D. Venezuela has the world's largest crude oil reserves, and it once was among the wealthiest South American nations. But, its oil production has plunged on U.S. sanctions, alleged corruption, and deteriorated infrastructure. Meanwhile, Guyana’s economy and wealth have soared after oil was found off its coast in 2015.

Q: The Esequibo region of Guyana that Venezuela wants to annex is mostly sparsely populated jungle, but it includes the offshore oil deposits. The area is mostly inaccessible, and the main road connecting Venezuela and Guyana runs through which large nation south of their borders?

A. Argentina

B. Brazil

C. Chile

D. Peru

---

B. After Maduro announced Venezuela’s intentions to annex the Esequibo, Brazil reinforced its northern border with armored vehicles and more troops. U.S. troops also conducted military exercises with Guyana last week to demonstrate its commitment to the small nation.

---

Q: Venezuela rejects an 1899 international arbitration ruling that awarded the Esequibo region to Guyana when it was still a colony of which European nation?

A. Britain

B. France

C. Netherlands

D. Spain

---

A. Guyana gained its independence in 1966 after 151 years as a British colony. It is the only English-speaking nation in South America, and most of its people are descendants of former African slaves and indentured servants from India who once worked sugar plantations.

---

Q: Guyana is the South American nation with the fastest-growing economy, while Venezuela has the fastest-shrinking economy. About how many Venezuelans have fled the country’s depression and political repression?

A. 70,000

B. 700,000

C. 7 million

D. 70 million

---

C. As of September 2022, an estimated 7.1 million Venezuelans were refugees or migrants worldwide, with almost 80% taking refuge in Latin America and the Caribbean. Some believe Maduro’s announced plan to annex the Esequibo may be a political stunt to win reelection next year.

---