History of Venezuela in Timeline
Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is located on the northern coast of South America. Its territory includes a continental landmass and numerous Caribbean islands and islets. With an area of 916,445 km2, its population was estimated at 29 million in 2022. Caracas is the 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 is a presidential republic comprised of 23 states, a Capital District, and federal dependencies. The country is highly urbanized, with most residents living in northern cities and the capital.
1903: Resolution of Venezuela Crisis
In 1903, the Venezuela Crisis was resolved through international arbitration at the new Permanent Court of Arbitration.
1908: Dispute with the Netherlands
In 1908, another dispute broke out with the Netherlands, which was resolved when Castro left for medical treatment in Germany and was promptly overthrown by Juan Vicente Gómez.
1935: Highest GDP in Latin America
By 1935, Venezuela's per capita gross domestic product was the highest in Latin America.
1935: Gómez Death
In 1935, Gómez died, but the gomecista dictatorship largely continued under Eleazar López Contreras.
1941: Reforms under Angarita
From 1941, under Isaías Medina Angarita, the gomecista system was relaxed. Angarita granted a range of reforms, including the legalization of all political parties.
1943: 50/50 Profit Split in Oil Industry
In 1943, a new government introduced a 50/50 split in profits between the government and the oil industry in Venezuela.
1945: Civilian-Military Coup
In 1945, a civilian-military coup overthrew Medina Angarita and ushered in a period of democratic rule.
1945: Diversification of Venezuelan Society
In 1945, after World War II, immigration from Southern Europe and poorer Latin American countries markedly diversified Venezuelan society.
1945: Foundation of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League
In 1945, the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) was founded, marking a rise in the sport's popularity in the country.
1947: Venezuelan Presidential Election
In 1947, Rómulo Gallegos won the Venezuelan presidential election, which was the first free and fair election in Venezuela.
1948: Military Coup
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: Military Junta Rule Begins
In 1948, a military junta began its rule in Venezuela.
1950: Death of Chalbaud
In 1950, Chalbaud died in a bungled kidnapping, and Pérez Jiménez was suspected of being behind his death.
1952: Presidential Election Ignored
In 1952, the junta ignored the results of the presidential election after unexpectedly losing, and Jiménez was installed as president.
1953: Name Change to República de Venezuela
In 1953, the official name of Venezuela changed back to República de Venezuela.
January 1958: Jiménez Forced Out
On January 23, 1958, Jiménez was forced out of power.
1958: Democratic Governments in Venezuela
From 1958, Venezuela established a series of democratic governments, which was an exception in the region as most countries were ruled by military dictatorships. This period was marked by economic prosperity.
1959: Rómulo Betancourt's Presidency
In 1959, Rómulo Betancourt began his second term as president, during which substantial guerilla movements occurred.
1959: Presidents Granted Decree Powers Since 1959
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: Attack on Betancourt
In 1960, Betancourt suffered an attack planned by the Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.
1960: Creation of OPEC
In 1960, Hydrocarbons Minister Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso led the creation of OPEC.
1962: Failed Military Revolts
In 1962, leftists tried to destabilize the military corps with failed revolts.
1964: Raúl Leoni's Presidency
In 1964, Raúl Leoni became president, continuing to deal with guerilla movements.
1966: Geneva Agreement Signed
In 1966, the British and Venezuelan governments signed the Geneva Agreement to resolve the dispute over Guayana Esequiba peacefully.
1968: Rafael Caldera wins election
In 1968, Rafael Caldera won the election for COPEI, the first time a party other than Democratic Action took the presidency through a democratic election.
1969: Caldera's Presidency
In 1969, Rafael Caldera's first presidency began, during which most guerilla movements laid down their arms.
1969: Establishment of Administrative Regions
In 1969, the states of Venezuela were grouped into nine administrative regions established by presidential decree.
1970: Port of Spain Protocol Set
In 1970, the Port of Spain Protocol set a deadline to resolve the issue of Guayana Esequiba, but without success to date.
