Venezuela Passport

[Country Name] Bolivar Republic of Venezuela (Rep ú blica Bolivariana de Venezuela).

[Area] 916400 square kilometers (with sovereignty claims over the approximately 159000 square kilometers of Essequibo area currently under the jurisdiction of Guyana).

The population is approximately 28.3 million (according to World Bank data in 2022). Indo European mixed race people account for 58%, white people 29%, black people 11%, and Native Americans 2%. The official language is Spanish. Most residents believe in Catholicism.

Caracas, the capital, has a population of 3.22 million and an average annual temperature of 21 ℃.

[Head of State] President Nicol á s Maduro Moros, who was re elected in May 2018, took office in January 2019 and will serve until January 2025.

Independence Day: July 5th

【 Overview 】 Located in the northern part of the South American continent. It borders Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south, Colombia to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the north. The total length of the coastline is 2813 kilometers. The entire region, except for the mountains, is basically characterized by a tropical grassland climate. The temperature varies depending on altitude, with mild temperatures in mountainous areas and hot temperatures in plains. The rainy season is from June to November every year, and the dry season is from December to May.

It was once the residence of the Arawak and Caribbean indigenous peoples. In 1567, it became a Spanish colony. Independence was declared on July 5, 1811. From 1819 to 1829, it formed the "Republic of Greater Colombia" along with Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador. The Federal Republic of Venezuela was established in 1830. In 1864, it was renamed the United States of Venezuela. In 1953, it was changed to the Republic of Venezuela. In 1999, it was renamed the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In 1958, constitutionalism was implemented and a literati regime was established. Afterwards, the Democratic Action Party and the Christian Socialist Party alternated in power. In December 1998, the presidential candidate Chavez of the "Patriotic Center" won the election, breaking the political pattern of the two traditional political parties' long-term alternation in power.

Implement a presidential system in politics. The President serves as the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces for a term of six years.

The current Constitution was promulgated in December 1999. In February 2009, the committee amended the constitution through a national referendum, lifting the limit on the number of consecutive terms for elected public officials, including the president.

The National Assembly (NPC) is the highest legislative body in the country, with a unicameral system. The main functions of the National People's Congress are to formulate laws, amend the constitution, supervise the government and public administration departments in accordance with the law, announce amnesty, and approve the national budget. The representatives of the National Assembly are directly elected by the general election and serve a term of five years; The chairman's term of office is one year and he/she can be re elected. The first National Congress was established in August 2000. In January 2020, the National Assembly held leadership elections, and Guaido and Para announced their election as new chairpersons. On December 6, 2020, the committee held a general election for the National Assembly, and the ruling party coalition won the election. The new National Assembly was inaugurated on January 5, 2021, with Jorge Rodriguez serving as its chairman until 2026.

On May 1, 2017, Venezuelan President Maduro announced that in order to resolve domestic differences between the ruling and opposition parties, build a platform for dialogue, and promote national development, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Articles 340 to 350 of the Constitution, it was decided to convene a constitutional assembly. The main content of the new constitution is proposed to include the establishment of a new participatory democratic system, a "post oil" economic system, etc. After completion, it will be submitted to a national referendum for voting. On July 30th, the election of representatives to the Constituent Assembly was held, and the ruling party won all seats. On August 4th, the Constituent Assembly was established. After the establishment of the Constituent Assembly, laws such as the Anti Hate, Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence and Inclusiveness Law and the Anti Economic Warfare Law were successively passed. In December 2020, the ruling party announced that the Constituent Assembly had completed its mission and ended its operation.

