festivites
Here are some of the main festivities or holidays celebrated in Venezuela:
1. Carnival - usually takes place in February or March, depending on the year. It is a festive celebration that includes parades, music, dancing, and colorful costumes. The most famous carnival celebration takes place in the city of Caracas and is known for its elaborate floats, costumes, and street parties.
2. Semana Santa (Holy Week) - this religious holiday takes place in April and is an important time for Catholics in Venezuela. Many people attend church services during this week, and there are also processions and reenactments of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in some towns.
3. Dia de la Batalla de Carabobo (Battle of Carabobo Day) - this national holiday takes place on June 24th and commemorates the Venezuelan victory over Spanish forces in the Battle of Carabobo in 1821. It is celebrated with military parades and ceremonies.
4. Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day) - celebrated on July 5th, this national holiday marks Venezuela's independence from Spain in 1811. There are celebrations throughout the country, including parades, fireworks, and speeches.
5. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) - celebrated on November 2nd, this holiday is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Families often visit cemeteries and decorate graves with flowers and offerings.
6. Navidad (Christmas) - this holiday is celebrated throughout December and into early January. Venezuelans often celebrate with family gatherings, fireworks, and traditional foods such as hallacas (a type of meat-filled tamale), pan de jamón (ham bread), and ponche crema (eggnog-like alcoholic beverage).
These holidays are celebrated throughout Venezuela, with different regions often having their own unique traditions and customs associated with each one.
seasons
Venezuela's tourist seasons can be broadly categorized into two: high season and low season. The dates for these seasons may vary based on the location and type of tourism activity, but here are some general recommendations:
1. High Season:
- December to March: This is the peak tourist season in Venezuela, particularly in coastal areas and the Andes Mountains. The weather is mostly dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
- July and August: These months are also considered the high season due to summer vacations in North America and Europe. However, it may rain more frequently during this time.
Recommendations for High Season:
- Book accommodations and tours in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.
- Be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.
- Carry light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent during the day, and warmer clothing for night-time temperatures in the Andes.
2. Low Season:
- April to June and September to November: These months are considered the low season due to the rainy season and occasional hurricanes. However, the crowds are fewer, and prices are generally lower.
Recommendations for Low Season:
- Check weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities or traveling to remote areas.
- Take precautions against mosquitoes and other pests as they tend to be more prevalent during the rainy season.
- Some attractions and services may have reduced hours or be closed during this time, so plan accordingly.
visa
As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, citizens of most countries (including the United States, Canada, and much of Europe) require a visa to enter Venezuela. However, there were several exemptions and special rules in place, such as:
1. Visa exemption for a stay of up to 90 days for citizens of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay.
2. Visa-free entry for up to 60 days for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
3. Visa requirement waived for cruise ship passengers staying in Venezuela for less than 24 hours.
The cost of a tourist visa for Venezuela varies depending on the country of origin. For example, as of September 2021, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa for US citizens was $30, while for Canadian citizens it was $50. It's important to note that visa fees can be subject to change and different processing fees may apply.
souvenirs
As an AI language model, I do not have the ability to provide current prices or store locations. Additionally, souvenir availability and pricing can vary depending on multiple factors such as location and time. However, here are some popular souvenirs from Venezuela:
1. Handcrafted Hammocks - These colorful and comfortable hammocks are made by skilled artisans and are perfect for relaxation. Prices may vary depending on size and design.
2. Artisanal Jewelry - Venezuela is known for its beautiful jewelry made of gold, silver, and semi-precious stones. Prices may vary depending on the material used and the complexity of the design.
3. Coffee - Venezuelan coffee is highly regarded for its rich flavor and aroma. You can purchase bags of coffee beans at local markets or supermarkets.
4. Rum - Venezuela produces high-quality rum that is aged for several years. You can find various brands of rum at liquor stores.
5. Musical Instruments - Venezuela has a rich musical tradition, and you can find instruments like maracas, cuatro (a four-stringed guitar), and drums in music shops or street markets.
6. Traditional Clothing - Venezuelan traditional clothing includes dresses, skirts, and blouses with colorful patterns and embroidery. They can be found at local markets or specialty stores.