1973: Carlos Andrés Pérez Elected
In 1973, Carlos Andrés Pérez was elected president, coinciding with an oil crisis that greatly increased Venezuela's income.
1973: Vote to Nationalize Oil Industry
In 1973, Venezuela voted to nationalize its oil industry outright.
January 1976: Oil Industry Nationalization Effective
On January 1, 1976, Venezuela's nationalization of its oil industry became effective, with Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) taking over.
1976: Nationalization of Oil Industries
In 1976, oil industries in Venezuela were nationalized.
1982: Chávez Promise
In 1982, Hugo Chávez promised to depose the bipartisanship governments.
1983: Currency Devaluation
In 1983, the Venezuelan government started to devalue the currency to face its financial obligations, leading to a dramatic fall in living standards.
1983: Caracas Metro Operating
The Caracas Metro has been operating since 1983.
1988: Re-election of Carlos Andrés Pérez
In 1988, Carlos Andrés Pérez was re-elected as president.
1989: Caracazo Riots
In 1989, Venezuela experienced the deadly Caracazo riots, which were triggered by economic shocks and widespread social unrest.
February 1992: Hugo Chávez coup attempt
In February 1992, Hugo Chávez led a coup attempt, citing anger at economic austerity measures.
1992: Attempted Coups
In 1992, there were two attempted coups in Venezuela, contributing to the major political crises.
1993: Impeachment of Carlos Andrés Pérez
In 1993, President Carlos Andrés Pérez was impeached under embezzlement charges.
1993: Presidential Impeachment
In 1993, the President of Venezuela was impeached for embezzlement of public funds charges.
March 1994: Chávez Pardoned
In March 1994, coup leader 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 Launch
Since the Corruption Perceptions Index started in 1995, Venezuela has been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries.
1997: Fifth Republic Movement Founded
In 1997, Chávez founded the Fifth Republic Movement.
1998: Chávez Elected President
In 1998, Chávez won the presidential election.
1998: Venezuelan Presidential Election
The 1998 Venezuelan presidential election saw a collapse in confidence in the existing parties, setting the stage for the Bolivarian Revolution.
1999: Chávez Maintains Presidency
In 1999, Chávez maintained the presidency.
1999: Political Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples
In 1999, Venezuela's Constitution recognized the country's multi-ethnic and pluri-cultural character, including a chapter devoted to Indigenous peoples' rights, which opened up spaces for their political inclusion.
1999: Constituent Assembly
In 1999, a Constituent Assembly was formed, marking the beginning of the Bolivarian Revolution and leading to the imposition of a new Constitution of Venezuela.
1999: Jewish community size
In 1999, the Jewish population in Venezuela numbered 22,000.
1999: Name Change to República de Venezuela
In 1999, the official name of Venezuela changed to República de Venezuela.
1999: Start of Venezuelan Emigration
Since 1999, over 1.5 million Venezuelans have left the country.
September 2000: Millennium Development Goals Agreement
In September 2000, Venezuela and 188 other nations agreed to the Millennium Development Goals.
2000: Chávez Maintains Presidency
In 2000, Chávez won the presidential election.
2001: Economic Boost and Social Spending
After 2001, the recovery of oil prices boosted the Venezuelan economy and facilitated social spending.
2001: Population census results
The 2011 population census was compared to the population census done in 2001.
2001: Limits on Foreign Investment
Under Hugo Chávez, a 2001 law placed limits on foreign investment in the oil industry.
December 2002: National Strike Begins
PDVSA played a key role in the national strike which began in December 2002.
2002: Coup d'état Attempt
In April 2002, Chávez was briefly ousted from power in the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt.
February 2003: National Strike Ends
PDVSA played a key role in the national strike that lasted until February 2003.
2003: Venezuela in Top Cocaine Seizures
During the period of 2003, Venezuelan authorities seized the fifth-largest total quantity of cocaine in the world.
