Venezuela

Officially the Republic of Venezuela. The country is divided into four well-defined regions - Maracaibo lowlands in the northwest, northern mountains stretching from Colombian border along the Caribbean Sea, central Orinoco plains (llanos) and Guiana highlands in southeast.

Climate: varies from tropical humid to alpine depending on elevation, topography, and prevailing winds. Rainy season for most regions runs from May through November

Population: 19.7 million

Languages: Spanish official language; Indian dialects spoken by isolated groups (less than 1 percent of population)

Capital: Caracas