Venezuela
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.29%
Venezuela is a South America country of around 28.5 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 916,445 km², translating to a density of 31 people per km². Its capital is Caracas, and Spanish is the official language, while the Venezuelan bolívar soberano serves as the national currency.
Population
28,517,000
Area
916,445 km²
Density
31/km²
World Rank
#53
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Births occur at 15.1 per thousand against deaths at 7.6 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 25.5% of residents under 15 and 9.7% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Caracas
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- South America
- Continent
- South America
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currencies
- Venezuelan bolívar soberano (Bs.S.)
- Calling Code
- +58
- Top-Level Domain
- .ve
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-04:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 28,517,000
- Land Area
- 916,445 km²
- Population Density
- 31 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.29%
- Annual Growth
- -82,699 people
- Daily Growth
- -227 people
- World Population Share
- 0.35%
- Coordinates
- 8.00°, -66.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $4.2k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 5.3%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 44.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
72.5 years
GDP per Capita
$4,218
Birth Rate
15.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
89.3%
Fertility Rate
2.08 births/woman
Infant Mortality
21.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.3%
Literacy Rate
97.2%
Internet Users
61.6%
Under 15
25.5%
Over 65
9.7%
Health Spending
3.8% GDP
Gini Index
44.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
7.3M
15-64 years
18.5M
65+ years
2.8M
Urbanization
Venezuela is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 89.3% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Caracas, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 100467.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
25.5M
89.3%
3.1M
10.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 72.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 21.5 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 97.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Venezuela
Venezuela has 67 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Venezuela's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. As a United Nations member state, Venezuela participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 28,517,000 |
| 2030 | 28,195,047 |
| 2035 | 27,812,579 |
| 2040 | 27,449,445 |
| 2045 | 27,103,046 |
| 2050 | 26,771,191 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Venezuela.
Largest Cities in Venezuela
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Venezuela by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Venezuela?
The population of Venezuela is approximately 28.5 million as of 2026, making it #53 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Venezuela?
The capital of Venezuela is Caracas.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela?
The main languages spoken in Venezuela are Spanish.
How big is Venezuela?
Venezuela covers an area of 916,445 km² with a population density of 31 people per km².
Is Venezuela growing or shrinking?
Venezuela's population is declining at a rate of -0.29% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Venezuela?
The average life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Venezuela?
The GDP per capita of Venezuela is $4,218.