To the east lies the stunning Gran Sabana plateau, while the peaks of the Andes dominate the west.

The climate is tropical, but temperatures vary considerably with altitude. Like most tropical areas of the world, Venezuela has dry season and a rainy season.

Broadly speaking, the dry season goes from December to May while the rainy season lasts the remaining part of the year.

Venezuela is a medium income country with a substantial oil industry. Over the past six years the political situation in Venezuela has at times been highly polarized and volatile. President Hugo Chavez has consolidated power within the executive branch, extending its influence over the country’s other branches of government. Venezuela is very diverse geographically with Caribbean coastlines, mountains, tropical grasslands, and the vast Orinoco river system. The capital city is Caracas. Scheduled air service and all-weather roads connect major cities and most regions of the country. Venezuela 's tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location and price.