Venezuela History

Archeological findings and carbon-dating evidence indicate that human settlements here can be traced back to 13,000 BC.

This land was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498, and named Venezuela (Little Venice) by Amerigo Vespucci in 1499.

It remained a colony of Spain until declaring its independence in 1811. After the defeat of the Spanish by Simon Bolivar and his armies in 1819, it, along with Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama, formed the independent Republic of Gran. Venezuela emerged from that coalition in 1830 to become an independent nation.

Since then, and for most of the first half of the 20th century, the country was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms.

Democratically elected governments first took place in 1959 and Venezuela established its own constitution in 1961.

In that regard, the then popular election of President Hugo Chavez in 1999 has now caused considerable controversy, especially within the United States, as Venezuela has some of the largest proven oil reserves outside of the Middle East and President Chavez is using same as a regional threat and bargaining chip.

Current concerns in Venezuela include a weakening democracy, a very politicized military, and increased drug-related violence along the Colombian border.

In addition, international environmentalists are increasingly concerned about irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the Amazon rain forest and indigenous peoples.

And finally, the country is still feeling the devastating impact of (Hurricane Mitch, October 1998), when at least 5,000 people died in Venezuela's worst natural disaster in a half-century.