Formal Name
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Local Name
Venezuela
Local Formal Name
República Bolivariana de Venezuela
Location: South America
Status: UN Country
Capital City: Caracas
Main Cities: Maracaibo, Barquisimeto, Valencia
Population: 21,051,000 Area [sq.km]: 912,050
Currency: 1 bolívar = 100 céntimos
Main Languages: Spanish
Main Religions: Roman Catholic
Adopted March 13, 2006
The Venezuela flag, with yellow, blue & red stripes of equal width, was introduced in 1836 and has since undergone several modifications in the arms and the arrangement of the stars. The latest change occured in March, 2006. The seven stars represent the seven provinces that began the fight for independence. In 2006, the 8th star was added to honor Simon Bolivar. Them emblems on the arms symbolize the unity of the 20 provinces (a wheatsheaf with 20 ears), the struggle for independence (flags and weapons) and liberty (a running horse) which is running toward the left of the shield in order to symbolize twenty-first century socialism. The cornucopias stand for the country's wealth and prosperity, and the wreath of laurel and palm is a symbol of glory and peace. |
