Overview
Venezuela, officially known as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country located on the northern coast of South America. It comprises a continental landmass as well as numerous islands and islets scattered across the Caribbean Sea. Covering an area of approximately 912,050 square kilometers (352,140 square miles), Venezuela is home to an estimated population of 31.8 million people as of 2025.
Geography and Borders
Venezuela's continental territory occupies a strategic position where the Caribbean Sea meets South America. The country is bordered by several nations and bodies of water:
- To the north: the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean
- To the west: Colombia
- To the south: Brazil
- To the east: Guyana
- To the northeast: Trinidad and Tobago
This coastal and continental combination gives Venezuela a diverse geographic profile, with access to Caribbean waters as well as extensive mainland territory shared with several of South America's largest countries.
Capital and Major Urban Center
Caracas serves as both the capital and the largest urban agglomeration of Venezuela. As the country's principal city, Caracas functions as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the nation.
Islands and Caribbean Territory
Beyond its mainland, Venezuela's national territory extends to various islands and islets within the Caribbean Sea. This maritime component adds to the country's geographic diversity, linking its identity closely with both the South American continent and the wider Caribbean region.