history of Venezuela: Quick Facts

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Flag of Venezuela with horizontal yellow, blue, and red stripes, an arc of white stars in the center, and the national coat of arms in the upper left.

Political map of Venezuela showing international boundaries, state boundaries, and major cities. The national capital, Caracas, is marked, along with state capitals and other cities. Neighboring countries Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana are shown, as well as nearby Caribbean islands. An inset locator map highlights Venezuela's position in northern South America.

Francisco de Miranda

Painting by Jose Gil de Castro of Simon Bolivar standing on a checkered floor, wearing an ornate black military uniform with gold embroidery and holding a sword.

José Antonio Páez

Rómulo Betancourt

Carlos Andrés Peréz

President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez speaks at a podium with the United Nations emblem, gesturing with his right hand, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Hugo Chávez in a dark suit and red tie smiling while speaking in a crowd; others in coats and hats in the background.

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