For hundreds of years Venezuela
has travelled a rocky political road. Bloody coups, civil wars, violent
demonstrations and paralyzing strikes all feature in its history – even up to
the present day.
This is after all a
country with significant levels of poverty – 30 per cent of the population live
on less than $2 a day. It also has extremely high levels of crime.
(Kids making the most of their poor surrounds)
Unstable & Corrupt
There is significant
opposition to current controversial President, Hugo Chavez that sometimes
spills over into confrontation.
On top of this Venezuela
has been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries on the Corruption
Perceptions Index since the survey started in 1995. In 2010 it ranked a woeful
164, out of 178 countries.
There have been
two reasons for this historically – oil and cocaine.
Due to its
proximity to major drug-producing regions, such as the country to its west,
Columbia, Venezuela is a significant route for drug trafficking.
Colombian cocaine
and other drugs transit through Venezuela towards the United States and Europe.
Because of this, Venezuela ranks fourth in the world for cocaine seizures,
behind only Colombia, the United States, and Panama.
Dodgy Borders
Because of that
drug trade and risks from terrorist groups and cross-border political tension
it is advisable to give this border region an 80 kilometer wide birth –
particularly in the border states of Bolivar, Amazonas, Apure, Tachira, Zulia
and Barinas.
Cross-border violence,
kidnapping, drug trafficking, smuggling, and cattle-rustling occur frequently
in these areas.
Colombian
terrorist groups, such as the FARC (Revolutionary
Armed Forces of Colombia) and ELN (Colombia's National Liberation Army), and narcotic
gangs are active along Venezuela's border with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana.
Kidnapping for
ransom in these areas has resulted in the death of victims, including
foreigners.
Common criminals are
also increasingly involved in kidnappings, either dealing with victim's
families directly or selling the victim to terrorist groups.
As well as being
kidnapped you could also be arrested by the Venezuelan military as
they regularly conduct search and arrest operations to maintain law and order
in border regions.
Troop movements
and border closures could occur at short notice.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Even away from the border regions it is wise to stay alert to political
unrest.
Pay close
attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for
information about possible new safety or security risks.
Prior notice of
demonstrations is often included in the local English language newspaper Daily Journal. National strikes can be
called at short notice, causing disruptions to air travel, public transport and
banking facilities.
Be particularly
vigilant during days of national or commemorative significance as the
likelihood of civil unrest may increase.
Obviously you
should avoid any demonstrations and protests throughout the country given their
potential to turn violent.
Be aware that violence,
including exchanges of gunfire and tear gas, has occurred at political
demonstrations in the past.
Demonstrations tend to
occur at or near university campuses, business centers, and gathering places
such as public squares and plazas.
The city of Merida, a
major tourist destination in the Andes, has been the scene of frequent
demonstrations, some of them violent. This violence has included the use of
firearms and tear gas.
Related Articles
Weather and natural hazards in Venezuela
Travel in Venezuela
Local laws & customs
Venezuela water and disease guide
Crime in Venezuela
Turbulent, troubled Venezuela
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