History of Venezuela in Timeline

Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is located on the northern coast of South America. It includes a mainland area and numerous islands in the Caribbean Sea, covering 916,445 km2. The population was estimated at 29 million in 2022. Caracas is its capital and largest city. Venezuela borders the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean to the north, Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, Trinidad and Tobago to the northeast and Guyana to the east. It's a presidential republic made up of 23 states, a Capital District, and federal dependencies. Venezuela is highly urbanized, with most residents living in northern cities and the capital.

1902: Venezuela Crisis of 1902–1903

In 1902, the Venezuela Crisis began, leading to a naval blockade by Britain, Germany, and Italy due to Venezuela's defaulted foreign debts and refusal to compensate foreigners affected by civil wars.

1903: Resolution of the Venezuela Crisis

In 1903, the Venezuela Crisis was resolved through international arbitration at the new Permanent Court of Arbitration.

1908: Dispute with the Netherlands and Overthrow of Castro

In 1908, another dispute broke out with the Netherlands, leading to Cipriano Castro's overthrow by Juan Vicente Gómez while Castro was seeking medical treatment in Germany.

1923: Comparisons with Germany's hyperinflation

In 2018, an inflation rate of 1,000,000% was projected for Venezuela, drawing comparisons to Germany in 1923.

1935: Venezuela's highest per capita GDP in Latin America

By 1935, Venezuela's per capita gross domestic product was the highest in Latin America due to the discovery of massive oil deposits and the resulting economic boom.

1935: Death of Gómez

In 1935, Juan Vicente Gómez died, marking the end of his long-standing rule in Venezuela.

1941: Reforms under Isaías Medina Angarita

From 1941, under Isaías Medina Angarita, the gomecista dictatorship system was relaxed, and Angarita granted a range of reforms, including the legalization of all political parties.

1943: Introduction of 50/50 split in oil profits

In 1943, a new government introduced a 50/50 split in profits between the government and the oil industry in Venezuela.

1945: Diversification of Venezuelan society

After World War II, immigration from Southern Europe and poorer Latin American countries markedly diversified Venezuelan society by 1945.

1945: Civilian-military coup

In 1945, a civilian-military coup overthrew Medina Angarita, ushering in a period of democratic rule.

1945: Venezuelan Professional Baseball League Foundation

In 1945, the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) was founded, solidifying baseball's popularity in Venezuela.

1947: Rómulo Gallegos wins presidential election

In 1947, Rómulo Gallegos won the Venezuelan presidential election, marking the first free and fair elections in Venezuela.

1948: Military coup overthrows Gallegos

In 1948, Gallegos was overthrown by a military junta led by Luis Felipe Llovera Páez, Marcos Pérez Jiménez, and Carlos Delgado Chalbaud in the 1948 Venezuelan coup d'état.

1948: Start of military junta rule

In 1948, the military junta began its rule in Venezuela, lasting until 1958.

1950: Death of Chalbaud

In 1950, Carlos Delgado Chalbaud died in a bungled kidnapping, with Pérez Jiménez suspected of being behind his death.

1952: Jiménez installed as president

In 1952, the military junta ignored the results of the presidential election that it unexpectedly lost, and Jiménez was installed as president.

1953: Name change to República de Venezuela

In 1953, the official name of Venezuela was changed back to República de Venezuela.

January 1958: Jiménez forced out

On January 23, 1958, Jiménez was forced out of power in Venezuela.

1958: Democratic governments emerge after military dictatorships

From 1958, Venezuela experienced a series of democratic governments, a rarity in a region predominantly under military dictatorships. This period was marked by significant economic prosperity.

1959: Guerilla movements during Betancourt's presidency

During Rómulo Betancourt's second term (1959-64), substantial guerilla movements occurred in Venezuela.

1959: Enabling Acts

Since 1959, six Venezuelan presidents have been granted the ability to rule by decree in specified policy areas through enabling acts passed by the National Assembly.

1960: Creation of OPEC

In 1960, Hydrocarbons Minister Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso led the creation of OPEC, the consortium of oil-producing countries aiming to support the price of oil.

1960: Attack on Betancourt planned by Rafael Trujillo

In 1960, Rómulo Betancourt suffered an attack planned by the Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.

1962: Failed revolts by leftists

In 1962, leftists excluded from the Pact initiated an insurgency and tried to destabilize the military corps with failed revolts.

1964: Guerilla movements during Leoni's presidency

During Raúl Leoni's presidency (1964-69), substantial guerilla movements continued in Venezuela.

