Venezuela is located in northern South America, bordered by Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and the Caribbean Sea. It has diverse geography ranging from Andes mountains to coastal lowlands. Venezuela's population is mostly mixed European and indigenous heritage and Spanish-speaking, though other languages are present. Culturally, Venezuela shows influences from indigenous, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures in arts, literature, and architecture. Venezuela gained independence from Spain in the early 19th century after a war of independence led by Francisco de Miranda.