Venezuela's Sovereign Territory: Geography, Borders, and Maritime Dimensions

The Territorial Dimension of Venezuelan Sovereignty

The territorial dimension of sovereignty is defined by the country's territory or sovereign space—the physical location in which the nation is situated. Venezuela is a country located in northern South America.

Geographical Location and Coordinates

Venezuela's location corresponds to the Northern Hemisphere, with its southern border situated close to the Equator line. Its territory consists of a compact landmass that extends evenly from east to west and from north to south. It also includes a set of hundreds of islands, cays, and islets in the Caribbean Sea.

The mainland is situated on the northern coast of South America, specifically between 0° 38' 53'' and 12° 11' 46'' North latitude, and 59° 47' 30'' and 73° 23' West longitude.

International Borders and Maritime Limits

Venezuela is bordered by extensive land and sea boundaries:

• North: The Caribbean Sea, spanning 2,813 km. Venezuela recognizes maritime borders with the territorial waters of:
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • The Netherlands (Antilles)
  • Grenada
  • United States (Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands)
• South: The Republic of Brazil, sharing a border approximately 2,000 km long.
• East: The Atlantic Ocean and the Republic of Guyana, sharing a border of 743 km.
• West: The Republic of Colombia, sharing a border spanning 2,050 km.

Continental Shelf and Physical Geography

The Continental Shelf, located to the North and Northeast, contributes significantly to Venezuela's sovereign area. The total land surface and maritime presence account for approximately 860,000 km² of sea area.

In general, the geography comprises a broad coastal strip of low relief, situated between 0 and 100 meters above sea level. This strip lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Cordillera de la Costa (Coastal Range).

Major Depressions and Lowlands

The country features three major widened depressions and swampy lowlands:

1. The Maracaibo Lake region (West)
2. The Unare depression (Central Northeast)
3. The Orinoco Delta region (East)

Coastal Features and Major Ports

The coastal zone hosts the largest ports in the country:

• La Guaira
• Maracaibo
• Puerto Cabello
• Puerto La Cruz

These vast areas result in a compact continental area, facilitating integration and cohesion. The maximum distance measures 1,493 km east-west and 1,271 km north-south. It is articulated by extensive coastlines, reaching a Caribbean Sea coastline of 2,183 km in length, extending from the promontory of Paria to Castilletes. This coastline is irregular and consists of numerous gulfs and bays, most notably the Gulf of Venezuela, the Gulf of Triste (Sad), and Cariaco, along with more than 314 islands, cays, and islets under Venezuelan sovereignty, extending north to Aves Island.