The economic crisis in Venezuela has become one of the hottest topics in global discussions about social and economic instability. Since the early 2010s, this oil-producing country has experienced a drastic decline in an economy that previously relied heavily on oil exports. This crisis is not only the impact of falling world oil prices, but also the result of controversial economic policies. The main cause of this crisis is Venezuela’s extreme dependence on oil. In 2014, world oil prices fell sharply, causing state revenues to decline. The government led by Nicolas Maduro then implemented strict controls on prices of goods and foreign exchange, which resulted in shortages of basic goods. This causes very high inflation, even reaching thousands of percent at its peak. Moreover, inconsistent economic policies and rampant corruption made matters worse. Many state companies, especially PDVSA which manages oil, went bankrupt due to bad investments and theft of resources. On the other hand, reduced oil production due to crumbling infrastructure resulted in a further decline in revenues. Amid the crisis, Venezuelans face difficulties in obtaining daily necessities. Supermarkets often lack food and medicine. In some cases, long queues just to buy bread or rice are a daily sight. The average family struggles to meet basic needs, to the detriment of their health and quality of life. The crisis has also triggered mass migration, with millions of Venezuelans fleeing to neighboring countries such as Colombia and Brazil. In hopes of a better life, they face new challenges, including xenophobia and legal problems. At the same time, host countries are experiencing enormous social and economic pressure due to the influx of refugees. The political impact of the economic crisis is also very significant. Many people began to lose confidence in the government, giving rise to widespread dissatisfaction. Demonstrations and protests have become more frequent, with demands for leadership change and economic reform. This series of events undermines the legitimacy of Maduro’s government, which has become increasingly authoritarian in its response to the opposition. In the international arena, Venezuela faces sanctions from various countries, especially the United States, targeting the oil sector. These sanctions worsened the economic situation and complicated the government’s efforts to obtain international funding and support. Although Maduro has attempted to woo countries such as Russia and China to provide aid, results have remained limited. One of the most tragic aspects of this crisis is its impact on public health. With health services collapsing and shortages of medicines, many citizens are suffering from previously treatable illnesses. As a result of the nutritional crisis, infant mortality and morbidity rates are increasing, adding to the suffering of Venezuelan society. Despite hopes for a solution, such as diplomatic talks and international aid plans, the situation in Venezuela remains highly uncertain. What started as an economic problem has transformed into a multifaceted crisis that is harming all aspects of society, from economic to political and social, and a resolution still seems far ahead.

