,010 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 1,181,156 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.148 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -2.041 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -1.640 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -1.767 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -0.784 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.231 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -1.684 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1997; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No Constitutional ban on de facto stable unions since 1999 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 1999 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Since 2023 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $99,661,244,156 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $3,495 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 254.9% | 2016 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 5.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 72.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.1 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 89.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 76.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 14.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 10.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 25.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 97.2% | 2017 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 97.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.9% | 2009 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,953 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 33.7% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 3.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 21.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 52.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 71.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 12.9 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 247 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 9.0817° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -69.8371° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 8.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -67.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−04:00, America/Caracas | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system, federal republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:33