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A couple observes a section of a mural that Venezuelan artist Oscar Olivares elaborates using plastic covers with the help of residents in an attempt to make the world's largest mural
Image: Yuri Cortez/AFP

Venezuela

Venezuela is an oil-rich country in South America. Despite having the world's largest known oil reserves, its bankrupt economy has lead to a refugee crisis and dire human rights situation.

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All Content on this topic

Aerial view of a missile strike

US, Venezuela say Tren de Aragua leader killed in strike

The leader of the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua gang has died in a US strike, US President Donald Trump says.
Law and JusticeJune 13, 2026
Protesters in Venezuela demand higher wages and presidential elections

Venezuelans want elections — but when will they get them?

Will Venezuelans be allowed to decide who runs their country? Or is the country not ready yet?
PoliticsJune 4, 202618:07 min
Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia speaks at a campaign event on May 16, 2024

Venezuela opposition candidate Gonzalez urges new elections

The push comes about five months after US forces captured Nicolas Maduro in a raid on the presidential residence.
PoliticsMay 31, 2026
Venezuelan President Maduro, right, receives Alex Saab at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023

Venezuela deports Maduro ally Alex Saab to US

He fell out of favor with the new administration that took power since Maduro’s ouster and capture by US special forces.
PoliticsMay 17, 2026
Captain Ric Wilson waves a Venezuelan flag and the first officer waves a U.S. flag as they prepare to fly American Airlines Flight AA3599

First direct US-Venezuela flight in 7 years lands in Caracas

The direct flight comes a month after the US formally reopened its embassy in Caracas
TravelMay 1, 2026
Students march on National Youth Day to demand the release of detainees, considered political prisoners by their families and human rights groups, in Caracas

Germany's entrepreneurs betting on post-Maduro Venezuela

Venezuela's economy is opening up, and that could pay off for the few German companies who've played the long game.
BusinessApril 28, 2026
Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez meet in Caracas

Colombia, Venezuela hold key talks in post-Maduro visit

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is the first leader to travel to Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro's removal.
PoliticsApril 25, 2026
A tanker truck belonging to Venezuela's state energy company PDVSA

Will Venezuela's oil sector reform attract investors?

Venezuela's leaders are opening the country's oil industry up for private capital, but they lack democratic support.
PoliticsApril 20, 2026
Nine small, grainy, monochrome images show nine boats, filmed from the sky

US strikes on alleged 'drug boats' spark legal controversy

Critics say attacks on suspected "drug boats" are ineffective and mainly aimed at Trump’s domestic base.
PoliticsApril 18, 2026
A man shows the new 200 and 500 bolivar banknotes in Caracas

IMF, World Bank restore relations with Venezuela

The move further legitimizes Venezuela's interim government and paves the way for financial support.
PoliticsApril 17, 2026
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez smiles and speaks into a microphone

Venezuela's Rodriguez pushes reforms in first 100 days

After the US ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, all eyes are on Acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
PoliticsApril 14, 2026
Frontal view of a battered car in a street

Venezuela's car crisis — REV

Why do used cars cost as much as new ones in Venezuela’s distorted auto market? And REV tests the new Mazda 6e.
Cars and TransportationApril 9, 202626:04 min
Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez

US lifts sanctions on Venezuela's acting president

The move comes as the US continues to gradually ease measures on Venezuela after toppling Nicolas Maduro.
PoliticsApril 2, 2026
An American flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, March 14, 2026

US reopens embassy in Venezuela after seizing Nicolas Maduro

The US seized President Nicolas Maduro in a military raid in January and has since reestablished diplomatic ties.
PoliticsMarch 30, 2026
A court drawing of Maduro in a NY court on March 26, 2026

US Judge declines to dismiss Maduro case over legal fees

Maduro asked the judge to dismiss the case by arguing he did not have sufficient personal funds for his legal defense.
PoliticsMarch 26, 2026
People gather around a water tanker truck to fill up buckets and other containers as severe fuel shortages have disrupted water pumping and distribution, in Havana, Cuba

US sanctions, silent allies: Where have Cuba's friends gone?

