• Colombia!

    Colombia: Caribbean Sea coast. Go Now!

    Colombia
    Although most of the people live inland, Colombia also has its share of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (pictured). Go Now!

  • Ecuador!

    Ecuador: Sally Lightfoot Crab. Go Now!

    Ecuador
    The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are home to incredible wildlife, such as the famous Galapagos Turtle and the lesser known, but more common Red Rock or Sally Lightfoot crab (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Chile!

    Chile: Torres del Paine National Park. Go Now!

    Chile
    The Andes dominate much of Chile, including the breath-taking Torres del Paine National Park (pictured). However, the country also hosts the world's driest desert and a thriving metropolis. Begin Your Journey!

  • Venezuela!

    Venezuela: Los Roques. Go Now!

    Venezuela
    Rooted in Europe, Venezuela boasts an impressive history, culture, and beauty, including the Caribbean Coast (pictured). Explore Venezuela!

  • Bolivia!

    Bolivia: Salt flats. Go Now!

    Bolivia
    This hidden gem is full of surprises, from the impressive salt flats (pictured) to the migrating flamingos. It also clings to the most historic indigenous culture on the continent. Explore Bolivia!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of Venezuela

WARNING: Violence is common in Venezeula, please read this travel warning before going!

Ethnicity

Venezuela is overwhelmingly of European descent, but there is a wide mix of European ethnic groups. The largest of these ethnicities is Spanish, but Italian, Portuguese, and German are also common and many people have ancestors from these countries as well. There is also a fairly significant presence of people who have some Arab, African, or indigenous blood in them as well.

Language

Spanish is the only official language in Venezuela and it is the most commonly spoken language by a significant margin. Many of the first and second generation immigrants speak a different language at home and many of the indigenous people speak a different language, but these people make up a very small percentage of the population and they often speak Spanish as a second language.

Spanish is a Romance language also spoken in Spain; it is closely related to other Romance languages, including Portuguese, Italian, French, Romanian, others. The dialect of Spanish in Venezuela is quite distinct in comparison to that of Spain and there are also many minor differences in the language across Latin America.

Religion

A huge percentage of Venezuela's population is nominally Roman Catholic, which is a result of Spanish rule and settlement. Although nearly everyone claims to be Catholic, very few are regularly practicing.

Catholicism is a Christian religion that is one of the first Christian religions and was the most dominant religious force in the Christian world for years. Catholicism believes that there is a single God who created everything, a savior, the son of God, Jesus Christ who is the forgiver of sins, and there is the Holy Spirit, which makes up the last part of the Holy Trinity.

Continue reading on Safari the Globe to Learn the Catholic Church's doctrines, liturgy, symbolism, traditions, & hierarchy

This page was last updated: May, 2014