Originally inhabited by Carib and Arawak Indians, Venezuela was claimed as a Spanish territory by Christopher Columbus in 1498. Spanish rule was administered from a distance, leaving the various regions to develop separately from the capital, Caracas. In the 18th century, an attempt to inject a measure of unification by the Spanish was met with widespread resistance and uprisings led by Simón Bolívar, national hero and revered independence ‘Liberator’. Bolívar’s dream mega-territory – Gran Colombia – composed of present-day Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, collapsed through violent in-fighting. Instead, in 1830, Venezuela became a sovereign state, led by José Paéz. The precise territorial limits were not, however, well defined, and Venezuela's borders have since been the subject of periodic disputes with its neighbours.
The exploitation of the country's substantial oilfields began in 1918. The huge deposits triggered an oil boom, similar to the cacao and coffee booms of the 17th and 19th century respectively. In each case, the wealth was largely export driven, making a small elite spectacularly rich but failing to develop the country’s wider economy, leaving the majority poor and exploited. Widespread political corruption and cronyism was the norm. Strong-arm military leaders ran the country throughout most of the first half of the 20th century, until democracy was introduced in 1958.
In the 1980s, successive governments struggled to stabilise the country and the economy in the face of persistent social and labour unrest. In 1992, a number of army units launched a completely unexpected military coup. It was suppressed by loyal army units but the Perez government was fatally undermined and it was little surprise when Perez was removed from office by Congress the following year, before completing his term. Elections at the end of 1993 resulted in Rafael Caldera, who had served as President in the mid-1970s, assuming the post once again.
Meanwhile, the leader of the 1992 coup attempt, Colonel Hugo Chávez, emerged as a charismatic figurehead, drawing on the support of millions of disaffected poor people, who had been disregarded during the oil boom. The established parties, dominated by wealthy and increasingly corrupt interests, held little attraction for them. In 1997, Chávez announced the formation of his own party, the Movimiento Quinta República (MVR), and his candidacy at the 1998 Presidential election. He won, while his party was able to take control of the National Assembly. Further polls in 2000 secured his position and, de facto, an endorsement of the constitutional changes that he planned, to increase presidential powers. Land reforms and a nationalisation programme boosted the government’s popular appeal, but sparked strong opposition from both the ruling classes and international business interests.
Chávez's problems now began in earnest. With his angry and public US-bashing, and his courting of controversial heads of state, including Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro, Chávez attracted powerful enemies both inside and outside Venezuela. His policies effectively polarized society. Following his death from cancer in 2013, having led the country for more than 14 years, Chávez is still loved or loathed with equal passion by his supporters and his opponents. The new president, Nicolás Maduro, has vowed to continue the Chavista project of ‘21st-century socialism’. And also just like his predecessor, Maduro regularly sounds off against conspiratorial global forces, from the World Bank to the IMF, blaming them for the country’s economic problems. The main legacy of the Chavez era is a country still divided, weighed down by inflation, and with increasing unrest against shortages and authoritarian restrictions.
96% Roman Catholic.
Social conventions:Venezuelans are known for being warm and friendly, with people often greeting each other with a kiss, or using the local abrazo (a cross between a hug and a handshake). Handshakes are reserved for greeting strangers. Personal space is much less of a concern, so don’t be alarmed if people stand very close when holding a conversation.
In Caracas, conservative casual wear is the norm. Men are expected to wear suits for business, and jackets and ties are usual for dining out and social functions. Dress on the coast is less formal but beachwear and shorts should not be worn away from the beach or pool. In 2011 Venezuela introduced a ban on smoking in all enclosed public and commercial spaces, including malls, restaurants, bars, discos and workplaces.
Spanish is the official language. English, French, German and Portuguese are also spoken by some sections of the community.
