FACTS & FIGURES

POPULATION 24.3 million (July 2002 est.)

LAND AREA 317,393 sq miles. Slightly more than twice the size of California

CAPITAL Caracas

CLIMATE Tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

CURRENCY Bolivar

EXCHANGE 1 U.S.$ = 1,331 Bolivar (December 2002)

GDP GROWTH 2.8% (2001 est.)

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS 23 states

INDUSTRIES Petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly