For more information see the Venezuela profile.

Venezuela lies on the Caribbean coast of South America, between Colombia and Guyana. Venezuela is home to Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall. Oil wealth from Lake Maracaibo has benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

Venezuela has suffered a violent history of coups and revolutions since independence from Spain in 1821. Economic stress and a corrupt government have provoked more civilian riots and political coups in recent years.

There is freedom of religion, but the Catholic Church has a strong influence, sometimes causing difficulties for foreign missions, especially among the indigenous Amerindians. The capital, Caracas, is one of the most spiritually needy sections of the Venezuela.