The President is the head of government, while the Vice President and Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the President. The current government was established in January 2019 and has undergone multiple adjustments. The current cabinet members include: Vice President Delcy RODR Í GUEZ (female), Minister of the Presidential Office of the People's Power An í bal Coronado, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Power Yv á n GIL Pinto, Minister of Interior and Justice of the People's Power Remigio CEBALLOS, Minister of Defense of the People's Power Vladimir PADRINO L ó pez, Minister of Information and Communication of the People's Power Freddy ñáñ ez, Minister of Economy, Finance and Foreign Trade of the People's Power Delcy Rodriguez cy RODR ř GUEZ, female, Minister of Industry and Production of the People's Power, Jos é Rivas RIVAS, Wilmar Alfredo Castro Soteldo, Minister of Agriculture and Land of the People's Power, Luis Villegas Ram í rez, Minister of Domestic Trade of the People's Power, Jhoanna CARRILLO, Minister of Urban Agriculture of the People's Power, Juan Carlos LOYO, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the People's Power, Carlos Leal TELLER Í A, Minister of Tourism of the People's Power, Al í Padr ó n Paredes, Minister of Petroleum of the People's Power Rafael Trechea (Pedro) Rafael TELLECHEA, Minister of Ecological Mining Development William SERANTES, Minister of Planning Ricardo Jos é MEN É NDEZ, Minister of Health Magaly GUTI É RREZ, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Clara VIDAL, Minister of Women and Gender Equality Dheliz Á LVAREZ, Minister of Water Conservation Rodolfo MARCO, Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Melvin Maldonado. Mervin MALDONADO, Minister of People's Power Prison Services Mirelys Contreras, female, Alexis CORREDOR, Minister of Labor and Social Security of the People's Power, Ernesto Villegas, Minister of Culture of the People's Power, Yelitze Santaila, Minister of Education of the People's Power, Sandra OBLITAS, Minister of Higher Education of the People's Power, Gabriela JIM É NEZ Ram í rez, Minister of Science and Technology of the People's Power, Josu é Alejandro LORCA Vega, Minister of Ecology of the People's Power. Idemaro Biyarol Arismendi, Minister of Housing of the People's Power (IIdemaro) Villarroel Arismendi, Minister of People's Power Communes and Socialist Movement Guy VERNAEZ, Minister of People's Power Transport Ram ó n VEL Á SQUEZ, Minister of People's Power Public Works Ra ú l Alfonzo Paredes, Minister of People's Power Electricity Jorge M Á RQUEZ -, Minister of People's Power Border Affairs Gerardo IZQUIERDO.

The country is divided into 21 states, 2 border areas (Amazon and Amakuro Delta border areas), 1 capital region, and 1 federal territory (consisting of 311 islands), with a total of 335 cities.

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial institution in the country, composed of the President, two Vice Presidents, and 32 Grand Justices. It has six courts: Constitutional, Political and Administrative, Electoral, Civil, Social, and Criminal. The Grand Justices are recommended by the Judicial Election Committee and appointed by the National Congress for a term of 12 years, and cannot be re elected. The term of office of the dean is 2 years, and he/she can be re elected once. The current President of the Supreme Court, Caryslia Rodr í guez (female). The judicial system also includes the Prosecutor General's Office, the General Audit Office, the Civil Protection Office, criminal investigation agencies, and judicial auxiliary agencies. State Attorney General Tarek William SAAB. Auditor General Elvis Eduardo Hidrobo Amoroso and Civil Defender Alfredo Ruiz.

The major national political parties include:

(1) Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV): The ruling party. Established in January 2008. There are currently over 8 million formal party members. From November 2009 to April 2010, the United Socialist Party held its first special congress and established three documents: the Party Constitution, the Declaration of Principles, and the Basic Program. The party advocates opposing capitalism and imperialism, pursuing socialism, humanitarianism, and internationalism, defending the fruits of the Bolivar Revolution, safeguarding the interests of the working class and the people, and committed to building a fair, free, and humane "21st century socialism". In March 2022, the United Socialist Party held its fifth congress and proposed "Resistance, Rejuvenation, and Revolution: A New Era of Transition to Socialism", implementing the "1X10 Good Government" mechanism to connect with the masses (each party member contacts 10 people), and President Maduro was re elected as the party chairman.

(2) Primero Justicia: The opposition party. Established in 2000, it became a national political party in 2003, advocating a humanitarian middle ground. Former Miranda State Governor Capriles is its founder and party leader. Party Chairperson Mar í a Martinez.

(3) A New Era Party (Un Nuevo Tiempo): the opposition party. Established in 1999, it became a national political party in 2006. Member of the Socialist International. The National Consultative Committee is the highest authority of the Party. Founder and Party Chairman Manuel Rosales.

(4) Democratic Action Party (Partido de Acci ó n Democr á tica): opposition party. Established in September 1941. Member of the Socialist International. The National Congress is the highest authority of the Party. Party Chairman Isabel Carmona and General Secretary Henry RAMOS Allup.