7. Carvings and Sculptures - Artisans create beautiful wood carvings and sculptures depicting local wildlife, people, and landmarks. Prices may vary depending on the size and intricacy of the piece.
8. Chocolate - Venezuela produces some of the world's finest cocoa beans, and chocolate is a popular souvenir. You can find chocolates in various forms and flavors at specialized stores.
It is always best to research and compare prices and authenticity of souvenirs before making any purchases.
If you have 1 week
Venezuela, what a beautiful country! There's so much to see and do here. Let me suggest an itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of Venezuela in just one week.
Day 1: Start your trip off in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. Visit the National Pantheon, where the remains of Venezuela's most important heroes are kept. Take a stroll through the historic center of the city, Plaza Bolívar, and visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. End the day with a spectacular view of the city from Mount Avila, accessible by cable car.
Day 2: Travel to Angel Falls, the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. A scenic flight or boat ride along the river will take you there. Once you arrive, you can take a dip in the cool waters of the natural pools beneath the falls.
Day 3: Continue your tour of nature's wonders at Los Roques Archipelago, a gorgeous collection of over 300 small islands in the Caribbean Sea. Go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs and marine life, or simply relax on the pristine white sand beaches.
Day 4: Journey to the Andes Mountains and explore the charming colonial town of Merida. Take a cable car ride to Pico Espejo for stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. If you're feeling adventurous, try paragliding or rappelling.
Day 5: Head south to Barinas, known for its vast plains and cattle ranches. Experience life on the llanos by taking a horseback ride or a safari tour to spot capybaras, anteaters, and other wildlife. At night, enjoy traditional music and dancing.
Day 6: Make your way to Margarita Island, a Caribbean paradise famous for its crystal-clear waters, water sports, and lively nightlife. Spend the day lounging on the beach or sailing around the island, and end the evening with a sunset cocktail.
Day 7: End your trip with a visit to Canaima National Park, home to the breathtaking tabletop mountain formations known as tepuis. Take a boat ride along the river to see the iconic Salto Angel waterfall from below, or hike up to the base for a closer look.
I hope you enjoy this itinerary! These places were chosen because they offer a diverse range of experiences that are unique to Venezuela. Whether you're interested in history, nature, adventure, or relaxation, there's something for everyone here. Have fun exploring all that this beautiful country has to offer!
[🔒CLASSIC] Venezuela is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. There are many amazing destinations to choose from, depending on your interests and preferences. I would be happy to help you plan an itinerary based on what you are looking for.
If you have 2 weeks
What an exciting opportunity to plan an itinerary for you in Venezuela! Despite any current challenges, there are still many wonderful places to visit and things to see in this beautiful country. Here's a two-week itinerary that will take you on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks of Venezuela:
Week 1:
Day 1-2: Start your adventure in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. Spend your first day acquainting yourself with the bustling metropolis by visiting the impressive National Pantheon of Venezuela and the renowned Plaza Bolívar. Take a stroll through the bohemian neighborhood of Los Palos Grandes, where you'll find plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants. On the second day, head out to the Parque Nacional El Ávila, a breathtaking mountain range that offers stunning views of the city.
Day 3-4: From Caracas, make your way to Mérida, a charming Andean city located in the western part of the country. On your first day, explore the town's historic center and take a cable car up to Pico Espejo for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The next day, go horseback riding through the nearby páramo, a unique high-altitude ecosystem filled with unique flora and fauna.
Day 5-6: Next stop is Los Roques, a pristine archipelago of coral reefs situated off the coast of Venezuela. Here, you can soak up the sun on white sand beaches, swim with tropical fish in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in delicious seafood cuisine.
Week 2:
Day 7-8: Fly to Canaima National Park, home to the world-famous Angel Falls. Spend your first day taking a boat tour of the park's stunning waterfalls and lagoons, including the mesmerizing Sapo Falls. On the second day, hike through the park's lush rainforest to get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring Angel Falls.
Day 9-10: Make your way to the Gran Sabana, a vast savannah region in southeastern Venezuela dotted with towering mesas and waterfalls. Spend your first day exploring the stunning natural landscapes of the region, including the Salto Kama Falls and the Mount Roraima plateau. On the second day, visit the indigenous villages of the Pemón people, where you can learn about their culture and traditions.
