Venezuela Country Report

Venezuela is a country of paradoxes, holding the largest proven petroleum reserves in the world yet wracked with hyperinflation and an economic crisis that has seen goods shortages abound; the country's debt has now risen to essentially unpayable levels. Social indicators have plummeted along with the country's political and economic deterioration, and crime indices are among the highest in Latin America. President Nicolas Maduro’s administration has been accused of dictatorial practices, notably arresting and jailing opposition figures as well as cracking down on mass protests against his rule. Continued support from the military as well as key geopolitical actors such as Russia and China has ensured the survival of the regime despite the emergence of a parallel government as set up by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is supported by a number of Western governments.

Additional risks include pervasive corruption, serious medical concerns due to goods shortages as well as infrastructural deficiencies, notably chronic blackouts and water shortages. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes can occur but are of far less concern.

As a polarizing state both in Latin America and globally, Venezuela has tensions with a number of countries that have often augured poorly for the country’s physical security, though outright conflict has been avoided. Crime of all types is a massive problem and can affect anyone in nearly any circumstances. Terrorism is considered a threat along the border with Colombia due to possible incursions by neo-paramilitary groups there; criminal and narco-gangs in cities may use terror-like tactics but are not considered to be terrorist groups, per se. Protests among anti- and pro-chavista factions have become a common fixture in the country, and can easily turn violent, particularly when security forces or counter-demonstrators become involved.

Most air travel is still considered safe to and from Venezuela, but there are notable exceptions, including with Avior Airlines.

Roads in Venezuela are comprehensive in their geographic coverage but frequently in poor condition due to the economic crisis and lack of proper maintenance. Services are variable throughout the country.

Venezuela has more than 20 ports, however, most of them require modernization.

Utilities, including fuel, are subject to major disruptions.

The extent to which Venezuela sponsors cyberattacks is unclear, as it is a highly ideological and often aggressive state, but its resources and expertise are questionable due to its ongoing economic crisis; its defenses are thought to be poor.

Venezuela’s climate is generally tropical, with excessive heat occurring often. The rainy season typically runs April-November. There are some minor regional variations in temperatures and rainfall levels predominantly dependent on altitude. The majority of the country lies within a seismic zone. Although quakes are usually moderate, they have the potential to be severe and bring a risk of tsunamis. Storm systems are an annual issue for the country, with the potential for hurricanes on a much rarer basis during hurricane season June-November, with activity typically peaking around August-October.

Although Venezuela previously had a public health infrastructure that eradicated or at least minimized major disease outbreaks, its economic crisis has brought about a regression. Even the best private facilities may be subject to goods shortages; public facilities are in uniformly poor condition. Shortages have resulted in a severe lack of medical supplies. Tap water is not considered safe to drink unless specifically stated otherwise.

Corruption in Venezuela is considered to be among the worst in Latin America and, indeed, the world. Rule of law has deteriorated to the point where it substantively no longer exists. A number of factors bode poorly for the continuance of the chavista regime in the country, but it has so far defied expectations and remained in power. Targeted sanctions - often directed at specific individuals but also targeting oil company PDVSA and the government more generally - from a number of countries are already in effect due to Venezuela's poor record on human rights and rule of law.