A US oil embargo has plunged Cuba into crisis. Why are Cuba's traditional left‑wing allies staying silent?
PoliticsMarch 26, 202612:01 min
A graphic representation of a hand showing the victory sign is superimposed on the Made in Germany show logo which appears on a bright red background

The worldwide materials transition

Raw materials like oil, rare earths, steel, and gold affect landscapes, people, and politics globally.
BusinessMarch 24, 202626:04 min
The US flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas

US flag raised at embassy in Venezuela after 7 years

The US embassy in Caracas has raised the Stars and Stripes for the first time after a hiatus of seven years.
PoliticsMarch 14, 2026
Person in military uniform working at a command center desk, monitoring multiple surveillance and tactical operations screens

How AI is being used in war in 2026

Operation Epic Fury in Iran, the capture of Maduro in Venezuela and ICE surveillance show: AI shapes today’s conflicts.
SocietyMarch 6, 202604:11 min
A view of the UU embassy in Caracas

US, Venezuela to restore diplomatic ties

It’s a sign of thawing relations after the United States captured former president Nicolas Maduro.
PoliticsMarch 6, 2026
Iran Teheran 2026 | Rauchsäule nach Luftangriff auf die iranische Hauptstadt

Did the US‑Israel strikes on Iran break international law?

The Iran attack sparks a debate over self‑defense, the assassination of leaders, and the erosion of international law.
ConflictsMarch 4, 2026
Bird view of US navy sailors load live ordnance on F/A-18F Super Hornet, with the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron 41, during operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during Operation Epic Fury

The checkered history of US regime change operations

Various US presidents have sent military forces to remove unpopular rulers abroad. Their track record is mixed.
ConflictsMarch 3, 2026
The Nicos I.V. oil tanker (R), sailing under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is seen alongside other tanker vessels in the port of Matanzas, Cuba, on February 17, 2026

US greenlights resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba

US President Donald Trump had vowed to stop Venezuelan oil from reaching Cuba, sparking a crisis.
ConflictsFebruary 25, 2026
Map showing Venezuela filled with the Venezuelan flag, with an arrow pointing to a black spot labeled “world’s largest oil deposit.”

The huge problem with Venezuela's oil

Venezuela has massive oil reserves, but most of it is dirty, costly heavy crude. Trump wants it - oil companies don’t.
Nature and EnvironmentFebruary 20, 202610:06 min
Relatives of political prisoners lie on the ground in front of police officers during a protest outside the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) Zona 7 prison in Caracas on February 14

Venezuela passes amnesty law for political prisoners

The amnesty law excludes those prosecuted or convicted of promoting military actions against the country.
PoliticsFebruary 20, 2026
A picture of a man surrounded by people and microphones

How serious is Venezuela about its amnesty law?

Some political prisoners have been released after the interim leader Rodriguez announced an amnesty law last month.
Human RightsFebruary 14, 2026
A man pushes a kart with luggage at the Jose Marti International Airport in Cuba on February 9, 2026.

Airlines start halting flights to Cuba amid US fuel blockade

Three Canadian airlines have suspended flights to Cuba as jet fuel runs out. Germany also issued a travel warning.
TravelFebruary 11, 2026
A bearded middle-aged man wearing a black cap speaks into a DW microphone in what looks like a square

Hopes and fears in Venezuela one month after Maduro capture

Many people are concerned about whether the country's economic crisis will be addressed.
PoliticsFebruary 10, 202602:10 min
A man stuffs a wad of dollar bills into his blazer pocket

Corruption watchdog reports increase in global graft

The US, UK, Canada and Sweden are slipping into decline, according to Transparency International's latest report.
CorruptionFebruary 10, 2026
Venezuela opposition leaders Juan Pablo Guanipa and Maria Corina Machado attend a rally, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 9, 2025

Venezuela: Opposition leader Guanipa kidnapped after release

An opposition leader and a close ally of Maria Corina Machado's, Guanipa had been detained for over eight months.
PoliticsFebruary 9, 2026
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez attends the opening of the new court term with Supreme Court magistrates, in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 30, 2026

Venezuela: Interim president hails amnesty bill's first vote

The amnesty bill could lead to the mass release of political prisoners and mark a post-Maduro milestone.
PoliticsFebruary 6, 2026
A burning car at night after an explosion.

Fact check: How videos are recycled for political purposes

DW Fact check shows how to spot recycled clips and recognize disinformation, and why it matters.
PoliticsFebruary 4, 2026
A view of El Palito refinery in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela on January 23, 2026

India's oil shake-up: Can Venezuela really replace Russia?

