New Page 2 Venezuela is one of the worlds largest oil producers. This wealth has benefited the rich elite at the expense of the poor. Corruption on a large scale has created resentment and instability. The peoples of Venezuela include Mestizo, European, African, Italian, Amerindian, Arabs, Chinese, and Jews.
Religious freedom is guaranteed in the Venezuela constitution.
In 1964 the Catholic Church regained official recognition and has strong influence. This sometimes causes problems for foreign missions, especially in reaching the indigenous Amerindians.