Venezuela and neighbouring countries
The coastal state of Venezuela extends almost 5'000 meters into the Andes. The country is home to a great variety of species and biodiversity and has one of the largest proven oil reserves. However, years of economic mismanagement since 2015 have led to a humanitarian and political crisis. Today, 80 per cent of the population are poor and can barely meet their basic needs. This has led to the greatest wave of migration in Latin America‘s recent history.
Millions of Venezuelans continue to flee to the neighbouring countries, which face great challenges in hosting the refugees. Caritas Switzerland supports refugees in Venezuela and in the neighbouring countries of Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. In addition to providing emergency aid, Caritas is also committed to fighting poverty in the longer term.
Overview in figures
Sources: Human Development Report, UNESCO, UNFPA (as of 2023)
- Total population: 28.8 million
- Poverty index (proportion of people affected by poverty): 50.5%
- Prosperity indicator (total 193 states): rank 119
- Gross National Income per capita: USD 6'184
- Life expectancy at birth: 71.1 years
- Child mortality: 2.4%
- Literacy rate (age 15 and over): 97.6%
- CO2 emissions per capita: 2.5 tons
Caritas Switzerland on site
Header image: Many people from Venezuela sought refuge in the Brazilian state of Roraima. © Felipe Larozza