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Project October 2, 2025

Oil and the Guyana-Venezuela Border Dispute

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Guyana Venezuela flags
The flags of Guyana, left, and Venezuela. Image by Vutuk Design and Media/Shutterstock.

This reporting project explores the effects of a centuries-old border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

This conflict was exacerbated by the 2015 discovery of significant oil deposits in the Essequibo region, which constitutes approximately two-thirds of Guyana, but is claimed by Venezuela as part of its territory.

The political turmoil and economic hardships in Venezuela have triggered a mass migration of Venezuelans into Guyana. The migration has taken an economic, social, and personal toll on individuals.

In addition, the conflict could threaten the stability of the Caribbean and South American regions.