Venezuelan States: Geography, Economy, Natural Resources

Amazonas State Profile

Topography

Characterized by vast plains interspersed with tepuis, the western part features large rivers like the Orinoco River, which originates in Cerro Chalbaud.

Vegetation

The state boasts natural landscapes with significant tourist and recreational potential. It consists of deciduous forests and dense jungles teeming with wildlife, including epiphytic plants on trees.

Economy

Economic activity in Amazonas State is limited. Most agricultural products are consumed locally, and agriculture is extensive. These activities, along with trade, are the main sources of employment in the region. Amazonas is one of Venezuela's richest states in natural resources, which are largely untapped. The state currently faces border issues with Brazil.

Bolívar State Profile

Terrain

Bolívar State features four distinct terrain types:

1. Lowlands or Plains: Ranging from the Orinoco River margins, with elevations not exceeding 300 meters.
2. The Gran Sabana: With heights ranging from 700 to 1,400 meters, home to majestic tepuis, spectacular waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes.
3. Hilly Regions: Including mountains like Mataca, located northwest near El Callao and Guasipati, with heights not exceeding 800 meters. The Nuria mountain range, similar in elevation, holds enormous iron deposits. Other significant ranges include the Magualida mountains bordering Amazonas to the southwest, and the Sierra de Pacaraima, which separates Venezuela from northern Brazil, featuring peaks like Cerro Chañares with a maximum height of 1,680 meters.
4. Tepuis: Such as Mount Roraima (2,800m), Auyán-tepui (2,600m), and Camacabarí (2,460m), among others.

Vegetation

Vegetation is varied, with pastures prevalent in the north. The Gran Sabana features herbaceous vegetation. In the Yuruari River basin, abundant grasslands support livestock breeding.

Economy

Due to its tremendous hydropower potential, mineral wealth, and abundant iron ore and bauxite, Bolívar State is a hub for major heavy industries in Latin America. Other important minerals include nickel, manganese, and mercury. Significant amounts of precious metals are also found.

Delta Amacuro State Profile

Relief

The Orinoco River Delta covers an area of 18,810 km², characterized by islands formed from river sediment. The Sierra Imataca, located to the right of the Orinoco River, extends towards Bolívar State and Guyana, covering 21,390 km².

Vegetation

Vegetation consists of dense forests, including deciduous forests and 'charrapales' (savanna-like areas).

Economy

The economy is based on the cultivation of bananas, cassava, maize, rice, beans, and cocoa, combined with fisheries and livestock farming. Oil is extracted in Tucupita, and bauxite deposits are present.

Financial Resources

Key financial resources include:

• Agricultural Products: Rice, corn, livestock (poultry meat and pork), coconut, banana, cassava, pineapples, palm hearts.
• Industrial Products: Forest products, refined petroleum products.
• Forest Products: Roots, mangrove, moriche palm, seje palm, yagrumo.
• Mineral Resources: Oil, gold.