Surrounded by Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south, and the Caribbean Sea to the north, Venezuela is a country of many landscapes. From the rocky Andes Mountains to the Amazon jungle and white sand beaches, Venezuela presents wondrous natural sights such as Angel Falls with its drop of 2,647 feet. Rare wildlife also abounds in the rich lands of Venezuela, and a careful observer may spot a sloth, giant otter, jaguar, anaconda or other fascinating animal.

In contrast to the serene, beautiful landscape of Venezuela, its history is violent and tumultuous. Previous to Columbus' landing in what would become Venezuela, the country was inhabited by indigenous peoples and tribes, few of which have survived. After Columbus' visit--the first to the country by a European--Venezuela was granted its name, which menas "Little Venice." From this point on, the country was ruled by Spain until its seizure by Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan native and military figure, in 1821. In addition to freedom for Venezuela, Bolívar brought independence from the Spanish to Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Bolivia and Colombia.

Civil unrest, scandals and coups have marked the Venezuelan political climate since the country gained full independence in 1830, shortly after Bolívar's death. Brief periods of stability were quickly followed by times of uncertainty. In 2002, a coup jailed President Hugo Chávez, and although he was returned to power two days later, violent public demonstrations continued between the two conflicting political parties. Chávez's efforts to establish democratic socialism in Venezuela, his anti-imperialist stands, and his criticism of U.S. foreign policy have made him a controversial figure in the Western Hemisphere. Venezuela is an oil-rich country. The United States purchases more than 50 percent of Venezuela's oil, and Chávez has flexed his country's oil muscles often to gain leverage for his leftist political views. Those traveling to Venezuela are strongly encouraged to check with their State Agency to determine whether or not the voyage will be a safe one.

Aside from the political turmoil, the people of Venezuela and their culture are fascinating. Visual arts and handicrafts are popular pastimes and means of living, but music is the favorite of all the arts. A blend of Spanish, African and Indigenous sounds, Venezuelan music is an experience that must be heard with one's own ears. Venezuelan food offers unique tastes and consists primarily of pancakes, chicken, pork, beef, soups and stews. Pabellón criollo, made from shredded beef, rice, black beans, cheese and fried plantain, is the national dish.

While travelers to Venezuela must be cautious of civil upheaval, they are sure to be rewarded by beautiful natural wonders and unique culture.

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: http://www.IIEPassport.org
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Lonely Planet: http://www.lonelyplanet.com
Think Venezuela: http://www.think-venezuela.net/