(5) Party of Voluntad Popular: The opposition party. Established in 2009. Member of the Socialist International. Advocate for respecting people's political and civil rights, and promote the establishment of a free, progressive, democratic, and inclusive society. Leopoldo Lopez, National Coordinator. In January 2019, Guaido, a member of the party and then chairman of the National Assembly, declared himself the "interim president". In December 2022, Guaido was relieved of his position as interim president.

(6) Christian Socialist Party (Partido Socialcristiano): opposition party. Established in January 1946. Member of the Christian Democratic Party International and the Inter American Christian Organization. Party Chairman Roberto ENRIQUEZ and General Secretary Juan Carlos Alvarado.

(7) Avanzada Progresistance: The opposition party. Established in June 2012. Composed of dissidents from the United Socialist Party and the Patria Para Todos party. Advocate for democratic elections to come to power, fully implement economic dollarization, and improve relations with Western countries such as the United States. Founder Henri FALCON, Party Chairman Eduardo SEMTEI.

(8) The Movement for Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo) was established in January 1971. Member of the Socialist International. Composed of a portion of central committee members who have separated from the Communist Party of Venezuela, advocating for the reform of Marxist theory and the construction of a socialist system with Venezuelan characteristics characterized by democracy, pluralism, sovereignty, and people's autonomy. In 2001, the party split into two factions: opposition to the government and support for the government. Party Chairman Segundo Melendez and General Secretary Felipe Mujica.

Nicolas Maduro Moros: President. Born in November 1962, graduated from high school. During his youth, he was a student movement leader and served as the leader of the Caracas Metro Union. He has served as the national leader of the Bolivarian Revolution Movement 200, coordinator of the Bolivarian Workers' Power Party, and director of the Mobilization Department of the Fifth Republic Movement. In 2008, he participated in the establishment of the ruling party committee, the Unified Socialist Party of Venezuela, and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Unified Socialist Party. Elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 1998 and served as the President of the National Congress from 2005 to 2006. Appointed as Foreign Minister in August 2006. In October 2012, he was appointed as Vice President and Foreign Minister. Starting from January 2013, he will no longer serve as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. On April 14th, he defeated the opposition coalition candidate Capriles in the re held presidential election and was elected president. He was inaugurated on April 19th and will serve until April 2019. On July 26, 2014, he was elected as the Chairman of the Unified Socialist Party and was re elected twice in July 2018 and May 2022. He won re-election in the general election in May 2018 and was sworn in in in January 2019, serving until January 2025.

Hugo Chavez Frias: Former President. Born in July 1954. Graduated from the Military Academy of the Communist Party of China and obtained a Master's degree in Military Science and Arts in Army Engineering. Later studied Political Science at Simon Bolivar University and was awarded medals such as the "Star of Caravovo" and the "Army Cross". In 1982, the Bolivar Revolution Movement 200 was established, consisting of retired soldiers and lower middle class individuals. In 1992, he attempted to lead the "February Fourth" military coup and was released after two years in prison. In January 1998, the "Fifth Republic Movement" was established, advocating for a thorough reform of the country's political system and the establishment of true democracy with people's participation; In December, as a candidate for the "Patriotic Center" campaign alliance, participated in the general election and won. After taking office, he promoted the establishment of a constitutional assembly through a nationwide referendum to amend the constitution and carry out significant reforms to the country's political system. According to the new constitution, Cha was re elected as president in July 2000. In December 2006 and October 2012, Cha Lian was re elected as president. On March 5, 2013, Chavez passed away in Caracas.

【 Economy 】 With superior natural endowments and abundant energy resources, Venezuela's proven reserves of petroleum (including heavy oil) are 300 billion barrels, ranking first in the world. The main industrial sectors include petroleum, iron ore, construction, steelmaking, aluminum smelting, electricity, automotive assembly, food processing, textiles, etc. The petroleum industry is the lifeline of the national economy in Venezuela. There are a total of 80 million hectares of land suitable for the development of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and aquaculture in China, including 30.07 million hectares of arable land and 13.79 million hectares of natural and artificially grazed grasslands. Agricultural development is slow. In recent years, the decline in international oil prices and sanctions have had a serious impact on the economy of Venezuela. Economic growth of 5% in 2023. Expected economic growth of 8% in 2024.

