Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south.

Venezuela is home to around 26 million people. They speak mostly Spanish (the official language), but Indian dialects are also very common. The total area of the country comprises 912 sq. km. The capital of Venezuela is Caracas.

The national currency is the Bolívar fuerte. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted. You can exchange money in banks or in currency exchange counters, and all over the country there are ATMs which hand out only Bolivars.

Venezuela is truly a country of nature wonders: here you will find the highest waterfall in the world, the Angel Falls and the second longest river in South America, the Orinoco, as well as the longest coastline to the Caribbean Sea. More than forty per cent of Venezuela’s territory is occupied by reserves and protected areas.

Those who are fond of outdoor activities will like skiing in the Andes, whose highest peaks are covered with snow all year round; climbing Mount Roraima, the highest of the Pakaraima chain, whose flat-top mountains are said to be some of the oldest geological formations on Earth; and hiking in various national parks of Venezuela: the Parque Nacional Ciénagas del Catatumbo, where you can enjoy the magical natural phenomenon of forked lightning storms over the surface of Lake Maracaibo; the Parque Nacional Mochima, which includes hundreds of offshore islands and islets and which is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, diving and fishing; and the Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, inhabited by nearly six hundreds of exotic bird species.

Being in Venezuela you should not miss an opportunity to visit Merida, a big city, situated at the bottom of the highest point in the Andes Mountains in Venezuela: Pico Bolivar. Merida boasts a plenty of excellent parks, museums that exhibit unique works of art, and other interesting sights and attractions. This city is also famous for the longest cable way in the world, which leads to the top of Espejo. During this amazing cable car ride you will see incredible views of Caracas, the capital of the country, though to enjoy this beautiful city to the full extent you will have to go along its streets. This bustling and vibrant city full of great historical and architectural monuments is ideal for exploring the customs and history of the country. In the Museum of Caracas you will learn much interesting about the times when Venezuela's people fought for their freedom. Nature enthusiasts should take a tour of the National Park of Sierra Nevada, where you will see both dense green forest with its amazing wildlife and the snowy peaks of rocky mountains.

Those who like magnificent beaches, vibrant nightlife and duty-free shopping will be glad to visit Margarita Island, which is often called the "island of orchids" due to its amazing flora with many flowers, favorable climate, long white-sand beaches and azure water. On the island there are several nature reserves, which are inhabited by parrots, flamingos and other rare birds. There are also ancient man-made monuments: castles and palaces, squares and churches.

Airports

General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport (BLA)

Jacinto Lara International Airport (BRM)

La Chinita International Airport (MAR)

Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport (PMV)

Josefa Camejo International Airport (LSP)

Juan Vicente Gómez International Airport (SVZ)

Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN)

Diving in Venezuela

Due to the longest coastline in the Caribbean, numerous beaches, islands and cays, Venezuela is a perfect place for diving. The water temperature is very comfortable – around 24-29 degrees Celsius