Introduction:
Venezuela is a South American nation located on the Caribbean Sea. With Caracas as its capital, Venezuela is home to some of the most interesting places and cultures in the world. It’s a multiethnic nation with its own unique customs and traditions. From its impressive wildlife reserves to its vibrant musical culture, Venezuela is bursting with unexpected facts. Let’s explore 15 interesting facts about Venezuela that you may not know.
Fact 1: It has the World’s Highest Waterfall
Venezuela is home to the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. Standing at an impressive 3,212 feet tall, it is approximately 15 times higher than Niagara Falls. Angel Falls is located in Canaima National Park, a natural wonderland that is filled with spectacular waterfalls, tepuy mountains, and lagoons. It is a wonder of the world and a must-visit for anyone exploring Venezuela.
Fact 2: It Has the Largest Centuries-Old Lake
Maracaibo lake is considered to be the oldest existing lake in the world, with human inhabitation dating back as early as 1529. This majestic lake is home to thousands of species of fish and an abundance of aquatic life. Maracaibo is the Venezuelan basin for the abundance of its oil and gas.
Fact 3: It is Home to Unique Wildlife
Venezuela is blessed to be home to some of the animals in the world. The Venezuelan Water Dog is an ancient dog native to Venezuela. This breed of dog is extremely rare and is found almost exclusively in the country. Other marsupials like the Capuchin monkey, the armadillo, the coati, and the vampire bat can also be spotted in the country’s forests and jungles.
Fact 4: It has the World’s Tallest Rideable Bicycle
Venezuela owns the world’s tallest rideable bicycle, measuring at an incredible 37 feet in height. This bicycle was constructed by the Venezuelan Bicycle Club and takes up to three people at a time to ride. It can be found near a bridge in Ciudad Guayana, a city in the southeastern region of Venezuela.
Fact 5: It Has Major Oil Reserves
Venezuela is an oil-rich country in the world. It has the largest oil reserves in the world, proven to be around 297 billion barrels. It has the eighth-largest natural gas reserves estimated to be around 121 trillion cubic feet. Oil and gas play a major role in the Venezuelan economy, contributing to 90 percent of the export earnings.
Fact 6: It is a Major Coffee Exporter
Venezuela is the world’s 15th largest producer of coffee and is the fourth-largest coffee exporter in the world. Nearly 800,000 farmers are involved in coffee production in Venezuela, with the majority of the harvest coming from the Merida and Portuguesa states.
Fact 7: It Has One of the Oldest Cathedrals in the Americas
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Caracas is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. This impressive structure dates back to 1712 and is made up of four separate chapels, each built with a unique style. This cathedral is known for its chapels and magnificently ornate ceilings and walls.
Fact 8: It is the Only Country in the World with a National Park Underwater
Venezuela is the first and only country in the world to have a national park underwater. The Los Roques archipelago is made up of 42 coral islands surrounded by warm, crystal clear waters. The park is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, as its coral and marine life are some of the most fascinating in the world.
Fact 9: It is Home to the Largest Cave Chamber in the World
Venezuela is home to the world’s largest cave chamber, which is named Sarisariñama. Spanning a staggering 380 meters wide and 75 meters in height, it is believed that this cave chamber was formed around 250 million years ago. It is a stunning cave system and has been declared a national monument of Venezuela.
Fact 10: It Has the World’s Highest Commercial Flight
Venezuela lays claim to the world’s highest commercial flight. TAP Air Portugal uses an Airbus A340 to fly nonstop from Caracas to Lisbon, reached an altitude of 38,000 feet and breaking the world record for the world’s highest commercial flight.
Fact 11: It Has the Largest Water Reservoir in the World
The Guri Dam is one of the largest reservoirs in the world with a capacity of 154 km3 and a surface area of 4,250 km2. This dam produces about 70% of Venezuela’s electricity and is located on the Carabobo River.
Fact 12: It Has an Active Volcano
Venezuela is home to an active volcano, Pico Bolivar. Standing a majestic 5,007 meters above sea level, it is the highest in Venezuela’s Andean mountain range. The last eruption was in 1915 but it is considered to still be active.
Fact 13: Its Currency is One of the Most Valued in the World
The Bolivar is one of the most valuable currencies in the world. It is one of the top ten most valued currencies and has one of the highest exchange rates. Despite its high value, the Bolivar can still be found in many national markets and is freely traded internationally.
Fact 14: It is Home to the World’s Largest Amphibian
Venezuela is home to the world’s largest amphibian, the giant frog. It can be found in the Angel Andres national park in the Venezuelan Andes mountains. This frog can reach up to 10 inches and has a unique spotted yellow coloring.
Fact 15: It Has the Highest Clock Tower in the World
Venezuela is home to the highest clock tower in the world. Standing at 180 meters tall, it is located in Caracas and holds the record as the world’s largest clock tower. The clock is a symbol of the country’s vibrancy and is a popular tourist attraction.
Conclusion
Venezuela is a country filled with interesting and unique facts that are hard to believe. From the world’s highest waterfall to the tallest rideable bicycle, Venezuela offers its visitors a remarkable selection of surprises and memories. Whether you choose to explore the Andes, dive in the Caribbean Sea, or simply take in the hustle and bustle of the city, Venezuela is a destination that is sure to capture your imagination.
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