General

Island name: Archipiélago Los Roques (Islas Los Roques).

Country name: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela (VE). 

Nationality: Venezuelan(s).

Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects. 

Island Capital: none. 

Population: 1,800 (2007). Gran Roque has more than 1,200 residents.

Climate: warm, dry an breezy all year long.
 

Geography

Area: 2,251 sq km.

Geographic coordinates: between 10° 52' N and 11° 11' N and longitudes 63° 48' W and 64° 23' W.

Highest point: 130 m.

Location: Located in the Caribbean Sea, about 170 km north of Caracas.

Size: 46 km long and 27 km wide. 

Terrain: 75 keys of old coral origin, and thousands sand bars. Los Roques islands are usually calm, quiet, and usually deserted.
 

Tourist Information

Overview: The archipelago of Los Roques, that are small islands with white sandy beaches surrounded by a sea of turquoise waters. It is one of the most beautiful spots of the Caribbean. Los Roques harbors about 90 bird species, 280 species of fish, 60 species of corals, 200 species of crustaceans, 60 species of sponges, 140 species of mollusks and 45 species of echinoderms. Four endangered sea turtle species nest regularly on the islands.

Accommodations: There are over 40 Posadas (Small Hotels / Lodges / Guesthouses / Inns) situated in Gran Roque.

Activities: windsurfing, kiting, sailing, diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing.

Crime: virtually unknown on Los Roques but you should still take normal precautions. 

Electricity: 110 Volts, 60 cycles. American two-pin plugs are generally used.

Entry Requirements: VE: a passport is required valid for at least six months, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a touristic stay of up to 90 days. No special vaccinations are required, although those traveling to the jungle should consult their physician as to whether or not they need protection from yellow fever and malaria. 

Extension of stay: not possible.

Health: There are no vaccination requirements for Venezuela.

Shopping: Margarita has the status as a duty-free port. Best things to buy are high quality clothes. 

Telephone: country code - 58. 

Time: UTC-4.5.
 

Money

Costs of  living: very moderate; much lower than in the most Caribbean islands. 

Credit cards: VE: There are ATMs in the cities (however some travellers have experienced problems using them), and most credit cards, including MasterCard/Eurocard, American Express and Visa, are accepted in major cities. Travelers’ checks are not recommended. Visitors are also warned that there is a serious problem with credit card fraud.

Currency: Venezuela's new currency is the Bolivar Fuerte (VEF), which replaced the Bolivar (VEB) in January 2008. US dollars are the most favoured foreign currency 

Inflation rate (consumer prices): VE: 29.9% (1998). 

Tipping: VE: Tipping is at the discretion of the client and not obligatory. A ten percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills. Taxis require no tips, but it is customary to give baggage handlers a tip of $1USD per bag.
 

Transport

Airport: none. Small air strip on Gran Roque. Flights from Caracas in fairly small planes take about 40 minutes. There are also flights from Porlamar on Margarita Island. 

Ferry Service: none.

Ports and harbors: none. Los Roques is a sailing paradise.
 

Politics

Ethnic groups: VE: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people. 

Government type: VE: federal republic.

Legal system: VE: open, adversarial court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. 

Literacy: VE: 91.1% (male: 91.8%, female: 90.3%). 

Religions: VE: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%. 
 

Economy

Agriculture products: fish. 

GDP per capita: VE: $13,000 (2009 est.). 

Industries: tourism. 

Unemployment rate: VE: 7.9% (2009 est.).