The republic of Venezuela is a former Spanish colony that won its independence in 1821. Shaped roughly like an inverted triangle, the country has a 2,800-kilometer (1,700 mile) coastline. With an estimated population of 26,414,816 people, the country's vibrant capital is Caracas and official language spoken is Spanish. It is known widely for its petroleum industry, the environmental diversity of its territory, and its natural features. There are a total of 26 national parks in Venezuela. The largest national park is Canaima, covering over three million hectares. Other national parks include: Henri Pittier, Sierra Nevada, Guatopo, El Avila, Yurubi, Yacamb, Cueva De La Quebrada, El toro, Archipelago De Los Roques, Medanos de Coro, Laguna la Restinga, El Copey, Aguaro Guariquito, Morrocoy, El Guacharo, Terepaima, El Tama, Peninsula de Peria, Sari-Sarinama, Yapacana Duida Marahauca and Serriana La Neblina. Two of the lesser known parks - Park Nacional in La Cunata and Parque National in Archipielago de los Roques - offer great opportunities for the adventurous traveler and scenes of majestic beauty for the camera to capture. Park National, La Cunata The flora and fauna in the natural park are abundant and the contrasts of the land to landscape are a thrill for any traveler. Rivers border the whole area and there is great diversity of birdlife. High mountains take the visitor to the very clouds it seems and produce spectacular views equal to none. The shading of the mountainous terrain covers all tones of white to black and white and black again. The park boasts of more than 181 species of plants. With a keen sense of protecting the environment, the park offers landscapes of unparalleled beauty and a rainbow-like splendour. Park National Archipelago de los Roques This park offers recreational sites on its satin-like beaches for casual hiking and water sports. In addition, a scientific biological station is open to all visitors and seeks to educate travelers about the region's bio-diversity. The islands form a central lagoon which is vast and visually impressive. The rocks of the are are somewhat bare and yet are magnificent in their own right. They are covered by cactus and the odd, but rich vegetation particular to these islands. Turtles and other creatures feed on the over-sized leaves in the otherwise seemingly barren areas of the region. There are red, white and black splashes of colour here and there where micro-organisms have made a permanent home near the coast. Now and again, the visitor discovers objects and remnants of the Indians of the past who inhabited the region. It is a truly fascinating place with emerald beaches in contrast to the turquoise color of some of the rock formations. Activities for tourist consumption include fishing, bird watching, snorkeling, diving and kite surfing. The potential for economic growth in Venezuela is enormous. Strategically situated on the north-east of the South American continent bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela possesses immense, rich natural resources and is already one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America, in per capita terms.
