Several styles of the traditional music of Venezuela, such as salsa and merengue, are common to its Caribbean neighbors. Perhaps the most typical Venezuelan music is joropo, a rural form which originated in the llanos, or plains.

Venezuela has a largely command economy in which the central government directs the economy regarding the production and distribution of goods.

One of the most popular and traditional styles of music in Venezuela is the Joropo, our national dance, played with harps, cuatros, bandolas, mandolins, bass (of European origin) and maracas (of native, Venezuelan origin).