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Venezuela
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FactsBackground: Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking capitalist globalization and existing democratic institutions. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples. note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $285.2 billion (2010 est.); GDP - real growth rate: -2.8% (2010 est.); -3.3% (2009 est.); 4.8% (2008 est.); GDP - per capita (PPP): $12,600 (2010 est.); $13,200 (2009 est.); $13,900 (2008 est.); note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4.1%; industry: 34.9%; services: 61.1% (2010 est.); Population below poverty line: 37.9% (yearend 2005 est.); Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.7%; highest 10%: 32.7% (2006); Labor force: 13.3 million (2010 est.); Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 13%; industry: 23%; services: 64% (1997 est.); Unemployment rate: 12.1% (2010 est.); 7.9% (2009 est.); Budget: revenues: $50.12 billion; expenditures: $56.53 billion (2010 est.); Industries: petroleum, construction materials, food processing, textiles; iron ore mining, steel, aluminum; motor vehicle assembly; Industrial production growth rate: -8% (2010 est.); Electricity - production: 113.3 billion kWh (2007 est.); Electricity - consumption: 83.02 billion kWh (2007 est.); Electricity - exports: 540 million kWh (2007 est.); Electricity - imports: 1.651 billion kWh (2007 est.); Statistics: CIA World Factbook. PressVenezuela in the NewsDisplaying 37 to 40 of 52 items. The Region: Another Battlefield Casualty?Latin American countries that opposed war in Iraq at the U.N. Security Council are feeling an economic backlash. World Press Review contributing editor Robert Taylor surveys the regional press. Venezuela: A Nation on StrikeWorld Press Review contributing editor Robert Taylor reviews Latin American press coverage of the worsening crisis in Venezuela. The Second Oil WarMikhail Zygar, writing for Moscow's Kommersant, reports on the oil workers' strike in Venezuela and what it means for the world economy. OPEC and the Chance of WarAl-Hayat's Randa Taqi al-Din reports on the political currents at work behind OPEC, Venezuela, Iraq, and the world petroleum supply. |
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