Vieques island puerto rico: Vieques Puerto Rico Travel Guide – Attractions, Hotels, Beaches, Things to Do – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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December 16, 2022
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Vieques island puerto rico: Vieques Puerto Rico Travel Guide – Attractions, Hotels, Beaches, Things to Do

7 Reasons Vieques Island, Puerto Rico Needs to Be on Your Summer Travel List

Will this be the summer of Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico had a big moment this year. Not only did Justin Bieber and Luis Fonsi name-check the island in their song of the summer, Despacito, (“This is how we do it down in Puerto Rico”), but Bruno Mars also sang about it in his summer smash That’s What I like, (“I’m talkin’ trips to Puerto Rico, say the word and we go”). The world was buzzing about this little U.S. territory last year, and it seemed that tourism was just starting to boom on this still-somewhat-undiscovered island territory. But, with catastrophe hitting the island last fall with hurricanes Irma and Maria, Puerto Rico hit a major setback in all of its tourism efforts. I’m here to say, however, that some 9 months later, Puerto Rico is back and it’s time vacationers return to this beautiful and charming island paradise and take advantage of the super reasonable fares and hotel prices that are going on right now down there.

Here are 7 reasons why Vieques Island should be the next trip on your bucket list

Table of Contents

Walking the line between U.S. territory and international hot-spot, it’s an ideal weekend getaway from the mainland. Puerto Rico is known for its laid-back, relaxed Caribbean vibe that competes with the cultures of Cuba and Mexico, but feels so much less discovered.

Vieques island, a 20-minute island-hopper flight away from San Juan, is a blend of Spanish, African, and Indian influences, and boasts lush, tropical forests, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling, a bioluminescent blue bay that glows in the night, wild horses that roam the beaches, a colorful Latin-American culture, a historic old town, and a lively bar scene.

Vieques has all the charm, relaxation and adventure of a Caribbean island without ever having to pack your passport or exchange your US dollars. With so much to offer for a quick long weekend, here are my must-dos for planning the perfect trip to Vieques.

Sure, you can rent jeeps or vespas to get around if you need to, but golf carts are such a quirky Vieques thing to do, that I just had to do it.

You can rent a golf cart from your hotel (I love the Blok hotel!) and use the map of the island the concierge gives to make your way around Vieques, stopping along the way at as many beautiful beaches as possible and always keeping an eye out for the wild horses that roam freely around the island.

Whether in your golf cart, in a jeep or by vespa, exploring the many beautiful beaches that Vieques has to offer is a must-do. There are many different types of beaches, ranging from powdery white sand to soft black sand to the more rocky and rugged snorkel and dive spots.

Chiva Beach, or Blue Beach, is an off-the-beaten-track beach, with a stunning long stretch of white sand and very few people.

Caracas Beach, which is the locals’ favorite, is full of families barbecuing, crystal clear aqua water, and gorgeous sea caves.

Pata Prieta Beach is a small beach with crystal-clear water, beautiful rocks and great snorkeling.

Playa Negra is a beautiful black sand beach that is about a 10-minute hike from the road.

Calle Flamboyán, a strip of boutique hotels, bars, and restaurants, was one of the highlights of the trip. Start (and end) your night at Lazy Jack’s, the hot-spot hostel run by hilarious ex-pat bartenders. Lazy Jack’s boasts island-famous cocktails and delicious pizzas. It’s a great destination for a casual dinner, some drinks or just people-watching.

After hitting Lazy Jack’s, make your way down the road to El Blok, a boutique mod hotel with a fabulous trendy rooftop bar, before heading across the street for some local live music and dancing at La Nasa.

Book a sailing tour with Sea Vieques, a company offering chartered sails to some of the beautiful, far-off reefs surrounding the island. We leisurely sailed the smooth waters out to Cayo Blanco and snorkeled for a couple of hours before sailing home. The reef was full of colorful coral and vibrant fish, and even nurse sharks! Captain Judi made the whole trip memorable, teaching everyone all about the sea-life that is native to the beautiful island.

Considered the brightest of the world’s remaining bioluminescent bays, kayaking Mosquito Bay in Vieques is a must-do in Vieques.