Day 11-12: Return to Caracas and take a day trip to Colonia Tovar, a picturesque German-influenced town located in the nearby mountains. Here, you can indulge in traditional German cuisine, stroll through the quaint streets, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Day 13-14: End your trip in Isla de Margarita, an idyllic island paradise located off the northeast coast of Venezuela. Spend your final days lounging on pristine beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife of the island's bustling towns.
As you can see, Venezuela is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with so much to offer visitors. I hope this itinerary inspires you to embark on an unforgettable adventure through this incredible country!
Culture
The culture of Venezuela is a melting pot made up of three main groups: The Indigenous Venezuelans, the Africans, and the Spanish. The first two cultures were in turn differentiated according to their tribes. Acculturation and assimilation, typical of a cultural syncretism, led to the Venezuelan culture of the present day, which is similar in many ways to the culture of the rest of Latin America, but still has its own unique characteristics.
The indigenous and African influence is limited to a few words, food names, and place names. However, the Africans also brought in many musical influences, especially introduction of the drum. The Spanish influence predominantes due to the colonization process and the socioeconomic structure it created, and in particular came from the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura (the places of origin of most of the settlers in the Caribbean during the colonial era). Spanish influences can be seen in the country's architecture, music, religion, and language.
Spanish influences can also be seen in the bullfights that take place in Venezuela, and in certain gastronomical features. Venezuela was also enriched by immigration streams of Indian and European origin in the 19th century, especially from France. Most recently, immigration from the United States, Spain, Italy, and Portugal has further enriched the already complex cultural mosaic (especially in large oil-producing cities).
Carlos Raúl Villanueva was the most important Venezuelan architect of the modern era; he designed the Central University of Venezuela, (a World Heritage Site) and its Aula Magna. Other notable architectural works include the Capitolio, the Baralt Theatre, the Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex, and the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge.
In Venezuela, prehistoric man began to build useful architecture from approximately 1000 B.C. to the 15th century A.D., in the period known as the "Neo-Indian".
Neo-Indian architecture consisted of incipient constructions, such as agricultural terraces and vaults lined by stones, called mintoyes, which were used as tombs and silos for the storage of agricultural products.
In the western plains there is evidence of artificial constructions associated with agriculture, consisting of embankments, raised fields, camellones or causeways that functioned as water retaining walls in flooded areas and made it possible, among other things, to cross them on foot.
Six stations of megalithic assemblages composed of menhirs, or vertical rocks in a row, have also been recorded. In some of those that have been found there are detailed artistic representations of the Venezuelan indigenous people, with petroglyphic engravings.
The most worked material in this period was stone. The Indo-Hispanic architecture is the one that begins to develop from the year 1498 A.D., year in which the colonizers arrive to Venezuelan coasts. In the 15th century, two types of architectures were projected, the one worked by the Venezuelan aborigines, and the one built by the Spaniards in Venezuelan territory.
The Venezuelan indigenous architecture was worked in two different spaces, the water and the jungle. To the water architecture, correspond the palafitos, which were common dwellings of the Wayúu and Warao tribes. They were small dwellings, supported on wooden stilts, built on the calm waters of lakes and lagoons. Historians say that when Amerigo Vespucci arrived on Venezuelan shores and observed the stilt houses on Lake Maracaibo, he called the place "Little Venice", from which the name Venezuela was derived some time later. Today, although the number of indigenous communities has decreased, those that still exist preserve the architecture of their ancestors in the territories of the eastern coast of Lake Maracaibo and in the Orinoco delta can still be found these palafittes.
Venezuelan colonial architecture is built from the 16th century, when Venezuela began to be a dependent colony of the Spanish Empire, until 1810, when the process of Venezuelan independence began. The architecture of this period is characterized by its discreet modesty. The explanation lies in the socioeconomic conditions of the country. Venezuela did not offer then to the colonizers the immense riches kept by nature for later times.
An apparently not very rich province could not afford the luxury of constructing high-cost buildings in imitation of the great viceroyalties that existed at the time, and the colonial society did not offer a picture as prosperous as that of other Latin American countries.
