Inhabitants
More than two-thirds of the population live in well-developed northern coastal region, while the tropical  rainforests of South and the mountains of Guyana are almost deserted. The movement of rural population into cities does not stop: Only 15% of the people live outside of cities, which causes in wide spread misery quarters (Ranchos). Nationalities
Two-thirds of the population are mestizos and mulattos. The roots of the white population (20%) are mainly Spanish and Italian. Still, n the extreme northwest and in Guyana, there are Indian settlements. Religion
Almost all Venezuelans belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Social welfare
Although Venezuela is on of the richest countries in Latin America, the gap between rich and poor still grows, because the big oil production benefits the urban middle classes mainly. Education
The big difference between town and country is reflected in the illiteracy rate that amounts to 35% in the country could be lowered to 8.5% in the cities. The compulsory schooling for all children is between 7 and 13 years, and it is not respected, the average length of schooling amounts to only three years. | 