Trump says India has agreed to replace Russian oil with US and Venezuelan supplies. DW asks if this is achievable.
TradeFebruary 4, 2026
A man standing with other people on a street

Notes from Caracas — Venezuela and the US intervention

A filmmaker’s firsthand experience of the US attacks on Venezuela.
Human RightsFebruary 3, 202640:33 min
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez meets US diplomat Laura Dogu in Caracas on February 2, 2026

Venezuela: Interim President Delcy Rodriguez meets US envoy

Venezuela and the US open talks on energy, trade and political transition after years of frozen relations.
PoliticsFebruary 3, 2026
A person holds a candle wearing a shirt that, in Spanish, calls for the release of all political prisoners on January 10, 2026

Venezuela: Interim president proposes amnesty bill

A Venezuela amnesty bill could see the release of political prisoners, opposition leaders, journalists and activists.
Law and JusticeJanuary 31, 2026
View of the refinery El Palito in Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state, Venezuela, under a cloudy sky

Venezuela opens its oil sector to private investors

Washington has put pressure on Caracas for access to its crude reserves since it seized President Maduro.
PoliticsJanuary 30, 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to examine US policy towards Venezuela on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, January 28, 2026

Marco Rubio defends Trump Venezuela policy in heated hearing

The US seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an operation and brought him to New York to face charges.
ConflictsJanuary 28, 2026
Ricardo Gámez, left, leaves prison after being released in Tocuyito, Venezuela

Venezuela releases over 100 political prisoners — NGO

Venezuela has been freeing hundreds of prisoners since US forces kidnapped former leader Nicolas Maduro.
PoliticsJanuary 26, 2026
An oil refinery in Venezuela

Venezuela receives $300M in proceeds from first US oil sale

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said the money from US sales of Venezuelan oil will be used to prop up the currency.
PoliticsJanuary 21, 2026
DW | The Dip | 2024 | Hosts Daniel Winter and Kassandra Sundt

Can the Fed stay independent under Trump?

The US DoJ is investigating Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over alleged renovation cost overruns. But, why?
BusinessJanuary 16, 202639:53 min
US President Donald Trump meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in the White House Oval Office

Trump accepts Machado's Nobel medal in White House meeting

The gift did not move Trump to change his mind about Machado's fitness to govern in Venezuela.
PoliticsJanuary 16, 202602:50 min
Donald Trump meets Maria Corina Machado in the Oval Office

Venezuela: Machado presents Trump her Nobel Peace Prize

The Venezuelan opposition leader visited the White House, while the interim government plans to attract oil investment.
PoliticsJanuary 15, 2026
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez (C) speaks next to President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez (L) and Minister of the Popular Power for Interior Diosdado Cabello after a press conference at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas on January 14, 2026

Trump hails call with Venezuela's 'terrific' interim leader

The US president said he had a "great" conversation with Rodriguez, who said her first call with Trump was "productive."
PoliticsJanuary 15, 2026
The Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, formerly Grace 1, near Gibraltar in 2019

Why Iran's fate means more to oil markets than Venezuela's

Though markets were barely fazed by the fate of Venezuela's oil industry, they are far more nervous about Iran's.
BusinessJanuary 14, 2026
Relatives of political prisoners lit candles during a vigil outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, Venezuela on January 10, 2026

US lauds freeing of American prisoners in Venezuela

The US State Department lauded Venezuela's interim government for releasing American prisoners.
PoliticsJanuary 14, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 7, 2025.

Why didn't Russia aid Venezuela during Maduro's ouster?

With the US insisting it will control Venezuela, Russia is set to see its influence in Latin America take a big hit.
PoliticsJanuary 13, 202603:08 min
Nobel peace prize laureate Maria Corina Machado addresses a press conference at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, on December 11, 2025

Trump to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Machado

Trump had rejected the Nobel laureate taking the reins in a post-Maduro Venezuela.
PoliticsJanuary 13, 2026
An Oil Tanker enters the bay of Havana

Cuba's economy faces a future without Venezuela's oil

Cuba's long energy crisis will be compounded by the US's arresting of the president of its oil-rich ally Venezuela.
GlobalizationJanuary 12, 202602:26 min
A close up photo of Nicolas Maduro wearing a suit

US attempts to paint Nicolas Maduro as a drug baron

He persecuted opponents, rigged elections and ran Venezuela into the ground. But was Maduro also a cocaine dealer?
PoliticsJanuary 10, 2026