2003: National Strike
From December 2002 to February 2003, Venezuela experienced an all-out national strike, including a strike/lockout in the state oil company PDVSA.
2003: Land Under 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 after capital flight led to a devaluation of the currency.
August 2004: Recall Referendum
In August 2004, Chávez survived a recall referendum.
2004: Presidential Referendum won by Chávez
In 2004, Chávez won the presidential referendum.
2005: Net Secondary School Enrollment Rate
In 2005, the net secondary school enrollment rate in Venezuela was 63%.
December 2006: Re-election of Chávez
In December 2006, Chávez was elected for another term.
2006: Chávez Maintains Presidency
In 2006, Chávez won the presidential election.
2006: ONA Incorporated into Vice-Presidency
In 2006, Venezuela's anti-drug agency, ONA, was incorporated into the office of the vice-president.
2006: Manufacturing Contribution to GDP
In 2006, manufacturing contributed 17% of Venezuela's GDP.
2006: "Hybrid Regime" Rating
In 2006, the Economist Intelligence Unit rated Venezuela a "hybrid regime" and the third least democratic regime in Latin America on the Democracy Index.
2007: New Asylum Seekers in Venezuela
In 2007, 10,600 new asylum seekers entered Venezuela.
2007: United Socialist Party Founded
In 2007, Chávez founded the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.
2007: Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra at London Proms
In 2007, the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra performed at the London Proms, receiving several honors.
2008: DNA Study on Population Composition
According to a 2008 autosomal DNA study, 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, published by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Venezuela hosted 252,200 refugees and asylum seekers from Colombia.
2008: Armed Reserve Incorporation
As of 2008, a further 600,000 soldiers were incorporated into a new branch, known as the Armed Reserve.
2008: Venezuela in Top Cocaine Seizures
During the period ending in 2008, Venezuelan authorities seized the fifth-largest total quantity of cocaine in the world.
2008: Cesar Baena represented Venezuela in Nordic Skiing
In 2008, Cesar Baena began representing Venezuela in Nordic Skiing.
2008: Adult Literacy Rate
In 2008, Venezuela's adult literacy rate was 95.2%.
2008: Crime as Top Voter Concern
In 2008, polls indicated that crime was the number one concern of voters in Venezuela.
February 2009: Presidential Re-election Allowed
As of February 15, 2009, the 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 said that Venezuela had moved away from "a rigid division of powers" toward a system characterized by "intense coordination" between the branches of government.
2009: Baena competed in FIS Cross Country Ski World Cup
In 2009, Cesar Baena competed in a FIS Cross Country Ski World Cup in Düsseldorf, the first South American skier to do so.
2010: Largest Crude 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: Low Ranking in Government Transparency
The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Venezuela at number 164 out of 178 countries in government transparency.
November 2011: Repatriation of Gold Bullion
On November 25, 2011, Venezuela repatriated the first of US$11 billion of gold bullion to Caracas.
2011: Religious Demographics
According to a 2011 poll, 88% of Venezuelans identified as Christian, with Roman Catholics comprising 71% and Protestants 17%. 8% were irreligious, and almost 3% followed other religions.
2011: National Assembly Structure
For the 2011–2016 period the number of seats in the National Assembly is 165.
2011: Religion in Venezuela
In 2011, information was collected regarding religion in Venezuela.
2011: Census Results
In the 2011 census, 51.6% of Venezuelans claimed to be moreno, and 43.6% claimed to be white.
October 2012: Chávez Elected for Third Term
In October 2012, Chávez was elected for a third term.
2012: Chávez Maintains Presidency
In 2012, Chávez won the presidential election.
2012: Gold Medal in Fencing
In the 2012 Summer Olympics, Rubén Limardo won a gold medal in fencing.
2012: Venezuela Hosted Basketball World Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Venezuela hosted the 2012 Basketball World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
March 2013: Death of Chávez
In March 2013, Hugo Chávez died due to medical complications.
