Non-oil business is also booming: a survey of some 114, 000 non-oil companies shows an average 43.9% increase in profits.

ECONOMIST: An oil-rich country tilts leftwards

This discourages banks from lending to non-oil projects and raises the cost of doing business.

ECONOMIST: After a long war, bold entrepreneurs start to arrive

Non-political elements such as business, workers and oil associations have played a role in opposing Chavez, particularly before the recall referendum of August 2004.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Supporting the forces of democracy