1966: Geneva Agreement

In 1966, the British and Venezuelan governments signed the Geneva Agreement to resolve the Guayana Esequiba conflict peacefully.

1968: Caldera wins election

In 1968, Rafael Caldera won the election for COPEI, marking the first time a party other than Democratic Action took the presidency through a democratic election.

1969: Administrative Regions Established

In 1969, the states of Venezuela were grouped into nine administrative regions, established by presidential decree.

1969: Caldera's first presidency

Rafael Caldera's first presidency began in 1969, during which most guerilla movements laid down their arms.

1970: Port of Spain Protocol

In 1970, the Port of Spain Protocol set a deadline to try to resolve the Guayana Esequiba issue, without success to date.

1973: Carlos Andrés Pérez elected amidst oil crisis

In 1973, Carlos Andrés Pérez was elected president, coinciding with an oil crisis that caused Venezuela's income to surge.

1973: Venezuela votes to nationalize its oil industry

In 1973, Venezuela voted to nationalize its oil industry outright.

January 1976: Nationalization of the oil industry effective

Effective January 1, 1976, Venezuela nationalized its oil industry outright, with Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) taking over.

1976: Nationalization of oil industries

In 1976, Venezuela nationalized its oil industries, leading to significant increases in public spending and external debts.

1982: Chávez promises to depose bipartisanship governments

In 1982, Hugo Chávez promised to depose the bipartisanship governments, setting the stage for his future political actions.

1983: Currency devaluation

In 1983, the Venezuelan government started to devalue the currency to address its financial obligations, leading to a dramatic fall in standards of living.

1983: Caracas Metro begins operating

The Caracas Metro has been operating since 1983, providing transportation for the city.

1988: Carlos Andrés Pérez re-elected

In 1988, Carlos Andrés Pérez was re-elected as president of Venezuela for his second term.

1989: Caracazo riots during Pérez's term

In 1989, during the second presidential term of Carlos Andrés Pérez, hundreds of people were killed in the Caracazo riots following the implementation of economic austerity measures.

1989: Caracazo riots

In 1989, the deadly Caracazo riots broke out, marking a period of major political crises and widespread social unrest in Venezuela.

1990: Deforestation

Between 1990 and 2005, Venezuela officially lost 8.3% of its forest cover, which is about 4.3 million ha.

February 1992: Hugo Chávez leads coup attempt

In February 1992, Hugo Chávez led a coup attempt, using growing anger at economic austerity measures as justification.

1992: Attempted coups

In 1992, Venezuela experienced two attempted coups, contributing to the major political crises and widespread social unrest of the time.

1993: Pérez impeached

In 1993, President Carlos Andrés Pérez was impeached under embezzlement charges, leading to the interim presidency of Ramón José Velásquez.

1993: Impeachment of a President

In 1993, the President of Venezuela was impeached for embezzlement of public funds charges, further destabilizing the political landscape.

March 1994: Chávez pardoned

In March 1994, coup leader Hugo Chávez was pardoned by President Rafael Caldera, reinstating his political rights.

1994: Major banking crisis

In the 1990s, Venezuela experienced a major banking crisis in 1994.

1995: Corruption Perceptions Index started ranking Venezuela

Since the Corruption Perceptions Index survey started in 1995, Venezuela has consistently been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries.

1996: Inflation peaks at 100%

In 1996, Venezuela's inflation peaked at 100% during a long-running economic crisis.

1997: Chávez founds Fifth Republic Movement

In 1997, Hugo Chávez founded the Fifth Republic Movement.

1998: Chávez elected president

In 1998, Hugo Chávez was elected president of Venezuela.

1998: Chávez wins the presidential election

In 1998, Hugo Chávez won the presidential election in Venezuela.

1998: Venezuelan presidential election

The 1998 Venezuelan presidential election became the catalyst for the Bolivarian Revolution, signaling a significant shift in the country's political trajectory.

1999: Study on Venezuelan emigration

A 2014 study estimated that over 1.5 million Venezuelans, or about 4% to 6% of the country's population, had left Venezuela since 1999.

1999: Chávez maintains the presidency

From 1999, Hugo Chávez maintained the presidency continuously.

1999: Indigenous Peoples' Rights

In 1999, Venezuela's constitution recognized the multi-ethnic, pluri-cultural, and multilingual character of the country and included a chapter devoted to Indigenous peoples' rights, opening spaces for their political inclusion at national and local level.

