Venezuela: flag, capital, currency and history
Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Caracas. The currency is the Venezuelan bolívar soberano. Languages spoken include Spanish.
Quick facts about Venezuela
- Official name
- Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
- Capital
- Caracas
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- Venezuelan bolívar soberano (VES, Bs.S.)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +58
- Internet domain
- .ve
- Area
- 916,445 km² (353,841 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Venezuelan
- National day
- Independence Day, July 5
Flag of Venezuela
Download the flag of Venezuela as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇻🇪.
History of Venezuela
Indigenous peoples including the Caribs, Arawaks and others inhabited the region when Spanish explorers arrived in 1498. Spain colonised the coast and later organised the territory within its American empire, eventually as the Captaincy General of Venezuela in 1777. Independence was declared in 1811, and Simón Bolívar led the long war that followed, with the decisive victory at Carabobo in 1821. Venezuela was part of Gran Colombia until it separated in 1830. The country developed a petroleum industry in the 20th century. Venezuela is a federal presidential republic.
Key dates
- 1498Christopher Columbus sights the Venezuelan coast on his third voyage.
- 1777Spain creates the Captaincy General of Venezuela.
- 1811Venezuela declares independence from Spain.
- 1819Venezuela joins Gran Colombia, proclaimed at the Congress of Angostura.
- 1821Bolívar wins the Battle of Carabobo against Spanish forces.
- 1830Venezuela separates from Gran Colombia as a sovereign state.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Venezuela
Venezuela uses the Venezuelan bolívar soberano (VES, Bs.S.). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Venezuela?
The capital of Venezuela is Caracas.
What currency does Venezuela use?
Venezuela uses the Venezuelan bolívar soberano (VES, symbol Bs.S.).
What languages are spoken in Venezuela?
Languages used in Venezuela include Spanish.
What is the calling code of Venezuela?
The international calling code of Venezuela is +58. Its internet domain is .ve.
Which countries border Venezuela?
Venezuela shares land borders with Brazil, Colombia and Guyana.
On which continent is Venezuela?
Venezuela is in South America, part of the Americas, in the region of South America.
What is the national day of Venezuela?
Venezuela marks Independence Day on July 5.
Neighbours of Venezuela
More countries in South America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).