The science behind the glowing bay is that it is filled with single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates, which omit a split-second flash of light when they are touched (or paddled through in a kayak). The sensation creates a stunning glowing bay at night that can’t be captured by any camera. Photo evidence or not, it was one of the coolest natural phenomenons I have ever seen. Moonlit kayaking on a warm night was beautiful and relaxing on its own, but as we made our way to the center of the bay (where the luminescence is brightest), the magical otherworldly bay came to life and I realized why everybody talks so much about this place – it’s something you truly have to see to believe.

Rent this villa here

Or, if you want to stay in a hotel, check out Hacineda Tamarindo a suuuuper cute hotel option in Vieques – or El Blok hotel, an awesome resort right in the center of Vieques.

Check out these other posts:

Kayak & Snorkel Vieques Island, Puerto Rico – Sierra Club

Sierra Club Outings Trip | Kayak

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Highlights

Snorkel in crystal-clear Caribbean waters
Kayak in Vieques’ famed bioluminescent bay
Paddleboard through beautiful mangrove scenery

Includes

All on-trip breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
Vieques Island transportation
Guided snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboard trips

Overview

The Trip

Come explore world-class beaches, crystal-clear waters, rich ocean life, lush tropical flora, and one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world on this beautiful island. Vieques is a small island about seven miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico. While it belongs to Puerto Rico, Vieques has a lot in common with the Virgin Islands. It has a moderate climate year-round (average temperatures of 79-82 degrees) and more than 50 beaches. Vieques is home to over 120 species of birds as well as Puerto Rico’s famous coqui and other tropical frogs. Wild horses and cows roam the hills of Vieques freely

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The Trip

Vieques has a long history of discovery and conquest. The original inhabitants, the Taino, were indigenous people from South America who arrived 1500 years before Christopher Columbus set foot in Puerto Rico on 1493. The Taino inhabitants were conquered and enslaved by the Spaniards until the early 1800s when the island was taken over by Puerto Rico. The late 1800s saw thousands of black immigrants from neighboring island nations work on the sugar plantations (some enslaved and some free). During the 1940s the U.S. military purchased 60% of the island for testing grounds for bombs, missiles, and other weapons. In 2001, a treaty was signed with the U.S. and by May 2003 the U.S. military had exited the island.The lands previously owned by the U.S. military are now managed by the U.S. National Fish & Wildlife Service.

We will visit the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), which is managed by the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife. One of nine NWRs located in the Caribbean, it is the most ecologically diverse and largest NWR in the Caribbean, encompassing 17,700 acres. It contains several ecologically distinct habitats, including beaches, coastal lagoons, mangrove wetlands, and upland forested areas — both subtropical dry and subtropical moist forest.

Our activities will mainly be swimming and snorkeling in warm Caribbean water, strolling scenic beaches, plus visiting a few small historic sites and museums. We will enjoy fascinating snorkeling right off the beach. The trip includes a special opportunity to learn the fast-growing sport of stand up paddleboarding on wide, stable boards in gentle, warm waters. Our guides will help you learn, or improve techniques for these activities.

The BioBay tour is generally a highlight of the trip. After dark we’ll paddle to the center of the bay in two-person kayaks, where we’ll tie up, have a discussion about bioluminescence, and enjoy the glowing water of Mosquito Bay. Mosquito Bay, or Bioluminescent Bay, is the healthiest and best example of a bioluminescent bay in the world. With the slightest agitation of the water, tiny creatures emit an electric bluish-white light. The organisms responsible are dinoflagellates, and the BioBay in Vieques contains more than 720,000 bioluminescent organisms per gallon of water.

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Itinerary

We will meet on Vieques, with pick-up at the ferry dock and the airport. Everyone should plan to arrive in Vieques between 4 p.m. on Sunday and 11 a.m. on Monday. Our official start of the trip will be lunch on Monday.

Day 1: The leaders will pick you up at the ferry dock or the airport. We will get settled in our rental house and have a “meet and greet” lunch. Following that, we will drive to Esperanza to pick up any needed snorkeling gear and then head over to Sun Bay to snorkel and relax on the beach. Dinner will be back at the house

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Days 2-5: Our daily activities on Vieques will include swimming most days (snorkeling is always an option), beach walking, taking some short hikes (possibly with local experts), visiting the island’s small museums, driving to see areas of local history and interest, and simply relaxing. A lesson to stand-up paddleboard with a guide and a guided snorkel with local expert at Mosquito Pier are also planned.