1999: Constituent Assembly and new Constitution

In 1999, a Constituent Assembly was formed, leading to the imposition of a new Constitution of Venezuela as part of the Bolivarian Revolution.

1999: Jewish Community

In 1999, the Jewish community in Venezuela had a population of 22,000.

1999: Name change back to República de Venezuela

In 1999, the official name of Venezuela was changed back to República de Venezuela.

1999: Chávez takes office

The presidential election that took place in April 2013, was the first since Chávez took office in 1999 in which his name did not appear on the ballot.

September 2000: Venezuela agrees to the Millennium Development Goals

In September 2000, Venezuela and 188 other nations agreed to the Millennium Development Goals, which jump-started many of the social policies pursued by Chávez.

2000: Chávez wins election

Hugo Chávez won the 2000 Venezuelan presidential election.

2001: Oil prices boost the Venezuelan economy

After 2001, the recovery of oil prices boosted the Venezuelan economy and facilitated social spending on programs such as the Bolivarian Missions.

2001: Population census

The indigenous populations have progressively increased according to the population census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics in 2011 with respect to the census of 2001.

2001: Law places limits on foreign investment

Under Hugo Chávez, a 2001 law placed limits on foreign investment.

2002 April: Chávez briefly ousted in coup attempt

In April 2002, Hugo Chávez was briefly ousted from power during the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt, but returned after two days due to demonstrations and military actions.

2002 December: National strike begins

In December 2002, an all-out national strike began, including a strike/lockout in the state oil company PDVSA.

December 2002: PDVSA key role in national strike

PDVSA played a key role in the December 2002 national strike.

2002: Relations Worsened with US

In 2002, relations between Venezuela and the US government worsened after the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt during which the US government recognized the short-lived interim presidency of Pedro Carmona.

2003 February: National strike ends

In February 2003, the national strike that began in December 2002 came to an end. Capital flight led to the reimposition of currency controls.

February 2003: PDVSA key role in national strike

PDVSA played a key role in the February 2003 national strike.

2003: Venezuela in top 5 for cocaine seizures

Between 2003 and 2008, Venezuelan authorities seized the fifth-largest total quantity of cocaine in the world, trailing behind Colombia, the US, Spain, and Panama.

2003: Conservation Management

In 2003, 70% of the nation's land was under conservation management in over 200 protected areas, including 43 national parks.

2003: Currency controls implemented

In 2003, the government of Hugo Chávez implemented currency controls in Venezuela after capital flight led to a devaluation of the currency.

August 2004: Chávez survives recall referendum

In August 2004, Hugo Chávez survived a recall referendum, maintaining his position as president of Venezuela.

2004: Chávez wins presidential referendum

Hugo Chávez won the presidential referendum in 2004.

2005: Deforestation

Between 1990 and 2005, Venezuela officially lost 8.3% of its forest cover, which is about 4.3 million ha.

2005: School Enrollment Rates

In 2005, the net primary school enrollment rate in Venezuela was at 91% and the net secondary school enrollment rate was at 63%.

December 2006: Chávez elected for another term

In December 2006, Hugo Chávez was elected for another term as president of Venezuela.

2006: Chávez wins election

Hugo Chávez won the 2006 Venezuelan presidential election.

2006: Manufacturing contributed 17% of GDP

In 2006, manufacturing contributed 17% of Venezuela's GDP, with production concentrated around Ciudad Guayana. Notable manufactures include electronics, automobiles, beverages, and foodstuffs.

2006: Venezuela rated as a "hybrid regime"

In 2006, the Economist Intelligence Unit rated Venezuela a "hybrid regime" and the third least democratic regime in Latin America on the Democracy Index.

2006: ONA incorporated into the vice-president's office

In 2006, the government's agency for combating illegal drug trade in Venezuela, ONA, was incorporated into the office of the vice-president.

2007: Chávez founds the United Socialist Party of Venezuela

In 2007, Hugo Chávez founded the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

2007: New Asylum Seekers

In 2007, according to the World Refugee Survey 2008, 10,600 new asylum seekers entered Venezuela. Between 500,000 and one million illegal immigrants are estimated to be living in the country.

2007: London Proms

The Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra hosted a concert at the 2007 London Proms, and has received several honors.

2008: Autosomal DNA Study

According to a 2008 autosomal DNA study by the University of Brasília, the composition of Venezuela's population is 60.60% European, 23% Indigenous, and 16.30% African.

