Venezuela

Background

The region of Venezuela were shared by three principal ethnolinguistic groups - the Cariban, Arawak and Chibcha during the time of the Spanish Conquest. Columbus was the first European who gave the name of Venezuela meaning as 'Little Venice'. After that,there was first Spanish settlement on the mainland was established at Cumaná in 1521. The colonization of Venezuela had remained throughout the 17th century. During those years, Venezuela's economy expanded quickly in the 18th century and Caracus became its focal point, providing administration to the provinces of Venezuella, and its judicial, military and educational institutions. After weakening the colonial power of Spanish, Venezuela was part of the formation of Gran Columbia consisted of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. From 1820 until 1830 when the confederation broke apart, Venezuela became an independent nation and declared full independence under a new constitution.

Throughout the 1920's and 1930's, Venezuela started to give emphasis on establishing good relations with foreign powers and opened its arms to multinational oil companies. 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.

Current concerns include: a divided military, drug-related conflicts along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Holidays

Jan 1 - New Year's Day
Feb 7-8* - Carnival
Mar 24* - Holy Thursday
Mar 25* - Good Friday
Mar 19 - San Jose (Banks only)
Apr 19 - Mov. Precursor de la Independencia
May 1 - Labor Day
May through June - Ascension (banks only)and Corpus Christi
Jun 24 - Battle of Carabobo
Jun 29 - Sts Peter and Paul (Banks only)
Jul 5 - Firma Acta de Independencia
Jul 24 - Birth of the Libertador (Bolivar Day)
Aug 15 - Assumption (Banks only)
Oct 12 - Dia de la Raza/Columbus Day
Nov 1 - All Saints Day (Banks only)
Dec 8 - Immaculate Conception (Banks only)
Dec 25 - Christmas Day
Dec 31 - New Year's Eve (unofficial but general)

Ps: These festivals' dates (*) given above are approximations which are subject to change every new year.

Phone Codes

Country Code: 58
Outgoing International Code: 00

Resources

Market Research

CIA - The World Factbook
CIA - The World Factbook- displays a wide range of country database research which provides useful information about Venezuela under different fields as its geography,people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, transnational issues.

Venezuela Industry Directory
It is the Venezuelan commerce site offering global trade, business opportunities, company and product directory for the local and foreign investors.

Investment Opportunities in Venezuela
CONAPRI's mission sponsored the webpage is to promote and carry through investments contributing to the country's economic growth and sustainable development. Its long-term vision points at becoming the foremost promoter and integrator of public and private initiatives for the expansion and consolidation of investment in Venezuela.

USA Commercial Service about Venezuela
It is the official website of BuyUSA.Gov sponsored by the USA Commercial Service which aims to indicate the business climate of Venezuela for tha foreign investors via analyzing its business environment in details.

About Venezuela
There is available to find out Venezuela's general outlook on the issues of its social and business profile, passport/visa, money, accommodation, government, duty free, health and so forth.

Venezuela Country Commercial Guide
The country commercial reports are prepared annually that basically offers a comprehensive outlook to Venezuela's commercial environments by using economic, political, and market analysis.

Trade Information

Venezuela American Chamber of Commerce (VAAC)
It is the officail website of Venezuela American Chamber of Commerce(VACC) that is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interests of its members and to fostering trade, commerce, culture and investments between Venezuela and the United States of America and among Venezuelans living in the U.S.

Necessary Contact Addresses for Venezuela
There is a list of significant institutions related to Venezuela like INTUR (Instituto de Turismo), Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela, Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela (Consular section), Venezuelan Consulate General, Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela...etc. including their contact information.