April 2013: First Election Without Chávez
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.
2013: Medical Graduates Leaving Venezuela
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: Maduro Appointed Vice President
In 2013, Nicolás Maduro was appointed as vice president by Hugo Chávez as his successor.
2013: High Homicide Rate
In 2013, Venezuela's homicide rate was approximately 79 per 100,000, which was among the highest in the world.
2013: U.S. Infant Mortality Rate
In 2013, the U.S. infant mortality rate was reported as 6 deaths per 1,000 births.
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.
2013: Currency Devaluation and Shortages
In early 2013, Venezuela devalued its currency due to growing shortages, including necessities like toilet paper, milk, and flour. The government also occupied a toilet paper factory.
2013: Venezuelan Presidential Election
The 2013 Venezuelan presidential election was widely disputed, triggering a nationwide crisis.
2013: Venezuela Hosted the FIBA Basketball Americas Championship
Venezuela hosted the 2013 FIBA Basketball Americas Championship, which took place in the Poliedro de Caracas.
February 2014: Widespread Protests Begin
In February 2014, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans began protesting high levels of criminal violence, corruption, hyperinflation, and scarcity of basic goods. These demonstrations and riots led to over 40 fatalities and the arrest of opposition leaders.
December 2014: Barrio Adentro establishments abandoned
As of December 2014, approximately 80% of Barrio Adentro establishments in Venezuela were reported as abandoned.
2014: Study on Venezuelans Leaving
A 2014 study found over 1.5 million Venezuelans have left the country since 1999.
2014: Venezuela Enters Recession
In 2014, Venezuela officially entered a recession, marking the beginning of a severe economic downturn that was exacerbated by a drop in oil prices.
2014: Infant Mortality Rate
In 2014, Venezuela's infant mortality rate was reported as 19 deaths per 1,000 births.
2014: Protests and Demonstrations Begin
In 2014, a series of protests and demonstrations began in Venezuela, attributed to inflation, violence, and shortages, sparking social unrest.
2014: Low Ranking 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
Maduro holding judiciary power through the fraudulent designation of judges the day after the election on 6 December 2015.
December 2015: Parliamentary Elections Held
On December 6, 2015, parliamentary elections were held to elect the deputies of the National Assembly, marking a significant political event amid ongoing protests.
2015: Increased Homicide Rate
By 2015, Venezuela's homicide rate had risen to 90 per 100,000 residents.
2015: Decline in Jewish Population
By 2015, the Jewish community in Venezuela had shrunk to less than 7,000, due to economic pressures and antisemitism.
2015: Highest Inflation Rate Worldwide
In 2015, Venezuela experienced the world's highest inflation rate, surpassing 100%, reflecting the country's deepening economic crisis.
2015: Venezuela Declared National Security Threat
In 2015, Venezuela was declared a national security threat by U.S. president Barack Obama.
2015: Opposition Gains Majority in Parliamentary Election
In the 2015 Venezuelan parliamentary election, the opposition gained a majority in the National Assembly, marking a shift in the country's political landscape.
January 2016: Maduro Decrees Economic Emergency
In January 2016, President Maduro declared an "economic emergency" in Venezuela, expanding his powers in response to the deepening economic crisis.
April 2016: Rolling Blackouts and Reduced Workweek
In April 2016, due to a hydroelectricity shortage, the Maduro government announced rolling blackouts and reduced the government workweek to only Monday and Tuesday.
May 2016: Suspension of Constitutional Guarantees
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.
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 Temporarily Opened
In July 2016, Colombian border crossings were temporarily opened to allow Venezuelans to purchase food and basic health items, reflecting the severe shortages in Venezuela.
September 2016: Study Reveals Food Waste Consumption
In September 2016, a study indicated that 15% of Venezuelans were resorting to eating "food waste discarded by commercial establishments" due to widespread food shortages.
October 2016: Numerous Prison Riots Occur
By October 2016, Venezuela had experienced 200 prison riots, highlighting the instability and desperation within the country's penal system.