2008: World Refugee Survey

According to the World Refugee Survey 2008, Venezuela hosted a population of refugee and asylum seekers from Colombia numbering 252,200 in 2007.

2008: Venezuela in top 5 for cocaine seizures

Between 2003 and 2008, Venezuelan authorities seized the fifth-largest total quantity of cocaine in the world, trailing behind Colombia, the US, Spain, and Panama.

2008: Adult Literacy Rate

In 2008, 95.2% of the adult population in Venezuela was literate.

2008: 600,000 soldiers incorporated into Armed Reserve

In 2008, Venezuela incorporated a further 600,000 soldiers into a new branch of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, known as the Armed Reserve.

2008: Crime as number one concern of voters

In 2008, polls indicated that crime was the number one concern for voters in Venezuela, highlighting the severity of the issue.

2008: Cesar Baena Represents Venezuela

Since 2008, Cesar Baena had represented Venezuela in Nordic Skiing.

February 2009: Presidential Re-election

As of February 15, 2009, a Venezuelan president may be re-elected an unlimited number of times.

December 2009: Coordination between Government Branches

In December 2009, Supreme Court president Luisa Estela Morales stated that Venezuela had moved away from "a rigid division of powers" towards a system characterized by "intense coordination" between the branches of government.

2009: FIS Cross Country Ski World Cup

In 2009, Cesar Baena became the first South American skier to compete in a FIS Cross Country Ski World Cup on Düsseldorf.

2010: Venezuela surpasses Saudi Arabia in oil reserves

Compared to the preceding year another 40.4% in crude oil reserves were proven in 2010, allowing Venezuela to surpass Saudi Arabia as the country with the largest reserves of this type.

2010: Venezuela ranked 164 in government transparency

In 2010, the Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Venezuela at number 164 out of 178 ranked countries in government transparency.

November 2011: Repatriation of gold bullion arrives in Caracas

On November 25, 2011, the first of US$11 billion of repatriated gold bullion arrived in Caracas, which Chávez hailed as a "sovereign" step to protect the country's foreign reserves.

2011: Religious Demographics

According to a 2011 poll, 88% of Venezuela's population is Christian, primarily Roman Catholic (71%), with 17% Protestant. 8% are irreligious, and almost 3% follow other religions.

2011: Population census

According to the population census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics in 2011, the indigenous populations have progressively increased compared to the 2001 census.

2011: National Assembly Seats

For the 2011–2016 period the number of seats is 165.

October 2012: Chávez elected for a third term

In October 2012, Hugo Chávez was elected for a third term as president of Venezuela.

2012: Ruben Limardo Wins Gold

At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Rubén Limardo won a gold medal in fencing for Venezuela.

2012: Chávez wins election

Hugo Chávez won the 2012 Venezuelan presidential election.

2012: Basketball World Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Venezuela hosted the 2012 Basketball World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

February 2013: Currency Devaluation

In February 2013, Venezuela devalued its currency due to rising shortages of necessities such as milk, leading to an increase in malnutrition.

March 2013: Death of Hugo Chávez

In March 2013, Hugo Chávez died due to medical complications, before he could be sworn in for his third term.

April 2013: Maduro Wins Presidential Election

In April 2013, Nicolás Maduro won the presidential election with 51% of the vote after Chavez' death, defeating Henrique Capriles who received 49%.

April 2013: Presidential election after Chávez's death

The presidential election took place in April 2013, marking the first time since 1999 that Chávez's name did not appear on the ballot.

2013: Medical Graduate Emigration

According to Claudio Bifano, president of the Venezuelan Academy of Physical, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, more than half of all medical graduates had left Venezuela in 2013.

2013: Chávez's death

Hugo Chávez died in 2013.

2013: Maduro appointed vice president

In 2013, Nicolás Maduro was picked by Hugo Chávez as his successor, and was appointed as vice president.

2013: FIBA Basketball Americas Championship

In 2013, Venezuela hosted the FIBA Basketball Americas Championship, which took place in the Poliedro de Caracas.

2013: Homicide rate at approximately 79 per 100,000

In 2013, Venezuela's homicide rate reached approximately 79 per 100,000 people, making it one of the highest in the world.

2013: Government adds dollar reserves to national bank

In 2013, the Venezuelan government was forced to add the dollar reserves of state-owned companies to those of the national bank to reassure the international bond market after government policies quickly depleted the returned gold reserves.

