Venezuela Rate of Natural Increase

Venezuela’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—has been declining in recent years, reflecting broader demographic transitions in Latin America. As of the early 2020s, Venezuela’s RNI hovers around 1.2% per year, lower than in previous decades but still positive, indicating ongoing natural population growth despite significant emigration. Compared to its neighbors, Colombia and Brazil, Venezuela’s RNI is slightly higher than Brazil’s (which is close to 0.5%) but similar to or marginally lower than Colombia’s (around 1.3%). These differences reflect variations in fertility rates, healthcare access, and social conditions. Notably, while all three countries have seen declining RNIs due to falling birth rates and improving mortality, Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic crisis has also contributed to a unique demographic profile, with high out-migration offsetting some of its natural increase. In contrast, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, other neighboring countries, have much lower or even negative RNIs, primarily due to lower fertility and higher emigration rates.

Data from US Census International Database