Venezuela’s oil industry has begun a cautious recovery after nearly a decade of steep decline, but production levels remain far below their former peak.

When Venezuela’s National Electoral Council declared Nicolás Maduro the winner of the July 2024 presidential election, the result did not resolve a long-running crisis of legitimacy.

China and the United States were reportedly the largest importers of Venezuelan crude in 2024.

The United States has long played a controversial role in the politics of South America, from quiet backing of coups in the 20th century to unprecedented military action in 2026. This week’s dramatic events in Caracas have once again highlighted that history.

Brazil is often celebrated as a country like no other, as the land of samba, football, lush rainforests, and a unique Portuguese-speaking identity in a Spanish-speaking continent.

Venezuela leads the world in proven oil reserves in 2025 with an astonishing 303 billion barrels, followed closely by Saudi Arabia at 267 billion barrels, with Iran securing third place at 209 billion barrels.