Some Venezuelans come to Canada for education and others because of job opportunities. Some may have come because they disagreed with the government in power at the time they left Venezuela. Others come to reunite with family members who have already immigrated to Canada. Whatever their reasons for coming to Canada, Venezuelans have hopes and dreams for their future in Canada. However, they have also left behind family, friends and a familiar way of life. Life in Canada may seem new and exciting, but it can also be confusing and frustrating at first.

This profile will help you to understand the customs and history of Venezuela. You will find some customs that are very different from those in Canada and others that are similar. We hope that this profile will help you understand the adjustments that your new Venezuelan friends or co-workers are experiencing while they learn about the Canadian way of life. We also hope that this profile will give you some ideas about how you can help Venezuelans adapt to their new life in Canada. 

Although this cultural profile provides insights into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described in this profile may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Venezuela.

Summary Fact Sheet

Official Name: Republic of Venezuela Capital: Caracas Type of Government: Constitutional Democracy Population: 21.6 million Area: 916,445 sq km Major Ethnic Groups: Mixed European and indigenous, Black, indigenous Language: Spanish, indigenous languages Religions: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism Unit of Currency: Bolívar National Flag: Three horizontal stripes (yellow, blue and red), with seven stars, symbolizing the seven original provinces, in a crescent on the blue stripe. Date of Independence: July 5, 2021