BOLIVAR

bolivar, an inland state of venezuela, lying s. of the orinoco and apure, with the yuruari territory on the e., the caroni river forming the boundary, and the amazonas territory and brazil on the s. frequent political changes in venezuela have led to various modifications in the size and outlines of this state, which comprises large areas of uninhabited territory. it is a country of extensive plains (_llanos_) covered in the rainy season with nutritious grass which disappears completely in the dry season, and of great forests and numerous rivers. its population was given in 1894 as 135,232, but its area has been largely reduced since then. the capital is ciudad bolivar, formerly called angostura, which is situated on the right bank of the orinoco about 240 m. above its mouth; pop. 11,686. vessels of light draught easily ascend the orinoco to this point, and a considerable trade is carried on, the exports being cocoa, sugar, cotton, hides, jerked beef and various forest products.