The simplification of technical problems, the renunciation of most of the decorative elements and variegated ostentations of fanciful baroque, the impossibility of using expensive materials and the consequent lack of craftsmen, contributed to establish a modest but well-defined physiognomy of the colonial architecture of Venezuela.
During the colonial period, there were eventually confrontations between the Spanish conquerors and the barbarians that sailed along the Venezuelan coasts, in order to take over the provinces located on the coasts of the country. At that time, the kingdoms of Europe were facing an economic crisis, so English, Dutch, Portuguese and French armed crews arrived in Venezuela, with the purpose of appropriating the territories of the province and plundering the coastal cities. The Venezuelan coasts and islands were the scene of combats produced by corsairs and pirates, so Spain was obliged to maintain its empire, building castles, bastions, barracks and fortifications that protected the cities of the province.
Christian temples from the colonial era were constituted by an almost invariable, arrangement consisting of a rectangular plan, three naves separated by arches of alfarje roofing composed of religious architecture in colonial times. The Venezuelan society dedicated a great amount of resources to erect religious monuments comparable to those of other countries of the continent. The XVII century was of reconstruction of the Catholic churches that had been destroyed by the earthquake of 1641. In the 18th century, specifically between 1728 and 1785, the prosperity that Venezuela enjoyed due to the opening of the Compañía Guipuzcoana was also reflected in the construction of new architecture, especially of a religious nature.
Venezuelan art was initially dominated by religious motifs. However, in the late 19th century, artists began emphasizing historical and heroic representations of the country's struggle for independence. This move was led by Martín Tovar y Tovar. Modernism took over in the 20th century. Notable Venezuelan artists include Arturo Michelena, Cristóbal Rojas, Armando Reverón, Manuel Cabré; the kinetic artists Jesús Soto, Gego and Carlos Cruz-Diez; and contemporary artists such as Marisol and Yucef Merhi.
Venezuelan literature originated soon after the Spanish conquest of the mostly pre-literate indigenous societies. It was originally dominated by Spanish influences. Following the rise of political literature during the Venezuelan War of Independence, Venezuelan Romanticism, notably expounded by Juan Vicente González, emerged as the first important genre in the region. Although mainly focused on narrative writing, Venezuelan literature was advanced by poets such as Andrés Eloy Blanco and Fermín Toro.
Major writers and novelists include Rómulo Gallegos, Teresa de la Parra, Arturo Uslar Pietri, Adriano González León, Miguel Otero Silva, and Mariano Picón Salas. The great poet and humanist Andrés Bello was also an educator and intellectual (He was also a childhood tutor and mentor of Simón Bolívar). Others, such as Laureano Vallenilla Lanz and José Gil Fortoul, contributed to Venezuelan Positivism.
The indigenous musical styles of Venezuela are exemplified by groups like Un Sólo Pueblo and Serenata Guayanesa. The national musical instrument is the cuatro. Traditional musical styles and songs mainly emerged in and around the llanos region, including, "Alma llanera" (by Pedro Elías Gutiérrez and Rafael Bolívar Coronado), "Florentino y el diablo" (by Alberto Arvelo Torrealba), "Concierto en la llanura" by Juan Vicente Torrealba, and "Caballo viejo" (by Simón Díaz).
The Zulian gaita is also a very popular genre, generally performed during Christmas. The national dance is the joropo. Venezuela has always been a melting pot of cultures and this can be seen in the richness and variety of its musical styles and dances: calipso, bambuco, fulía, cantos de pilado de maíz, cantos de lavanderas, sebucán, and maremare. Teresa Carreño was a world-famous 19th century piano virtuoso. Recently, great classical music performances have come out of Venezuela. The Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra, under the leadership of its principal conductor Gustavo Dudamel and José Antonio Abreu, has hosted a number of excellent concerts in many European concert halls, most notably at the 2007 London Proms, and has received several honors. The orchestra is the pinnacle of El Sistema, a publicly financed, voluntary music education program now being emulated in other countries.
In the early 21st century, a movement known as "Movida Acústica Urbana" featured musicians trying to save some national traditions, creating their own original songs but using traditional instruments. Some groups following this movement are Tambor Urbano, Los Sinverguenzas, C4Trío, and Orozco Jam.
