Background Information on the Crisis in Venezuela
Chaos. Venezuela has been a victim of political and economic struggles for years — yet, most people do not know about the crisis in Venezuela. Why? This is because of the lack of media awareness; the lack of conversation — even if it is long overdue, it’s time to shed light on the crisis of Venezuela.
Political and economic conditions have only aggravated the situation in Venezuela. The main issue of political unrest (political unrest is defined as the sum of riots, general strikes and anti-government demonstrations) affects over 7 million individuals in the country — 1.3 million being children. The issue reigns over the country as over 5.4 million individuals are forced to flee for their survival.
How did the Crisis Start?
Hugo Chávez was the president of Venezuela from 1999–2013. He promised the country he would fight the issues of socioeconomic inequality and poverty that the country faces. He relied on the country’s oil production as a main source of income — as Venezuela has one of the world’s largest oil reserves.
Chávez passed away in 2013; so, Nicolás Maduro became president — yet the issues only got worse. The country fell into a deep recession — a depression. The country ran out of money. The price of oil and incomes were dropping. Besides this, Venezuela still relied on its oil production. In the past 6 years, the economy has dropped over 50%.
With shortages of food, an increase in unemployment rates, and an increase of hyperinflation — Venezuela falls into the category of being in a humanitarian crisis. Evidence backs this up, as over 87% of the country lives in poverty.
The presidential crisis of the country does not go unnoticed. Although Nicolás Maduro was re-elected in 2018 — controversy struck. The National Assembly, however, did not acknowledge this re-election. On January 23rd, 2019 Juan Guaidó was determined as interim president.
What Exactly is Happening to Venezuelans?
With economic and political influences on the country only rising, a plethora of struggles have presented themselves to Venezuelans.
Food — it’s a human necessity, yet over 1/3 of the country’s population eat less than 3 meals a day. There is a severe shortage of food in Venezuela, which causes citizens to suffer from issues such as anemia, anorexia, etcetera.
Healthcare. 79% of the country does not have a water supply. 104 health facilities lack basic medical supplies — such as infant formula. With a lack of food — children are the most affected. The amount of malnutrition cases is only increasing, as it tripled in the year 2016. However, the medical attention needed for malnutrition cases is slowly becoming non-existent. There is not enough to supply those who are struggling from the effects of poverty.
Hyperinflation is a term economists use to describe a period of extremely high inflation. In modern history, Venezuela has become a victim, having one of the longest ‘hyperinflation episodes’. In 2018, the rate of inflation reached 80 000 percent. The concept is simple — the prices of everything have gone up; yet, the rate of employment and amount of income stays the same. Purchasing power has decreased, and the economy has become corrupted.
Unemployment. In 2018, the rates of unemployment reached 33.3% — and are only increasing. Yet, those who are lucky enough to have a job, still struggle with having enough money to put food on the table or a roof over their head.
With economic and political issues only worsening, and almost the whole country living in poverty — Venezuelans are desperate to flee.
Citizens of Venezuela continue to struggle — to stay alive. With shortages of food, medical supplies, water, and a corrupted economy, those in Venezuela need our help more than ever.
How can you help?
Imagine living in fear every. single. day. Imagine not knowing if you can make it to tomorrow.
The struggles of those in poverty are ones that no one should have to endure. If you, or anyone you know, would like the chance to help the Venezuelans in need, please check out this website linked below. Any amount can help save a life.