2016: Increased Corruption Ranking
By 2016, Venezuela's rank on the Corruption Perceptions Index had increased to 166 out of 178 countries.
2016: National Assembly Structure
For the 2011–2016 period the number of seats in the National Assembly is 165.
2016: Per Capita GDP
In 2016, Venezuela's per capita GDP was estimated to be US$15,100, ranking 109th in the world.
2016: Economic Depression
In 2016, consumer prices in Venezuela increased 800% and the economy declined by 18.6%, entering 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 Withdrawal from OAS
On 26 April 2017, Venezuela announced its intention to withdraw from the OAS.
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, raising concerns about a shift towards dictatorship.
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 election after they boycotted mayoral polls, further consolidating his power.
2017: Venezuela Declared in Default
By 2017, Venezuela was declared to be in default regarding debt payments by credit rating agencies.
2017: Negative Economic Outlook
In 2017, Venezuela's economic outlook was deemed negative by most bond-rating services.
2017: Downgraded to Authoritarian Regime
In 2017, the Democracy Index downgraded Venezuela to an authoritarian regime, citing increasingly dictatorial behavior by the Maduro government. Human Rights Watch also noted in 2017 the erosion of human rights protections and persecution of critics.
2017: US Imposes Economic Sanctions
In 2017, the Donald Trump administration imposed further economic sanctions against PDVSA and Venezuelan officials, intensifying the economic pressure on the country.
2017: Arms Diversion to Paramilitary Groups
In 2017, the Financial Times reported that some arms procured by the Venezuelan government over the previous two decades had been diverted to paramilitary civilian groups and criminal syndicates.
2018: Enforced Disappearances Occur
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.
2018: School Dropout Rates
By 2018, over half of all Venezuelan children had dropped out of school.
2018: Projected Hyperinflation
For 2018, an inflation rate of 1,000,000 percent was projected for Venezuela, similar to Germany in 1923 or Zimbabwe in the late 2000s.
2018: Maduro Wins Disputed Election
In 2018, Nicolás Maduro won the presidential election with 68% of the vote, but the results were widely challenged internationally, with many countries deeming the election fraudulent and recognizing Juan Guaidó as president.
August 2019: US Imposes Economic Embargo
In August 2019, the Trump administration imposed an economic embargo against Venezuela, escalating the economic pressure on the Maduro government.
March 2020: Trump Indicts Maduro and Officials
In March 2020, the U.S. government indicted President Maduro and other Venezuelan officials on charges of drug trafficking, narcoterrorism, and corruption.
June 2020: Report Documents Enforced Disappearances
In June 2020, a report documented enforced disappearances that occurred in 2018–19, with 724 cases reported. The report stated security forces subjected victims to torture.
2021: Total Population
According to the 2022 revision, in 2021 Venezuela's population was 28,199,867.
2021: Hydroelectricity Generation
In 2021, hydroelectricity accounted for 64% of Venezuela's electricity generation.
2022: World Population Prospects Revision
According to the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects the total population was 28,199,867 in 2021.
2022: Venezuela Population Estimate
In 2022, Venezuela's population was estimated to be 29 million people.
February 2024: UN Special Rapporteur Visit
In February 2024, a UN special rapporteur visited Venezuela.
June 2024: Venezuelan Refugee Crisis
By June 2024, more than 7.7 million people had fled Venezuela due to the ongoing crisis.
2024: VOA Report on Economic Decline
As of 2024, according to VOA (report from AFP), Venezuela's GDP has fallen by 80 percent in less than a decade, leading millions of citizens to flee due to poverty and failing health and education systems.
2024: Disputed Presidential Election
In 2024, Nicolas Maduro ran for a third term against Edmundo González Urrutia, leading to a disputed election. After the National Electoral Council announced a narrow Maduro victory, world leaders and international organizations expressed skepticism, and the opposition claimed a landslide victory.
