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Venezuela Research Paper

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1. Venezuela is a major player in the Caribbean and South American region. This paper will explore the country’s cultural domains of economics and resources, politics and social relations, and the United States interests. Venezuela is currently experiencing a national crisis due to a combination of the ongoing economic, resource, political and social issues.

2. Venezuela’s economy revolves mainly around oil production. It sits on one of the world’s largest known oil deposits and is one of the largest oil exporters.1 Recently the significant drop in oil prices have caused significant inflation. The International Monetary Fund estimates that inflation will rise to 720 percent this year up from 275 percent last year.2 This has resulted in a shortage of many basic supplies such as food and medicine. The country is also facing an energy crisis at the same time. Venezuela relies on the Guri Dam to provide approximately 60 percent of its electricity.3 Due to a drought cause by El Nino the water levels are at a critically low level, five feet above the point where the plant would no longer be able to operate.4 This has resulted in scheduled four hour blackouts throughout the country to conserve the remaining water. The ongoing economic and energy crisis has let to political unrest within the country. …show more content…

The current political climate started under President Hugo Chavez in 1998. He started what is known as the Bolivarian Revolution bringing the country under a socialist regime.5 He has regularly spoken out against United States involvement in the region.6 Both countries have expelled the others ambassadors reducing the diplomatic relationship.7 Coupling this with the ongoing economic and energy crisis resulted in several riots haven recently broken out and there is a growing push by opposition groups to force a new presidential election.8 With its economic and political presence Venezuela is of significant nation interest to the

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