Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9% (official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%, unknown 0.2% (2000 census)
Exports
petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures
sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood
External Debt
$89,600,000,000 $
$1,079,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 2.147 (2008 est.), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006), 2,089.8 (2005), 1,891.3 (2004) note: On 1 January 2008 Venezuela revalued its currency with 1000 old bolivares equal to 1 new bolivar
Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar - 2 (2008 est.), 2 (2007), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.200%
1.400%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
1
0
Location
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana
Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Area
912,050 km sq
22,966 km sq
Coastline
2,800 km
386 km
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)