People of Venezuela

Before you travel to Venezuela on vacation, you’ll want to learn about the great people of Venezuela. In this article, you’ll learn about the people of Venezuela, their culture, language, religious beliefs, hobbies, and music.

Venezuela’s People Immigrated from All Over the World

Venezuela is home to approximately 28 million people with groups of European, Amerindian, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern heritage. About 85% of Venezuelans live in the northern part of the country that stretches up to the Caribbean sea.

The European immigrants to Venezuela came primarily from Spain, however in the middle of the 20th century, many German, Italian, North American, and Portuguese people immigrated to Venezuela in search of oil wealth. You’ll also find a small percentage of Venezuelan people of French, English and Polish descent.

Of the various ethnic groups that make up the people of Venezuela, approximately 69% of the popoulation is considered “mestizo”, which means a mix of European, African, and Amerindian ancestry. About 20% are white/European, 10% are black African, and 1% are pure indigenous Amerindians.




Venezuela – Languages Spoken by the People

Spanish is considered Venezuela’s primary language that’s spoken by the majority of the population, but there are over 40 languages spoken by the wide mix of Venezuelan people.

In addition to Spanish, there are numerous languages spoken by Venezuela’s indigenous peoples. You’ll also find people speaking English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Catalan, and other languages across the 23 states that make up Venezuela.

People and Religion in Venezuela

Venezuela’s people are primarily roman catholic. It’s estimated that over 90% of the Venezuelan population are Roman Catholic. About 8% of Venezuela’s people are Protestant, and the remaining percentage of the population practice another religion, or are athiest.

There is also a small muslim community, across several of Venezuela’s 23 states, as well as a small Jewish community located in Venezuela’s capital city of Caracas.

Culture of Venezuela

The people of Venezuela have a rich cultural history that’s been shaped by American Indian, Spanish, African, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, and South American influences.

Over 1,700 miles (2,800 kilometers) of Venezuela’s northern coastline touch the Caribbean sea, and that Caribbean influence is visible in Venezuela’s historic buildings, architecture, and art.

Art of Venezuela

Venezuela’s art movement was dominated by religious themes until the late 1800s when Modernism became popular form of art in Venezuela. Just some of Venezuela’s most famous artists include Arturo Michelena, and Armando Reverón.

Literature of Venezuela

Venezuelan literature began shortly after the Spanish colonized Venezuela, which explains why it has such as strong Spanish influence.

One of Venezuela’s most famous writers was Andrés Bello (Andrés de Jesús María y José Bello López), who lived from 1781 to 1865. Andrés Bello was best known for his political and literary works. He also lived in England, as well as Chile, where he completed one of his most famous accomplishments that took 20 years to complete: publishing the 1852 Civil Code of Chile, which served as the governing code for the country. Andrés Bello is also pictured on the 2,000 Venezuelan bolívar and 20,000 Chilean peso currency notes.




Music of Venezuela

Venezuela’s music scene is diverse, and ranges from traditional genres from Venezuela’s indigenous peoples, to modern pop & rock, other western mustical styles.

One of the most popular music genres in Venezuela is joropo – a musical style that originated in the plains (llanos in Spanish) regions of the country, made popular by artists like Juan Vicente Torrealba, Ignacio Figueredo, and others.

In Zulia state, Venezuelans enjoy the popular style of music they call, gaita, which is especially popular during Christmas.

You’ll also find people listening to galeron, malaguena, and punto genres of music in various parts of Venezuela.

Venezuela is also influenced by Cuban-American salsa, as well as American style pop and rock music, which you’ll hear on their local radio stations throughout the country.

How Do Venezuelan People Feel About Foreigners?

Because Venezuela has such a diverse population of people that immigrated from all over Europe, South America, The Caribbean, and Africa, Venezuelans are very open to travelers visiting from all over the world.

Venezuelan people are known for being happy, social people who enjoy music, dancing, talking and a great party, so be ready to have a great time when you travel to Venezuela on vacation!




 
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