Fact Check: s a result of Chávez's policies, Venezuela reached a 98% literacy rate, which is slightly above the average of Latin America.[3] Life expectancy is one of the lowest of the continent, along with the poorest countries in the region, like Bolivia and Haiti[4] and, despite official propaganda, the country is also the third most violent in the region.[5][6] When oil prices started to fall in around 2014, the Venezuelan economy began a serious decline, with inflation rates over 100,000%[7], a GDP drop of 75%[8] and three in four living in extreme poverty.[9] According to apologists, this happened because the price of oil tanked. However, other countries that rely so much on this single commodity didn't face such a serious crisis since 2013 (though this could also be because many of those countries aren't subject to the same levels of international isolation or US sanctions, or any at all;[10] see Saudi Arabia, for example).

Fact Check: "As a result of Chávez's policies, Venezuela reached a 98% literacy rate..."

What We Know

The claim states that Venezuela achieved a 98% literacy rate due to Hugo Chávez's policies, which is purportedly higher than the average for Latin America. According to data, Venezuela's literacy rate did indeed rise significantly during Chávez's presidency, with reports indicating it reached approximately 98% by 2011 (source-6). This increase was attributed to extensive educational reforms and initiatives aimed at reducing illiteracy.

However, the claim also mentions that life expectancy in Venezuela is among the lowest in Latin America, alongside countries like Bolivia and Haiti. Reports confirm that while life expectancy did improve during Chávez's tenure, it has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly due to the ongoing economic crisis (source-2). The country has also been noted for having one of the highest homicide rates in the region, which aligns with the claim that it is one of the most violent countries in Latin America (source-5).

The economic situation in Venezuela deteriorated significantly after oil prices began to fall in 2014, leading to hyperinflation exceeding 100,000% and a GDP drop of around 75% (source-4). Reports indicate that three out of four Venezuelans are living in extreme poverty as of recent estimates (source-7). The claim also suggests that the severe economic crisis cannot solely be attributed to falling oil prices, noting that other oil-dependent countries did not experience similar declines, which is a point of contention among analysts (source-4).

Analysis

The assertion that Venezuela achieved a 98% literacy rate is supported by credible data, making this part of the claim largely accurate. However, the context surrounding this achievement is crucial. While literacy rates improved, the overall quality of education and access to resources have been questioned, especially in light of the current economic crisis (source-8).

The claim regarding life expectancy being among the lowest in Latin America is also substantiated, as Venezuela's life expectancy has been adversely affected by the healthcare crisis and rising violence (source-2). The assertion that Venezuela is one of the most violent countries is corroborated by various reports indicating high crime rates, particularly in terms of homicides (source-5).

The economic decline post-2014 is well-documented, with hyperinflation and extreme poverty becoming prevalent. However, the claim that other oil-dependent countries did not face similar crises requires a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical context, including sanctions and international relations, which may have played a significant role in Venezuela's unique situation (source-4).

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it accurately highlights the significant achievements in literacy rates during Chávez's presidency, it also presents a somewhat simplified view of the complex socio-economic and political landscape of Venezuela. The issues of violence, life expectancy, and economic decline are indeed critical and supported by evidence, but attributing the entire economic crisis solely to oil price fluctuations overlooks other significant factors, such as international sanctions and domestic policies.

Sources

1. Unnatural Disaster - Venezuela
2. Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations - CRS Reports
3. Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations
4. Venezuela
5. BTI 2014 | Venezuela Country Report
6. Venezuela - Literacy rate 2022 | countryeconomy.com
7. Venezuela: More Than Mere Numbers
8. How did Venezuela change under Hugo Chávez? | News