Backgrounder: Basic facts about Venezuela

Source: Xinhua | 02-10-2009 15:28

Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America.

Emblem of Venezuela

The country comprises a continental mainland and numerous islands located off the Venezuelan coastline in the Caribbean Sea.

Venezuela's capital is Caracas. Falling within the tropics, Venezuela sits close to the equator, in the Northern Hemisphere.

Venezuela is among the most urbanized countries in Latin America. The vast majority of Venezuelans live in the cities of the north, especially in the capital Caracas which is also the largest city.