Venezuela Country Report
Venezuela is a country full of contradictions, with the world’s largest oil reserves, yet suffering from hyperinflation and economic crises and shortages. The national debt has now reached levels that are virtually unpayable. With the country’s political and economic deterioration, social indicators have fallen sharply, and the crime rate is among the highest in Latin America. The government of US President Nicolas Maduro has been accused of authoritarian practices, particularly arresting and imprisoning opponents and suppressing mass protests against his rule. Despite the emergence of a parallel government established by the opposition leader, Juan Guaidó, with the support of many Western governments, the continued support of the regime was ensured not only by the military, but also by major geopolitical players such as Russia and China.
Additional risks include widespread corruption, severe medical concerns due to resource scarcity, and lack of infrastructure, particularly chronic power outages and water shortages. Natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes are possible but don’t worry too much.
Last updated: April 13, 2022
Security
As a polarizing country both in Latin America and globally, Venezuela ranks alongside many countries that have often taken a weak stance on the country’s physical security, although full conflict has been avoided. I’m nervous. All types of crime are a huge problem and can affect anyone in almost any situation. Terrorism is considered a threat along the border with Colombia, as new militias may infiltrate. Although urban drug and criminal organizations may use terrorist tactics, they are not terrorist groups per se. Protests between anti-Chavista and pro-Chavista groups have become common in the country and can easily turn violent, especially when security forces or opposition protesters are involved.
Last updated: May 16, 2022
Infrastructure
Most air travel to and from Venezuela is still considered safe, but there are notable exceptions, including Avior. Venezuela is a highly ideological and often aggressive country, so it is unclear to what extent it supports cyber attacks, but its resources and expertise are in question given the ongoing economic crisis. Its defensive power is considered weak. Although Venezuela’s roads are geographically vast, they are often in poor condition due to the economic crisis and lack of proper maintenance. Services vary across the country. Utilities, including fuel, may experience major disruptions.
Last updated: May 16, 2022
Environment
Venezuela’s climate is generally tropical, with frequent extremes of heat. The rainy season usually lasts from April to November. Some regional differences in temperature and precipitation primarily depend on altitude. Most of the country is in the seismic zone. Earthquakes are usually moderate but can become severe and create a tsunami hazard. Hurricane systems are an annual problem for the country, with very rare hurricanes during the hurricane season, from June to November, with peak activity usually around August to October.
Last updated: July 7, 2023
Health and Medical
Venezuela used to have a public health infrastructure that would have eradicated or at least minimized large-scale disease outbreaks, but the economic crisis has set it back. Even the best civilian facilities can run short of resources. Public facilities are uniformly in poor condition. This shortage has led to a severe shortage of medical equipment. Unless otherwise specified, tap water is not considered safe for drinking.
Last updated: September 7, 2022
Political
Corruption in Venezuela is one of the worst in Latin America and indeed in the world. The rule of law has deteriorated to the point where it is practically non-existent. Many factors spell bad news for the continuation of the Chavista regime in the country, which has so far defied expectations. Venezuela’s poor record on human rights and the rule of law has already led to targeted sanctions by a number of countries, often targeting specific individuals, but also oil company PDVSA and the government in general.
Last updated: March 30, 2022
