Venezuela
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Population
28.4M
GDP
$92.8B
Capital
Caracas
Government
Federal presidential constit...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.7
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
2.2
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Venezuela is a founding member of the United Nations, OPEC, and the Non-Aligned Movement. It holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, which historically made it one of Latin America's wealthiest countries. Under Hugo Chavez (1999-2013) and Nicolas Maduro (2013-present), Venezuela pursued 'Bolivarian socialism' and became a leading voice against US influence in the region.
Venezuela has experienced a catastrophic economic and humanitarian crisis since 2015, producing one of the world's largest refugee and migration crises, with over seven million Venezuelans displaced. The political crisis -- with disputed elections, a rival government claim, and international sanctions -- has made Venezuela one of the most polarising issues in hemispheric diplomacy.
Venezuela maintains a territorial claim over the Essequibo region of Guyana, which escalated in late 2023 with a controversial annexation referendum.
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Ask Atlas anything about VenezuelaMUN Delegate Guide
As Venezuela, you represent a deeply polarised country with significant international controversy. Your delegation's first challenge is legitimacy -- many countries do not recognise the Maduro government, so be prepared for credential challenges.
Lead the ALBA bloc and coordinate with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Bolivia on anti-imperialist positions. Venezuela's oil reserves and OPEC membership give you economic leverage despite the crisis. Build alliances with Russia and China on sovereignty and non-intervention.
Frame sanctions as economic warfare and the humanitarian crisis as externally imposed. Challenge the double standards of Western human rights criticism. The Essequibo claim against Guyana will face significant opposition in CARICOM and internationally -- calibrate your approach carefully.
Venezuela's Petrocaribe programme built significant goodwill in the Caribbean -- invoke this history to maintain Caribbean relationships despite the current crisis.
Foreign Policy
Venezuela positions itself as an anti-imperialist state leading resistance to US hegemony in the Americas. It founded ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance) with Cuba, and used oil revenues to build influence through Petrocaribe, which provided subsidised oil to Caribbean states.
Venezuela maintains close ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, and has withdrawn from the OAS. The Maduro government faces sanctions from the US and EU, and many countries do not recognise its legitimacy. The Essequibo claim against Guyana adds a territorial dimension to Venezuela's diplomatic isolation.