Population: 23,916,810 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Background: Venezuela was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Ecuador). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen...

Currency: bolivar (VEB, VEB (1,915.20 = US$1))

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.