One of the evenings we will have an evening paddle in Mosquito (Bioluminescent) Bay. This will be a kayaking activity with a local guide. You will be delighted as our paddles dance through shimmering light and we learn about the importance of the bay’s biology. The kayaking distance is short, though we will stay out on the water for about an hour and a half.

Day 6: We’ll have breakfast, pack up, and return everyone to the ferry dock or airport, making drop-off until 11 a.m. Our check-out time from the house is 10 a.m.

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Logistics

Getting There

Most people fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico and travel to Vieques from there. There are three main ways to get to Vieques from the main island of Puerto Rico: by plane from Luis Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, by plane from the smaller airport of San Juan Isla Grande (LMM) or by ferry from Ceiba on the east coast of Puerto Rico. Some helpful travel info is available at www.vieques-island.com.

Vieques airport (VQS) is a 30-minute plane ride from San Juan. Most people fly on Cape Air (flycapeair.com 800-352-0714) or Vieques Air Link (viequesairlink.com 866-359-8784). Only Vieques Air Link flies to and from Isla Grande, an airport closer to Old San Juan if you are visiting there pre- or post-trip, and it is cheaper

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Getting There

Vieques is a one-hour ferry ride from Ceiba. Logistics are complicated, ferries don’t always run as scheduled, and it can be expensive to get to the ferry, even though the ferry ticket itself is only $4. Please ask the trip leader for full information on taking the ferry from the mainland to Vieques Island. Caution: the ferry is notoriously off-schedule and does not sail if the seas are too choppy or wind is too high.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

We will stay in a large house with ocean views three blocks from the beach on the northern coast near Isabel Segunda. You’ll awaken to ocean breezes and the smell of saltwater (and coffee!). After a day of snorkeling, paddling, town visits, or walks, you can relax at the house or walk to the beach for an evening stroll.

We expect to have a varied menu, hopefully with many fresh foods. There is one main grocery store on Vieques, and several small convenience stores, where we will source our meal ingredients. The leaders will not know what quantities or qualities of groceries will be available until they arrive early to shop and prepare, but it is a near certainty that the variety will not compare to a large grocery store experience on the mainland or at home. For this reason, this trip is not listed as vegetarian friendly. We ask that all participants be medically able to eat without dietary restrictions for the week and have a flexible and positive attitude toward the available food types. We promise tasty meals and will do our best to ensure that they are healthy.

There will be one lunch and two dinners during the trip time that will be at participants’ expense.

Trip Difficulty

This trip requires a moderate level of fitness. The tropical environment, while beautiful, can be hot and humid, and contains some biting insects. Hopefully the water will be smooth, but there may be some small waves if the wind comes up. If winds or currents are strong, the leaders will advise you on how to remain safe, or they may need to change the activity for the day.

You do not need to have experience kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling. We will help you learn. However, you must know how to swim. Snorkeling vests can be an asset, especially if you do not snorkel often. Vieques is affected by the Tradewinds and a snorkel vest can bring a measure of safety that allows you to relax and focus on having fun. You should also be able to paddle a kayak comfortably at least 20 minutes at a time. We will stay in a group for the water activities and use the buddy system when snorkeling.

Our walks will be only up to two miles at the most. There are no developed hiking trails on the island apart from the shorter ones we will experience, hopefully at least once with a local expert.

Equipment and Clothing

Casual, warm weather clothing will be fine. We suggest that you also bring a light rain jacket and a sweater in case we have a cool evening. Bring a hat with a brim for sun protection, closed-toe shoes for nature walks, and a day pack or bag that’s large enough to carry your lunch and water for our outings. You may also want to have a bag for your snorkel gear. A more detailed packing list will be sent to confirmed participants.

Snorkeling equipment may be rented or purchased on the island. However, to ensure that you have equipment that fits you well and is available every day, we recommend you bring your own. All kayaking and paddleboarding equipment is included as part of the trip.

