Zulia is an oil-rich state in western Venezuela.

Cities

• 1 Maracaibo - is the state capital and Venezuela's second city.
• 2 Cabimas

Understand

For most Venezuelans, Zulia is all about oil. Oil was first discovered here in the early 20th century and still today around 1.5 million barrels a day of the black stuff is produced in the region.

However, the state is also home to extensive farming and particularly cattle ranching. Zulia has a long and porous border with Colombia, and ranches close to the frontier have been subject to some overspill from Colombia's civil troubles in the form of kidnappings of wealthy farmers and an influx of refugees.

Get in

Planes arrive at Maracaibo's La Chinita airport (MAR ^IATA). The state is also well-connected by roads to the rest of Venezuela.

See

• Maracaibo Bridge
• Catatumbo National Park
• Guajira Peninsula

Eat

• Guia Gastronomica de Maracaibo (Gastronomic Guide of Maracaibo) (N/A). Find information about local restaurants (in Spanish)