Venezuela is located in Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana.
Venezuela has borders with Brazil for 2200km, Colombia for 2050km and Guyana for 743km.
Land in Venezuela is Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast.
Venezuelan land covers an area of 912050 square kilometers which is slightly more than twice the size of California
As for the Venezuelan climate; tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands.
Venezuelan(s) speak Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects.
Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). 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 weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, 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.
Venezuela continues to be highly dependent on the petroleum sector, accounting for roughly one-third of GDP, around 80% of export earnings, and over half of government operating revenues. Government revenue also has been bolstered by increased tax collection, which has surpassed its 2005 collection goal by almost 50%. Tax revenue is the primary source of non-oil revenue, which accounts for 53% of the 2006 budget. A disastrous two-month national oil strike, from December 2002 to February 2003, temporarily halted economic activity. The economy remained in depression in 2003, declining by 9.2% after an 8.9% fall in 2002. Output recovered strongly in 2004-2005, aided by high oil prices and strong consumption growth. Venezuela continues to be an important source of crude oil for the US market. Both inflation and unemployment remain fundamental problems.
Venezuelan natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds
on major sea and air routes linking North and South America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest waterfall
Venezuelan religion is nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%.
Natural hazards in Venezuela include subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts.