1. For VENEZUELA, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE: Before answering the questions below, read the “Background” and watch the video under “Resources.”

2. For VENEZUELA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why is the Trump administration urging the Venezuelan military to accept a peaceful transfer of power to opposition leader Juan Guaido?
c) Why is the U.S. imposing sanctions on Venezuela’s state-run (government owned) oil company PDVSA? Be specific.
d) What is the U.S. calling on our allies and partners to do?
e) What exemptions is the U.S. making regarding Venezuela’s oil?

CHALLENGE: Venezuela was once the richest country in South America. It has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. The socialist governments of Hugo Chavez and his hand-picked successor Nicolas Maduro have destroyed the economy. Skim the article and “Background” from Friday, Jan. 25 Daily News Article "U.S. recognizes assembly leader as interim president of Venuzeula"
How long do you think it will take the military to pull their support for socialist President Maduro and transition Guaido into power as the interim president until legitimate elections can be conducted?
How important a role will the Trump administration have played in helping the people of Venezuela restore their government and economy? (Do you think the governments of South America and the EU and Canada would have forced Maduro to leave without U.S. involvement? Explain your answers.