Afro-Venezuelan musical traditions are most intimately related to the festivals of the "black folk saints" San Juan and St. Benedict the Moor. Specific songs are related to the different stages of their festivals and processions, when the saints start their yearly "paseo" – stroll – through the community to dance with their people.
The origins of baseball in Venezuela are unclear, although it is known that the sport was being played in the country by the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, North American immigrants who came to Venezuela to work in the nation's oil industry helped to popularize the sport in Venezuela. During the 1930s, baseball's popularity continued to rise in the country, leading to the foundation of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) in 1945, and the sport would soon become the nation's most popular.
The immense popularity of baseball in the country makes Venezuela a rarity among its South American neighbors—association football is the dominant sport in the continent. However, football, as well as basketball, are among the more popular sports played in Venezuela. Venezuela hosted the 2012 Basketball World Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the 2013 FIBA Basketball Americas Championship, which took place in the Poliedro de Caracas.
Although not as popular in Venezuela as the rest of South America, football, spearheaded by the Venezuela national football team is gaining popularity as well. The sport is also noted for having an increased focus during the World Cup. According to the CONMEBOL alphabetical rotation policy established in 2011, Venezuela is scheduled to host the Copa América every 40 years.
Venezuela is also home to former Formula 1 driver, Pastor Maldonado. At the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix, he claimed his first pole and victory, and became the first and only Venezuelan to have done so in Formula 1 history. Maldonado has increased the reception of Formula 1 in Venezuela, helping to popularize the sport in the country.
In the 2012 Summer Olympics, Venezuelan Rubén Limardo won a gold medal in fencing.
In the Winter Sports, Cesar Baena had represented the country since 2008 in Nordic Skiing, making history in the continent when been the first South American skier ever compete in a FIS Cross Country Ski World Cup on Düsseldorf 2009.
Religion
According to a 2011 poll (GIS XXI), 88% of the population is Christian, primarily Roman Catholic (71%), and the remaining 17% Protestant, primarily Evangelicals (in Latin America Protestants are usually called "evangélicos"). 8% of Venezuelans are irreligious (atheist 2% and agnostic and 6% indifferent). Almost 3% of the population follow another religion (1% of these people practice Santería).
There are small but influential Muslim, Druze, Buddhist, and Jewish communities. The Muslim community of more than 100,000 is concentrated among persons of Lebanese and Syrian descent living in Nueva Esparta state, Punto Fijo and the Caracas area. Venezuela is home of the largest Druze communities outside the Middle East, the Druze community are estimated around 60,000, and concentrated among persons of Lebanese and Syrian descent (a former vice president is Druze, showing the small group's influence). Buddhism in Venezuela is practiced by over 52,000 people. The Buddhist community is made up mainly of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people. There are Buddhist centers in Caracas, Maracay, Mérida, Puerto Ordáz, San Felipe, and Valencia.
The Jewish community has shrunk in recent years due to rising economic pressures and antisemitism in Venezuela, with the population declining from 22,000 in 1999 to less than 7,000 in 2015.
Demographics
Venezuela is among the most urbanized countries in Latin America; the vast majority of Venezuelans live in the cities of the north, especially in the capital Caracas, which is also the largest city. About 93% of the population lives in urban areas in northern Venezuela; 73% live less than 100 km from the coastline. Though almost half of Venezuela's land area lies south of the Orinoco, only 5% of Venezuelans live there. The largest and most important city south of the Orinoco is Ciudad Guayana, which is the sixth most populous conurbation. Other major cities include Barquisimeto, Valencia, Maracay, Maracaibo, Barcelona-Puerto La Cruz, Mérida and San Cristóbal.
According to a 2014 study by sociologists of the Central University of Venezuela, over 1.5 million Venezuelans, or about 4% to 6% of the country's population, have left Venezuela since 1999 following the Bolivarian Revolution.
The people of Venezuela come from a variety of ancestries. It is estimated that the majority of the population is of pardo, or mixed, ethnic ancestry. Nevertheless, in the 2011 census, which Venezuelans were asked to identify themselves according to their customs and ancestry, the term pardo was excluded from the answers. The majority claimed to be moreno or white—51.6% and 43.6%, respectively. Practically half of the population claimed to be moreno, a term used throughout Ibero-America that in this case means "dark-skinned" or "brown-skinned", as opposed to having a lighter skin (this term connotes skin color or tone, rather than facial features or descent).
