Why Venezuela Is Exploding, Explained In Simple Charts

Inflation, low standards of living, and a climate of fear are all contributing to unrest.

The dramatic protests that have been sweeping Venezuela started off as many protests do: with mostly students. But as the government cracked down harshly in recent weeks, discontent wasn't suppressed--it spread to a much broader base, and now the middle class has taken to the streets. "Look. I've got a rock in my hand and I'm the distributor for Adidas eyewear in Venezuela," one protester told the New York Times.

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