What is the primary economic base of Venezuela?

Venezuela's primary economic base is centered around petroleum, making it one of the top oil-exporting countries in the world. Oil extraction and exportation have historically played a significant role in Venezuela's economy, contributing a substantial portion of the government's revenue and foreign exchange earnings. The country's rich oil reserves, particularly in the Orinoco Belt, have drawn international investments and shaped political and economic policies.

While agriculture, manufacturing, and mining are part of the economy, they do not compare in scale or impact to the petroleum sector. The heavy reliance on oil has led to vulnerabilities in Venezuela's economy, especially when global oil prices fluctuate. This dependency has shaped both the economic landscape and the country's social conditions, highlighting why the petroleum industry is often identified as the primary economic base of Venezuela.