Spanish Schools in Venezuela

Country Name:
Long Form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Short Form: Venezuela
Directory of Spanish Schools, Spanish School Directory, Spanish schools in Venezuela, Study Spanish Venezuela, Learn Spanish Venezuela, Spanish Schools Venezuela
Population: 26,414,815 (July 2008 est.)
Median Age: 36.8 years
Currency: Bolivar (VEB)
GDP: $12,800 (2007 est.) U.S

History:
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 globalization and undermining regional stability. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, over dependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

-information courtesy of the World Factbook