2013: U.S. Infant Mortality Comparison

In 2013, the infant mortality rate in the U.S. was 6 deaths per 1,000 births. This is for comparison with the infant mortality rate in Venezuela in 2014.

2013: Currency devaluation and shortages

In early 2013, Venezuela devalued its currency due to growing shortages of necessities such as toilet paper, milk, and flour. The government even occupied a toilet paper factory.

2013: Venezuelan presidential election and widespread protest

The 2013 Venezuelan presidential election was widely disputed, triggering widespread protest and another nationwide crisis that continues to this day.

February 2014: Widespread Protests Begin

In February 2014, hundreds of thousands of people began protesting in Venezuela over high levels of criminal violence, corruption, hyperinflation, and scarcity of basic goods. The demonstrations and riots resulted in fatalities, and opposition leaders were arrested.

December 2014: Barrio Adentro Abandonment

As of December 2014, an estimated 80% of Barrio Adentro establishments in Venezuela were abandoned, despite the program's aim to expand access to health care.

2014: Study on Venezuelan emigration

A 2014 study estimated that over 1.5 million Venezuelans, or about 4% to 6% of the country's population, had left Venezuela since 1999.

2014: Oil Price Plummets and Recession Begins

Beginning in 2014, the price of oil plummeted, placing pressure on the Venezuelan economy. In 2014, Venezuela entered a recession.

2014: Protests and Demonstrations

In 2014, a series of protest and demonstrations began in Venezuela, attributed to inflation, violence and shortages in Venezuela.

2014: Infant Mortality and Malnutrition

In 2014, infant mortality in Venezuela was 19 deaths per 1,000 births. Child malnutrition was at 17%, with the highest rates in Delta Amacuro and Amazonas.

2014: Venezuela ranked 99th in Rule of Law Index

In 2014, the World Justice Project ranked Venezuela 99th out of 99 countries surveyed in its Rule of Law Index.

December 2015: Fraudulent designation of judges

On 6 December 2015, Maduro holding judiciary power through the fraudulent designation of judges the day after the election.

December 2015: Parliamentary Elections

The parliamentary elections were held on 6 December 2015 to elect the 164 deputies and three Indigenous representatives of the National Assembly.

2015: Homicide rate rises to 90 per 100,000

By 2015, Venezuela's homicide rate had risen to 90 per 100,000 residents, indicating a worsening trend in violent crime.

2015: Decline of Jewish Community

By 2015, the Jewish community in Venezuela had shrunk to less than 7,000 due to rising economic pressures and antisemitism.

2015: Highest Inflation Rate

In 2015, Venezuela had the world's highest inflation rate, surpassing 100%.

2015: Venezuela Declared National Security Threat

In 2015, Venezuela was declared a national security threat by US president Barack Obama.

2015: Opposition Gains Parliamentary Majority

In 2015, the Venezuelan parliamentary election resulted in the opposition gaining a majority in the National Assembly.

January 2016: Economic Emergency Decreed

In January 2016, President Maduro decreed an "economic emergency", revealing the extent of the crisis and expanding his powers.

April 2016: Rolling blackouts and reduced workweek

In April 2016, the Maduro government announced rolling blackouts and reduced the government workweek to only Monday and Tuesday to deal with a lack of power supply due to a hydroelectricity shortage.

May 2016: Extension of Economic Emergency Decree

On 14 May 2016, constitutional guarantees were in fact suspended when Maduro decreed the extension of the economic emergency decree for another 60 days and declared a State of Emergency, which is a clear violation of the Constitution of Venezuela.

May 2016: OAS Considers Sanctions

On 14 May 2016, the Organization of American States was considering the application of the Inter-American Democratic Charter sanctions for non-compliance to its own constitution.

July 2016: Colombian Border Crossings Opened

In July 2016, Colombian border crossings were temporarily opened to allow Venezuelans to purchase food and basic health items.

September 2016: Study Indicates Widespread Food Waste Consumption

In September 2016, a study indicated that 15% of Venezuelans were eating "food waste discarded by commercial establishments".

October 2016: Prison Riots

By October 2016, 200 prison riots had occurred in Venezuela.

2016: Venezuela ranked 166 in government transparency

By 2016, Venezuela's ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index had slightly worsened to 166 out of 178 countries in government transparency.

2016: National Assembly Seats

For the 2011–2016 period the number of seats is 165.

2016: Per capita GDP at US$15,100

In 2016, Venezuela's per capita GDP was estimated to be US$15,100, ranking 109th in the world.