If you are using the ferry, you will be carrying your bags on and off without assistance. There may also be size limits on the small plane flights to Vieques. Before finalizing your flights to and from the island, check on any possible baggage fees and size restrictions with the individual airlines. It is best to pack light.

There are mosquitos throughout Puerto Rico that can transmit viral illnesses, so good insect repellent is recommended as well as long pants and long sleeves for some activities.

References

Curry, Glen, Flamboyan Street. (a novel)
Langhome, Elizabeth, Vieques: History of a Small Island.
Langhome, Elizabeth, Worlds Collide on Vieques: An Intimate Portrait from the Time of Columbus.
McCaffrey, K., Military Power and Popular Protest: The US Navy in vieques, Puerto Rico. (printed one year before the military left Vieques)
Murillo, Mario, Islands of Resistence: Puerto Rico, Vieques, and US Policy. (printed 2 years before the military left Vieques)
Pragmacio, P., The Route: The Forgotten Side of Vieques.
Rouse, Irving, The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus.
Yaremko, Peter, A Light From Within: A Year in Paradise.
Youngblood, Patrick, The Coconut Chronicles: Two Guys, One Caribbean Dream House.
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge [electronic resource]: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/vieques

Conservation

The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding waters are home to at least four plants and 10 animals on the federal Endangered Species list, including the Antillean Manatee, Brown Pelican, four species of sea turtles (Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback), and the Roseate Tern.

Guest speakers may include an amateur historian whose specialty is the history of the sugar industry on Vieques, including its impact on the environment, as well as the manager of Vieques Radio who was intimately involved in the struggle to remove the US military presence in Vieques. We’ll discover some of the long-lasting effects of 50 years of ordinance storage as well as using the island for bombing practice.

During our water activities we’ll learn about the biology of bioluminescence, the importance of mangrove habitat, and discuss the health of Caribbean marine environments.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.

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Staff

Leader:

Cheryl Oberkircher

Co-Leader:

Priscilla Roberts

Co-Leader:

Grant Brown

Map

This trip is in: United States, Hawaii

Photos

More photos

Important Notes

eco resort with luxury rooms in Vieques island, Puerto Rico

Unique hotels in Mir

Categories: Central America • Vieques • Puerto Rico
Places: Design • Eco • Nature

Hix Island House, an unusual eco-resort, is located on the island of Vieques, lying southeast of the mainland.

Only 20 minutes flight from San Juan separates the civilized world from this secluded place surrounded by tropical nature.

The hotel was designed by cutting-edge Canadian architect John Hicks, who specializes in energy-saving technologies in urban planning.

Eco-resort compares favorably with the numerous offers of the Caribbean in that it organically fits into the surrounding landscape.

The guest complex consists of 4 industrial concrete blocks that seem to grow right out of the ground among the surrounding lush vegetation.

Structures, including steel shutters and heavy wood shutters, are designed to withstand the extreme conditions of hurricane, earthquake and fire.

To save energy, the forces of nature are used – the sun, wind, rainwater, but at the same time comfortable living conditions with all amenities are provided.

The guest houses are the first buildings in the Caribbean to be completely off the industrial grid. There is a rainwater collection system that is heated by the sun’s rays.

Accommodation is offered in 19 spacious suites with every comfort, including an outdoor shower, a siesta daybed, a hammock in the garden.

A mosquito net is attached above the bed with premium linens.

The kitchen is equipped with everything you need for self-catering, stove, coffee maker and refrigerator.

The hilltop location provides not only a panoramic view of the most beautiful landscapes, but also natural cooling.

Terraces serve as living rooms and viewing platforms.

The rooms are blown by the trade winds, which creates an excellent microclimate, friendly to people and unacceptable to mosquitoes.

Trees around houses provide adequate shade.

The open-plan rooms are decorated with refined simplicity.

Guests have access to the swimming pool, which is recognized as the best on the island.

Spa services and yoga classes are also available.

Breakfast is included in the price. The morning meal consists mainly of juice, coffee, bread, fresh fruit, milk and eggs.

Popular beaches such as Sun Bay, Fish & Wildlife Refuge, Isabel II and Esperanza are within walking distance. The resort provides snorkelling equipment, a beach chair and a bag free of charge.

