25. Venezuela
- Advisory level: Level 4: do not travel
- Last updated: Jan. 29, 2019
- Population: 31.6 million
- GDP per capita: $12,780
Venezuela, already reeling from economic distress and runaway inflation, is in chaos as two men battle for leadership of the nation, prompting the State Department to raise its travel caution to “do not travel.”
Venezuelans have been demonstrating against the government of President Nicolas Maduro, whom many believe rigged the last election. During a recent rally in Caracas, opposition leader Juan Guaido declared that he had assumed presidential powers and planned to hold new elections.
International pressure is building for Maduro to step down. Guaido has been recognized as the nation’s rightful leader by two dozen nations, including the United States.
