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About Venezuela
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Full country name: República Bolivariana de Venezuela
Area: 916,445 sq km
Population: 25 million
Capital City: Caracas (pop 4,608,934)
People: 67% mestizo, 21% European descent, 10% African descent, 2% indigenous. There are approximately 200,000 Amerindians, remnants of a number of diverse semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer societies.
Language: Spanish; Castilian
Religion: 96% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant
Government: federal republic
HISTORY
At the time of the Spanish Conquest of Venezuela, the region was inhabited by some 500,000 indigenous peoples belonging to three principal ethnolinguistic groups - the Cariban, Arawak and Chibcha. Columbus was the first European to set foot on the soil of what is now Venezuela, and the country was given its name (meaning 'Little Venice') a year later by the explorer Alonso de Ojeda. The first Spanish settlement on the mainland was established at Cumaná in 1521.
The indigenous tribes put up a strong struggle against the colonial depredations of both the Spanish and the Germans, who left a swathe of death and destruction behind them as they pushed onward in search of the chimerical El Dorado. In the end, though, their resistance was subdued when many tribal communities fell victim to European diseases such as smallpox, which wiped out two-thirds of the population in the Caracas Valley alone.
However, the lack of lootable wealth in Venezuela soon led to colonial neglect, which in turn prompted dissatisfaction and resentment among the American-born Spanish elites. The Spanish rulers were eventually thrown out by the young Simón Bolívar, known locally as 'El Libertador'. He seized Venezuela from Spain in 1821 with a decisive victory at Campo Carabobo, near Valencia, aided by British mercenaries and an army of horsemen from Los Llanos. Bolívar had already brought independence to Colombia, and went on, with his lieutenant Antonio José de Sucre, to liberate Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. His dream of a united state of Gran Colombia, which would unify Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, did not survive his death in 1830, when Venezuela declared full independence under a new constitution
ECONOMY AND FINANCES
 The most important industry in Venezuela is Oil. Up to 1970, Venezuela was the world's major exporter. It also has other minerals.
CLIMATE
The country's climate is predominantly tropical, with a warm temperate zone extending along the coast. Temperatures rarely vary more than a few degrees (Caracas 18-20°C/64-68°F; Maracaibo 27-29°C/81-84°F); consequently, Venezuela's climatic zones are defined by rainfall rather than by differences in temperature. The northern coastal lowlands are relatively arid, but rainfall increases over the Llanos and the Guayana Highlands, with average yearly readings reaching 150cm (58in) in both regions. The dry season (called the verano) extends from December to April, and the wet season (invierno) covers the remainder of the year. The Amazon region has no distinct dry season, and annual rainfall exceeds 200cm (78in), distributed evenly throughout the year. The dry season is more pleasant for traveling, particularly if you plan on hiking.
Venezuela Carnaval
 One of the most popular parties in Venezuela is the Carnival. Days full with papelillos, disguises, surprises and games. In all the states of the country, children, youths and adults, take place and they enjoy to the they are of the traditional music. Each region has its special way to celebrate the Carnival. He/she knows a little how it is made in each area. In the oriental states they are traditional the calls Paschal Amusements, events carried out between the time of Christmas and Carnival, where theatrical, musical and choreographic manifestations converge. It is famous the International Carnival of Carúpano, in the state Sucre, due to their tradition, vistosidad and tourist attractiveness. In the Zulia, the daubs and the viejitos they conform the traditional parade of disguises; in Trujillo, the Doll of the Calenda it is the dance in which you/they make appearance the most diverse and curious characters.
Enjoy the Carnival!
The city’s most famous manifestation of festive folk culture is carnival, a spectacle that involves the whole city and has become famous throughout the world. For five days, people forget their troubles and live their fantasies dressing up as princes, princesses or whatever their imagination fancies.
Elaborately decorated floats move along the streets, followed by people who dance and sing to the pounding musical rhythms of samba. The spirit of carnival takes everyone to a land of fantasy where anything goes. As the song says “don’t be offended if I kiss you now, today is carnival”.
Away from carnival and at other times of the year, Rio remains a beautiful city in which to stroll, discover bays and beaches by boat, or look at the scenery from the air in helicopter rides. No matter what the angle, Rio will always fascinate.
Meet Beautiful Ladies from Venezuela
 Activities
Venezuela's 40-odd national parks provide a great range of treks, from well-signposted jaunts to jungle paths that should not be attempted without a machete and some local knowledge. Parque Nacional El Ávila, which looms over Caracas, is probably a good place to start; head for Guatopo, Terepaima and San Esteban for less developed trails. The Sierra Nevada de Mérida is the best region in the country for mountaineering, hill trekking and rock climbing; guides and equipment are available for hire. Mérida is also the best place to go hang-gliding and paragliding. There are beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities all along the Caribbean coast. Tucacas is the best diving center. Speleologists should check out the Cueva del Guácharo, the most spectacular of Venezuela's many cave systems. It's a three-hour bus ride inland from Cumaná.
ART Y CULTURE
Caracas is also a cultural center. The museum of modern art, is one of the most important in south America and you can appreciate high quality works. Every year Caracas hosts an international Theater Festival, where groups from all over the world meet.
COMMERCE
Caracas is known for the quality of its restaurants, where you can have meals from all over the world. It also has several shopping centers, modern and luxurious that make shopping and interesting activity. Among the most popular buys for the tourists are gold jewels and shoes (consequence of the Italian immigration in the fifties).
PARKS AND RECREATION
 Caracas has several parks. The biggest one is the Avila National Park, where sport fans can climb 400 meters (1200 ft) in half an hour, and be awarded with a beautiful view of the city.
Isla de Margarita
 For many Venezuelans, the ultimate vacation home is a place on the beach on Isla de Margarita. The island is about sits about 40km off the mainland and has a healthy population of about 300,000. Like the nearby islands of Bonaire and Curacao, Isla de Margarita enjoys a dry, desert climate. The capital city of Porlamar offers just about every modern convenience.
Entry Requirements
 To enter Venezuela, a valid passport from the country of origin is required, along with a visa - obtainable from consulates-, a tourist card, and a return ticket. No special vaccinations are required, although those traveling to the jungle should consult their physician as to whether or not they need protection from yellow fever and malaria.
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The local currency is the Bolivar. As of this writing the exchange was about 537 bolivares per $1USD. Many of the banks have ATMs, and the best ones are: Citibank, Banco Venezuela, Banco Provincial, Banco Union, and Banco Mercantil.