Venezuela, which means ”little Venice“, was given its name by Alonso de Ojeda. Arriving at Lake Maracaibo, he admired the stilted houses that the Indians had build above the lake and called the place Venezuela. The following occupation and colonization by the Spaniards and other Europeans was less ”thorough“ than in other Southern American countries, thus enabling the resident Indian culture to mix with the entering European culture. 

Venezuela’s economic development really got started with the discovery of oil in the beginning of the twentieth century. The oil boom of the seventies gave a tremendous impulse to Venezuelan economy. Mainly relying upon oil, the drop of the oil prices in the eighties caused a crisis that still has influence on the economical and political situation of this mainly catholic country.

Being less oriented on Europe, Venezuelans have developed their own, typical, culture.

Compared to other Southern Americans, Venezuelans can be described as easy going people that like to enjoy life. It is no wonder that this swinging country is known for its fiestas, vibrating rhythm, bright colours and noisy cities. Venezuela’s eventful history, its exotic landscapes and its ethnic and cultural blend, give the Venezuelan art its typical ”salsa“.