Policy in Venezuela

Venezuela, a vibrant and dynamic country located in the northern part of South America, is the fourth largest producer of oil in the world. It has a population of 26 million and has relatively low levels of illiteracy. It was a colonized country until it was freed by Simón Bolívar (the national hero), who led the war of independence not only in Venezuela, but also in a number of other South American countries. Since that time, Venezuela has experienced political instability like many of our Latin American neighbours (Galeano 1995). Currently, Venezuela is the longest lasting democracy (since 1958) in Latin America. Although it has a strong tradition of government funding in all sectors of society, including sports, and a remarkable interest in baseball (its number one sport), Venezuela is not considered a sportive nation.