Shops, restaurants, food markets are located throughout Vieques. Friendly staff can help you rent a car for ease of travel. Convenient parking is part of the hotel’s amenities.

Wi-Fi only available in the lobby.

Hix Island House Eco Resort allows guests to “return to nature” and is a great example of “green” living.

Design Eco Nature

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Puerto Rico | Latin America: Directory | 1990

US possession in the West Indies, on the island of Puerto Rico and adjacent small islands – Vieques, Culebra, Mona (Great Antilles). Territory – 8.9 thousand km ². Population – 3.38 million people. (1988), including: Creoles (descendants of Spanish settlers) – 73%, mulattoes – 23%, blacks – 4%. Official languages are Spanish and English. Most believers are Catholics. Adm.-territorial division – 8 districts. Adm. center – city of San Juan (1.1 million inhabitants, with suburbs in 1988).

History

The island of Puerto Rico was discovered by X. Columbus in 1493. In 1508 the Spaniards began to conquer it. K ser. 16th century the Indian population was practically destroyed by the colonialists, who began to import Negro slaves from Africa (slavery was abolished only in 1873). At 19in. Puerto Ricans have repeatedly risen to fight against the Spanish. domination. The largest was the uprising led by R. E. Betanses in 1868. In 1898, according to the Paris Peace Treaty, which ended the Spanish-American War, the island was ceded to the United States.

From the beginning 20th century the influx of Amer. capital. The United States has established military bases on its territory. A struggle for independence began on the island, against the Amer. imperialism. Significant contribution to the national liberation movement in the 30s. contributed by P. Albis Campos. At 1934 was created Puzrtorikan. communist party.

In response to the gain in con. 40 -beginning 50s antiamer. US speeches were forced to change the colonial status of Puerto Rico. To give its relationship with the island the appearance of a voluntary union, in 1952 a constitution was adopted, according to which the island was proclaimed “a state freely affiliated with the United States.” The Puerto Rican patriots continue to push for the true liberation of their homeland. This struggle enjoys the growing support of the world community. The UN Committee on Decolonization has repeatedly since 1972 (most recently in 1988) adopted resolutions on the inalienable right of Puerto Ricans. people to self-determination.

The United States uses the territory of Puerto Rico as a military-strategic springboard against the liberation movement in the region. There are 16 Amer. military bases (the largest of them – Roosevelt Roads, Santiago, Sabana Seca and Vieques – have been modernized in recent years), units of the Marine Corps and Special Forces are deployed.

Pro-Amer. A new progressive party advocating the annexation of the island to the United States was defeated by the Democratic People’s Party (PDP), which advocates maintaining the current status of Puerto Rico. At 1988 the leader of the NDP R, Hernandez Colon was re-elected governor for another term.

Administration

The supreme legislative power belongs to the US Congress, which is in charge of foreign policy, defense, etc. Puerto Rico is represented in the lower house of the US Congress by a resident commissioner (without the right to vote). Legislative power within the framework of the current status is exercised by the Legislative Assembly, consisting of the Senate (27 members) and the House of Representatives (51 deputies), who are directly elected for 4 years. Executive power is exercised by the governor, who is directly elected for a term of 4 years. The Governor chairs the Advisory Council, which includes 9ministers they appoint.

Political parties and public organizations. People’s Democratic Party – founded in 1938, in 1973-77. and since 1985 – ruling. Expresses the interests of the big bourgeoisie, enjoys the support of part of the peasantry, workers and students. He advocates the preservation of the existing status of the island. The New Progressive Party was founded in 1967 as a result of a split in the State Republican Party. Its social base is the big bourgeoisie and landowners associated with US monopoly capital. He advocates turning the country into the 51st state of the United States. Puerto Rico Independence Party – finally formed in 1946. Expresses the interests of the petty bourgeoisie, the intelligentsia, employees, and students. He advocates achieving independence by peaceful parliamentary means. State Republican Party – founded in 1898, in 1903 joined the Republican Party of the USA, becoming its regional organization. Represents the interests of the middle and big bourgeoisie and landowners associated with the US monopolies, and the top officials. He advocates the inclusion of the country in the United States as a state. Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP)—founded in 1971. Supports the transformation of the island into an independent democratic state.