2016: Consumer prices increased 800%

In 2016, consumer prices in Venezuela increased 800% and the economy declined by 18.6%, marking the start of an economic depression.

March 2017: Gasoline shortages

In March 2017, Venezuela began experiencing shortages of gasoline in some regions.

March 2017: Supreme Court Takes Over Law Making Powers

In March 2017, the Venezuelan Supreme Court took over law making powers from the National Assembly but reversed its decision the following day.

April 2017: Venezuela Announces Intention to Withdraw from OAS

On 26 April 2017, Venezuela announced its intention to withdraw from the OAS. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez said that President Nicolás Maduro plans to publicly renounce Venezuela's membership on 27 April 2017. It will take two years for the country to formally leave.

August 2017: Constituent National Assembly Elected

In August 2017, the 2017 Constituent National Assembly was elected and subsequently stripped the National Assembly of its powers.

December 2017: Opposition Parties Barred from Presidential Vote

In December 2017, President Maduro declared that opposition parties would be barred from the following year's presidential vote after they boycotted mayoral polls.

2017: Venezuela declared in default

By 2017, Venezuela was declared to be in default regarding debt payments by credit rating agencies, exacerbating the economic crisis.

2017: Negative economic outlook

In 2017, Venezuela's economic outlook was deemed negative by most bond-rating services.

2017: Venezuela downgraded to an authoritarian regime

In 2017, the Democracy Index downgraded Venezuela to an authoritarian regime, citing increasingly dictatorial behaviors by the Maduro government.

2017: Economic Sanctions Imposed

In 2017, the Donald Trump administration imposed more economic sanctions against PDVSA and Venezuelan officials.

2017: Arms diverted to paramilitary groups

In 2017, the Financial Times reported that some of the arms procured by the government over the previous two decades had been diverted to paramilitary civilian groups and criminal syndicates in Venezuela.

2018: Enforced Disappearances

A report issued in June 2020 documented enforced disappearances that occurred in 2018-19. 724 enforced disappearances of political detainees were reported.

2018: School Dropouts

By 2018, over half of all Venezuelan children had dropped out of school, with 58% of students quitting nationwide. Many schools lack basic utilities.

2018: Projected inflation rate of 1,000,000%

For 2018, an inflation rate of 1,000,000% was projected for Venezuela, drawing comparisons to Germany in 1923 or Zimbabwe in the late 2000s.

2018: Maduro Wins Presidential Election

In 2018, Nicolás Maduro won the presidential election with 68% of the vote, a result which was challenged by several countries who deemed it fraudulent.

August 2019: US Imposes Economic Embargo

In August 2019, the Trump administration imposed an economic embargo against Venezuela.

March 2020: Maduro Indicted on Drug Trafficking Charges

In March 2020, the Trump administration indicted Nicolás Maduro and other Venezuelan officials on charges of drug trafficking, narcoterrorism, and corruption.

June 2020: Report Documented Enforced Disappearances

In June 2020, a report documented enforced disappearances that occurred in 2018–19. 724 enforced disappearances of political detainees were reported. The report stated that security forces subjected victims to torture.

2021: Venezuela Population

According to the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects the total population was 28,199,867 in 2021.

2021: Hydroelectricity accounted for 64% of the country's electricity generation

In 2021, hydroelectricity accounted for 64% of Venezuela's electricity generation.

2022: Venezuela Population

According to the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects the total population was 28,199,867 in 2021.

2022: Venezuela population estimated at 29 million

In 2022, the population of Venezuela was estimated to be 29 million. The country is located on the northern coast of South America and comprises a continental landmass with many islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.

February 2024: UN special rapporteur visit

In February 2024, a UN special rapporteur visited Venezuela.

June 2024: Venezuelan refugee crisis: 7.7 million people had fled

By June 2024, more than 7.7 million people had fled Venezuela, marking a significant Venezuelan refugee crisis attributed to economic collapse and political instability.

2024: Report on Venezuela's economic situation

As of 2024, according to VOA (report from AFP) Venezuela's GDP had fallen by 80% in less than a decade, driving approximately seven million citizens to flee, with most Venezuelans living on just a few dollars a month, and facing disrepair in healthcare and education systems, as well as shortages of electricity and fuel.

2024: Presidential Election

In 2024, Maduro ran for a third consecutive term in the presidential election against Edmundo González Urrutia. After Maduro was declared the winner, world leaders expressed skepticism, and protests broke out across the country.