In September 1990, China joined the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and now has trade relations with more than 100 countries and regions around the world. We mainly export crude oil, petrochemical products, aluminum ingots, steel, iron ore, metal products, etc., and import mechanical and electrical equipment, chemical and hardware products, automotive parts, building materials, and agricultural products.

The President is the supreme commander of the military. The National Security and Defense Council is the highest advisory body to the President on national security and defense strategies and policies, composed of the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Treasury, as well as the Director of the Armed Forces and the Joint Chief of Staff. The Supreme Military Command is the highest leadership body of the military, serving as the highest military advisory body to the President and the National Security and Defense Council. It is composed of seven members, including the Minister of Defense, the Director of Armed Forces, the Chief of Joint Staff, and the commanders of the four branches of the military, and is led by the Minister of Defense. The military implements a compulsory military service system. According to the Military Service Law, citizens aged 18-50 who are physically healthy must register and serve in the military service bureau in accordance with the law. The service period for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard is 24 months. The Venezuelan armed forces consist of the regular army, namely the army, navy, air force, and national guard, as well as reserve forces such as the National Bolivar Militia.

Vladimir PADRINO L ó pez, Minister of Defense of the People's Power; Domingo Antonio HERN Á NDEZ L á rez, Commander of the Strategic Operations Command of the Armed Forces, Jos é Gregorio Moreno, Chief of Staff of the Strategic Operations Command of the Armed Forces, Jos é Antonio Murga Baptista, Army Commander, Neil Jes ú s Villamizar S á nchez, Navy Commander, Santiago Alejandro INFANTE Itriago, Air Force Commander, Elio Estrada, National Guard Commander, Javier Marcano Tabata, Commander of the Bolivar National Militia.

Education: Compulsory education is implemented for children aged 6 to 15, and it has been declared an illiteracy free country by UNESCO. There are 48 universities in the country, including 23 public universities, 25 private universities, and 103 vocational colleges. Famous universities include Central University of Venezuela, Simon Bolivar University, and Andres Bello Catholic Private University. The government stipulates that all schools in the country must register with the Ministry of Education and teach according to unified curriculum regulations. In 2009, the Education Law was amended to include "21st Century Socialism" in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools. In 2012, the number of preschool students was 1.22 million, with a nine-year basic education coverage rate of 93% and a secondary education coverage rate of 75.1%. There were 2.63 million registered college students.

There are over 100 types of newspapers and magazines, including 75 daily newspapers. The main newspapers are all privately owned: The National Newspaper, founded in 1943, has a significant influence in the intellectual community with a circulation of 175000 copies; The Cosmos, founded by the Nunez family in 1909, is an independent newspaper with a significant influence in the financial industry and a circulation of 140000 copies; The Latest News, founded in 1941, focuses on social news with a circulation of approximately 350000 copies. The main magazines include "Seta", "Bohemians", etc., which are comprehensive magazines. The above newspapers and magazines are all in Spanish version.

Orinoco Post (published in 2010) and 4F Daily (published in 2014) are the official newspapers of the ruling party, the Unified Socialist Party.

The Venezuelan News Agency is a state-owned news agency established in May 1977. Later changed to Bolivar News Agency.

In 2009, the National Communications Commission was established, and 391 radio and television stations were registered with the commission. Except for the National Radio and Television Station, the rest are private and commercial in nature.

We adhere to an anti imperialist, anti colonial, anti hegemonic, and independent foreign policy in our foreign relations. Advocate for the establishment of a multipolar world with mutual respect and no hegemony, and oppose neoliberalism and free trade. Advocate for South South cooperation. Actively promoting integration in Latin America and emphasizing cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries. Emphasize the development of relations with countries such as Russia and Iran. Resolutely oppose external interference in internal affairs.

Venezuela maintains diplomatic relations with over 160 countries and is a member of international and regional organizations such as the Non Aligned Movement, the Group of 77, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the World Trade Organization, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Latin American Economic System, the Latin American Development Bank, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, the Union of South American Nations, and the PetroCaribe program. The headquarters of the Latin American Economic System and the Caribbean Oil Program are located in Caracas.