Puerto Rican Communist Party – founded in 1934. In difficult conditions, it is fighting for the independence and democratization of the country. The printed organ is the Pueblo newspaper.

Main trade union associations: The Free Federation of Workers of Puerto Rico, founded in 1899, unites 105,000 members. Puerto Rico Workers’ Federation – established in 1952, has 200 thousand members, is a member of the ICFTU and ORIT. Puerto Rico General Workers’ Union – created in 1948, has 2.5 thousand members. The General Confederation of the Workers of Puerto Rico was established in 1939 and has 35,000 members. The United Labor Movement was created in 1975-76. under the leadership of the PSP, is part of the WFTU. The Puerto Rican Congress of Workers was established in 1978, unites 17 trade union organizations, and is part of the LAPT.

Economy

With con. 40s to early 70s Puerto Rico’s economy grew rapidly {approx. 7% per year) due to large investments of US capital, attracted by the low cost of local labor and a favorable investment climate. Subsequently, the rate of economic growth slowed down (in 1987 g-5%), which was caused primarily by a relative reduction in new capital investments and an increase in the share of funds exported by monopolies in the form of profits to the USA. Whereas in 1970 the share of gross capital investment in GNP was 30%, in 1985 it was only 18%. In the postwar period, the proportion of villages. economy in the economy decreased (from 20.6% in 1947 to 2.6% in 1985), and at the same time, the share of such industries as manufacturing increased (up to 52% in 1985), trade , finance and services (including tourism). Foreign capital belongs to enterprises that produce 80% of industrial. and 50% s.-x. products, 85% retail, all communications, air and sea transport, ⁴ /5 of the land fund.

Industry . Of the manufacturing industries, the chemical (including petrochemical and pharmaceutical) and machine-building (including electronic) industries, represented by branches of TNCs that manufacture products in cooperation with parent enterprises in the United States, have developed especially dynamically in the last decade. The development of oil refining and petrochemistry is promoted by the middle position of Puerto Rico between Venezuela and the USA. The food-flavoring and textile industries, the production of building materials are developed. At 1986, 87 thousand tons of raw sugar were produced.

The mining industry is represented by Ch. arr. extraction of construction raw materials; explored significant reserves of copper ores and nickel-bearing laterites are not developed.

Electricity production is almost entirely concentrated in thermal power plants operating on imported oil products.

Agriculture . All L. economy in 1986, only 5% of the economically active population was employed. S.-x. production is export-oriented. Head. crops (collection in thousand tons, 1986): sugar cane, pineapples – 44, coffee – 15, tobacco. Bananas (92,000 tons in 1986), tubers, and rice are grown for domestic consumption. The production of traditional crops such as sugarcane and tobacco has been steadily declining since the war. Cattle, pigs, poultry are bred. In 1987, 358 thousand tons of milk were produced, 247.2 million pieces. eggs, 20.6 thousand tons of beef, 32.2 thousand tons of poultry meat. There is limited marine fishing. The country satisfies 50% of its food needs through imports.

Tourism plays an important role. In 1988, 2.1 million people visited the country. (75% of them from the USA), and tourism revenues amounted to $ 1 billion.

Transport . The length of the shos. roads – 13.8 thousand km (1984). There is a narrow gauge railway. 96 km long road serving sugar plantations. The largest seaports are San Juan, Ponce and Mayagüez. There are two international airports – in San Juan and Aguadilla. In 1985, 5 million passengers and 165 thousand tons of cargo were transported by air.

Foreign trade is of great importance to Puerto Rico because of the role that the country’s economy plays in the division of labor of transnational corporations. In 1987, exports amounted to 12 billion dollars. (including approx. 50% – industrial goods, mainly products of TNK branches), imports – 10.7 billion dollars. (raw materials and semi-finished products, oil, food, etc.). Head. bargain. partner – the United States (St. 80% of exports and more than 60% of imports), among other countries stand out the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Belgium.

Den. the unit is the US dollar. External debt in 1985 reached 8.8 billion dollars, or 61% of GDP.

The situation of workers . According to official According to statistics, the unemployment rate in 1988 was 16.7% of the economically active population (according to unofficial data, it did not fall below 30% in the 80s), and the inflation rate was approx.