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Millennium Development Goals
Venezuela
Located in the northernmost part of South America, Venezuela is a country endowed with abundant natural resources, low population density, and strategic geographic location. The country's population is mostly urban and young, with 87.6% living in cities and 1/3 of the population being 15 years old or younger. Its indigenous population is relatively small accounting for about 4.5% of the total population. Venezuela is a country with a medium level of social development as it is ranked 75th in the 2005 Human Development Index. With one
of the largest proven oil reserves in the world and vast mineral reserves, the country has great potential to achieve sustainable economic and social development. Petroleum accounts for about 25 % of the gross domestic product (GDP), about 80 % of exports and approximately 50 % of fiscal revenues. Although advances have been made serious social problems still affect Venezuela's development. Such is the case of high levels of crime, violence, and long-term social ills such as extreme inequality and poverty. Venezuela has shown success in some areas, among them: 92.4
% of the country's children are enrolled in primary school, 83 % of the population has access to an improved water sources; and child mortality decreased from 27 per 1,000 in 1990 to 22 per 1,000 in 2002. Despite the country's progress, the percentage of Venezuelans living in poverty (household income of less than $2 a day) has decreased from 32.2
% in 1991 to 30.0 % in 2004. Likewise, the proportion of those living in extreme poverty —below $1 a day— rose from 11.8
% to 10.0 % [INE]. Venezuela's current government has established Misiones, social programs that alphabetize, educate and provide specialized health care to the most vulnerable segments of population.
Venezuela MDGs Report
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