Zulia is an oil-rich state in western Venezuela.
For most Venezuelans, Zulia is all about oil. Oil was first discovered here in the early 20th century and still today around 1.5 million barrels a day of the black stuff is produced in the region.
However, the state is also home to extensive farming and particularly cattle ranching. Zulia has a long and porous border with Colombia, and ranches close to the frontier have been subject to some overspill from Colombia's civil troubles in the form of kidnappings of wealthy farmers and an influx of refugees.
Planes arrive at Maracaibo's La Chinita airport (IATA: MAR). The state is also well-connected by roads to the rest of Venezuela.