Population:22,396,407 (July 1997).

On the northern coast of South America

between latitudes 0º 45´ and 12º 12´,

and longitudes 59º 45´ and 73º 09´.

Constitutional democracy. The President and the Bicameral Congress (Senators and Deputies) are elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term. Governors elected every 3 years.

Note: This is no longer at all correct. Venezuela is in a period of transition from one system to another. We will have to wait to see if the leadership of Venezuela accomplishes great things with these changes or adds itself to the list of those who have used Venezuela for their own benefit. Theories, rumors, even evidence are apparent for both sides of that argument. PLEASE read the current events for more information.