Ethnic minorities in Venezuela consist of groups that descend mainly from African or indigenous peoples; 2.8% identified themselves as "black" and 0.7% as afrodescendiente (Afro-descendant), 2.6% claimed to belong to indigenous peoples, and 1.2% answered "other races".
Among indigenous people, 58% were Wayúu, 7% Warao, 5% Kariña, 4% Pemón, 3% Piaroa, 3% Jivi, 3% Añu, 3% Cumanágoto, 2% Yukpa, 2% Chaima and 1% Yanomami; the remaining 9% consisted of other indigenous nations.
According to an autosomal DNA genetic study conducted in 2008 by the University of Brasília (UNB), the composition of Venezuela's population is 60.60% of European contribution, 23% of indigenous contribution, and 16.30% of African contribution.
During the colonial period and until after the Second World War, many of the European immigrants to Venezuela came from the Canary Islands and Spain with a relevant amount of Galicians and Asturians. These immigrants from Spain had a significant cultural impact on the cuisine and customs of Venezuela. These influences on Venezuela have led to the nation being called the 8th island of the Canaries. With the start of oil exploitation in the early 20th century, companies from the United States began establishing operations in Venezuela, bringing with them U.S. citizens. Later, during and after the war, new waves of immigrants from other parts of Europe, the Middle East, and China began; many were encouraged by government-established immigration programs and lenient immigration policies. During the 20th century, Venezuela, along with the rest of Latin America, received millions of immigrants from Europe. This was especially true post-World War II, as a consequence of war-ridden Europe. During the 1970s, while experiencing an oil-export boom, Venezuela received millions of immigrants from Ecuador, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Due to the belief that this immigration influx depressed wages, some Venezuelans opposed European immigration. The Venezuelan government, however, were actively recruiting immigrants from Eastern Europe to fill a need for engineers. Millions of Colombians, as well as Middle Eastern and Haitian populations would continue immigrating to Venezuela into the early 21st century.
According to the World Refugee Survey 2008, published by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Venezuela hosted a population of refugee and asylum seekers from Colombia numbering 252,200 in 2007, and 10,600 new asylum seekers entered Venezuela in 2007. Between 500,000 and one million illegal immigrants are estimated to be living in the country.
The total indigenous population of the country is estimated at 500 thousand people (2.8% of the total), distributed among 40 indigenous peoples. There are three uncontacted tribes living in Venezuela. The Constitution recognizes the multi-ethnic, pluri-cultural, and multilingual character of the country and includes a chapter devoted to indigenous peoples' rights, which opened up spaces for their political inclusion at national and local level in 1999. Most indigenous peoples are concentrated in eight states along Venezuela's borders with Brazil, Guyana, and Colombia, and the majority groups are the Wayuu in the west, the Warao in the east, the Yanomami installed in the south, and the Pemon which are mostly in the southeast of Venezuela.
Although most residents are monolingual Spanish speakers, many languages are spoken in Venezuela. In addition to Spanish, the Constitution recognizes more than thirty indigenous languages, including Wayuu, Warao, Pemón, and many others for the official use of the indigenous peoples, mostly with few speakers – less than 1% of the total population. Wayuu is the most spoken indigenous language, with 170,000 speakers. Immigrants, in addition to Spanish, speak their own languages. Chinese (400,000), Portuguese (254,000), and Italian (200,000) are the most-spoken languages in Venezuela after the official language of Spanish. Arabic is spoken by Lebanese and Syrian colonies on Isla de Margarita, Maracaibo, Punto Fijo, Puerto la Cruz, El Tigre, Maracay, and Caracas. Portuguese is spoken not only by the Portuguese community in Santa Elena de Uairén but also by much of the population due to its proximity to Brazil. The German community speaks their native language, while the people of Colonia Tovar speak mostly an Alemannic dialect of German called alemán coloniero.
