Zulia

State in western Venezuela, bordered on the west by Colombia along the Sierra de Perijá; area 63,336 sq km/24,454 sq mi; population (1996) 2,820,250. Maracaibo is the state capital, and the second-largest city in Venezuela. The Maracaibo lowlands, which consist of plains and marshland, make up the majority of this state. There is little agricultural production, with the exception of some cattle-raising and dairy-farming. There are also rich timber reserves. The climate is extremely hot and humid.

Lake Maracaibo lies at the centre of the state; the land under and around the lake is one of the world's most valuable sources of petroleum, yielding over 70% of Venezuela's total oil output.