General

Island name: Isla Margarita (Margarita Island).

Country name: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela (VE). 

Nationality: Venezuelan(s).

Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects. 

Island Capital: Porlamar. 

Population: 420,000. 

Climate: Margarita is below the hurricane belt and as a result does not get hit by Hurricanes. Very little rain falls on the Island. The weather is predictable all year round; warm, sunny days with temperatures from 24 to 37°C offering 12 month swimming and boating. The evenings are cool and breezy, the humidity low.
 

Geography

Area: 1,020 sq km.

Coastline: 168 km, more than 50 beaches. 

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

Highest point: 760 m Pico de Macanao.

Location: Located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. 

Size: 78 km long and its widest side measures roughly 20 km. 

Terrain: mountainous.
 

Tourist Information

Overview: Margarita Island is the largest island of the Nueva Esparta state in Venezuela. It is mountainous and has a dry climate with an average of over 320 days a year of sun. Many beautiful beaches are lined with palm trees. 

Accommodations: Hotels of different categories and all-inclusive resorts.

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

Crime: even violent crime against tourist occurs.

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: Santiago Mariño International Airport is located 25 kilometers away from the city of Porlamar. Direct flights from Caracas and other Venezuelan cities, as well as scheduled or charter flights from a number of North American and European cities.

Ferry Service: Punta de Piedras ferry terminal, several daily crossings between Margarita and Puerto la Cruz, Cumaná, La Guaira and Trinidad. Express and regular ferries for passengers and vehicles.

Ports and harbors: Puerto de la Mar in Porlamar; El Guamache Cruise Ship Port.

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. 

Natural resources: none. 

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