English is the most widely used foreign language in demand and is spoken by many professionals, academics, and members of the upper and middle classes as a result of the oil exploration by foreign companies, in addition to its acceptance as a lingua franca. Culturally, English is common in southern towns like El Callao, and the native English-speaking influence is evident in folk and calypso songs from the region. English was brought to Venezuela by Trinidadian and other British West Indies immigrants. A variety of Antillean Creole is spoken by a small community in El Callao and Paria. Italian language teaching is guaranteed by the presence of a consistent number of private Venezuelan schools and institutions, where Italian language courses and Italian literature are active. Other languages spoken by large communities in the country are Basque and Galician, among others.
According to a 2011 poll (GIS XXI), 88% of the population is Christian, primarily Roman Catholic (71%), and the remaining 17% Protestant, primarily Evangelicals (in Latin America Protestants are usually called "evangélicos"). 8% of Venezuelans are irreligious (atheist 2% and agnostic and 6% indifferent). Almost 3% of the population follow another religion (1% of these people practice Santería).
There are small but influential Muslim, Druze, Buddhist, and Jewish communities. The Muslim community of more than 100,000 is concentrated among persons of Lebanese and Syrian descent living in Nueva Esparta state, Punto Fijo and the Caracas area. Venezuela is home of the largest Druze communities outside the Middle East, the Druze community are estimated around 60,000, and concentrated among persons of Lebanese and Syrian descent (a former vice president is Druze, showing the small group's influence). Buddhism in Venezuela is practiced by over 52,000 people. The Buddhist community is made up mainly of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people. There are Buddhist centers in Caracas, Maracay, Mérida, Puerto Ordáz, San Felipe, and Valencia.
The Jewish community has shrunk in recent years due to rising economic pressures and antisemitism in Venezuela, with the population declining from 22,000 in 1999 to less than 7,000 in 2015.
Venezuela has a national universal health care system. The current government has created a program to expand access to health care known as Misión Barrio Adentro, although its efficiency and work conditions have been criticized. It has been reported that many Misión Barrio Adentro clinics have been closed, and (as of December 2014) it is estimated that 80% of Barrio Adentro establishments in Venezuela are abandoned.
Infant mortality in Venezuela was 19 deaths per 1,000 births for 2014 which was lower than the South American average (To compare: The U.S. figure was 6 deaths per 1,000 births in 2013 and the Canadian figure was 4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births). Child malnutrition (defined as stunting or wasting in children under the age of five) was 17%. Delta Amacuro and Amazonas had the nation's highest rates. According to the United Nations, 32% of Venezuelans lacked adequate sanitation, primarily those living in rural areas. Diseases ranging from diphtheria, plague, malaria, typhoid fever, yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis D were present in the country. Obesity was prevalent in approximately 30% of the adult population in Venezuela.
Venezuela had a total of 150 sewage treatment plants; however, 13% of the population lacked access to drinking water, but this number had been dropping.
During the economic crisis observed under President Maduro's presidency, medical professionals were forced to perform outdated treatments on patients.
The literacy rate of the adult population was already at 91.1% by 1998. In 2008, 95.2% of the adult population was literate. The net primary school enrollment rate was at 91% and the net secondary school enrollment rate was at 63% in 2005. Venezuela has a number of universities, of which the most prestigious are the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) founded in Caracas in 1721, the University of Zulia (LUZ) founded in 1891, the University of the Andes (ULA) founded in Mérida State in 1810, the Simón Bolívar University (USB) founded in Miranda State in 1967, and the University of the East (UDO) founded in Sucre State in 1958.
Currently, many Venezuelan graduates seek a future abroad because of the country's troubled economy and heavy crime rate. In a study titled "Venezolana Community Abroad: A New Method of Exile" by Thomas Páez, Mercedes Vivas, and Juan Rafael Pulido of the Central University of Venezuela, over 1.35 million Venezuelan college graduates have left the country since the beginning of the Bolivarian Revolution. It is believed that nearly 12% of Venezuelans live abroad, with Ireland becoming a popular destination for students. According to Claudio Bifano, president of the Venezuelan Academy of Physical, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, more than half of all medical graduates had left Venezuela in 2013.
By 2018, over half of all Venezuelan children had dropped out of school, with 58% of students quitting nationwide while areas near bordering countries saw more than 80% of their students leave. Nationwide, about 93% of schools do not meet the minimum requirements to operate and 77% do not have utilities such as food, water or electricity.
Cities:
