Having the largest oil reserves in the world and the beautiful terrain of both snow-capped mountains and Caribbean beaches, Venezuela thrived as a prospering country in the late 1900s, easily passing up its neighboring Spanish and Portuguese speaking nations in South America. However, the reduction of poverty, improved school systems and increased access to clean drinking water that appeared at the turn of the century have now disappeared, and the country is facing a major political and economical crisis.

The problems in Venezuela were triggered by various actions that current president Nicolás Maduro took in order to continue the socialist policies the previous governments created. Despite the efforts of the government, the price of oil has plummeted recently, which took Venezuela’s government with it.

“It was better before the Neo-communist government took control,” senior Alvaro Lopez said.

Lopez lived in Venezuela; he recalled the Chavista forces parading their victories in the streets before he left for America and witnessed the dark side of socialism the country has fallen into recently.

Venezuela’s wealth stems from its massive oil reserves, and it became a major oil supplier for the rest of Latin America and North America. But when oil prices decreased after the Great Recession, going from $100 per barrel to less than $30, the Venezuelan people were left unable to sustain their previous way of life. While trying to make living costs affordable and equal for all citizens, the government has created massive inflation, which has hurt their economy even more.

“Normal life there is survival,” Lopez said. “The inflation is horrid and the money is almost worthless. Oftentimes, people trade commodity items in exchange for other things through the black market.”

Although the government tries to conceal its issues from the outside world, protests and uprisings within the country have raised awareness about the poverty citizens are dealing with as a result of President Maduro’s weak-handling of the country’s economic affairs. The people of Venezuela are not the only ones against Maduro; parliament has a large majority against the president; however, Maduro claimed that parliament have “lost [their] political validity.”

Venezuela’s problems, while severe, go almost unnoticed in the global community. Spanish teacher Rachel Morales stresses the necessity to be aware of the world around us.

“Being globally aware is extremely important because, although [these problems] may not directly impact us, we need to be conscious of their effect on the world around us,” Morales said.

Rolling electricity blackouts, increased violence, rising unemployment, medicine unavailability and shortages of basic necessities such as flour, milk and toilet paper are just a few of the many problems the average Venezuelan currently faces. As thousands attempt to flee from their rapidly declining country, it is impossible to stay oblivious to these pressing issues.