Venezuela’s name is in the news these days due to recent dramatic events, including a major U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. forces in January 2026. But do you know what made Venezuela special long before these developments and why the world is watching so closely?
Geography & People
Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, lies on the northern coast of South America. It is bordered by Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana, with a long Caribbean coastline to the north. The country’s landscape is strikingly diverse — tropical plains, the Andes mountains in the west, expansive rainforests in the south, and the Caribbean beaches in the north. It also hosts Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, a natural wonder and symbol of its remarkable biodiversity.
The population of Venezuela is around 28–32 million people, with Spanish as the official language and a rich blend of indigenous, African, and European cultural influences.
Rich Natural Resources – Especially Oil
Venezuela is globally renowned for its vast natural resources, especially petroleum. It holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world outside the Middle East, with estimates exceeding 300 billion barrels. Oil and gas dominate Venezuela’s economy, accounting for roughly 90% of export revenue and a significant portion of government income. The country also has large natural gas reserves and deposits of minerals like iron ore, gold, and bauxite.
Recent Events That Brought Venezuela Back to Headlines
At the start of January 2026, the United States executed a large military operation called Operation Absolute Resolve, targeting Venezuelan leadership amid allegations related to narcotrafficking and security threats. In this operation, President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces and transported to New York to face legal charges. The U.S. administration stated it would oversee Venezuela until a “safe and orderly transition” is possible.
In response, Venezuela’s Supreme Court and military backed Delcy Rodríguez, the former Vice President, as interim leader, even as geopolitical tensions and international reactions continue to unfold.
Economic & Social Landscape
Despite its rich resources, Venezuela has faced severe economic challenges. High inflation, low wages, and limited access to credit have contributed to a “survival economy” for many citizens. Massive migration has also shaped regional demographics: millions of Venezuelans have left the country since the mid‑2010s seeking better opportunities abroad.
Natural Beauty Beyond Oil
While oil often defines global perceptions of Venezuela, the country is also blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. From Angel Falls and the Orinoco River basin to lush rainforests and Caribbean beaches, Venezuela boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Americas. This remarkable environment supports rich biodiversity and ecotourism potential.
In essence, Venezuela is much more than today’s headlines. Its geographic diversity, vibrant population, environmental wonders, and vast natural resources, especially its oil wealth, make it a country of global significance — one whose future developments will continue to shape regional and international dynamics.
Read more:
