ISLA MARGARITA
Economy
Economy
Popular destinations VENEZUELA
| Isla margarita |
Economy
For centuries, the majority of the population of the islands lived from fishing, and even today, many families are completely dependent on fishing. The pearl trade ended already in the 16th century.
Since 1975, Isla Margarita has had a tax-free status within Venezuela to stimulate the economy, and many Venezuelans make use of this. They buy mainly imported clothes, electrical household appliances and audio equipment. Porlamar in particular resembles one big shopping centre and this is also where most hotels and restaurants are to be found. Porlamar is therefore the economic hub of the island.
Just outside the city of Pampatar and on the island of Coche are salt flats or 'salinas', which are still exploited. The Laguna De Las Marites is a lagoon with mangrove forests and also an oyster harvesting area.
East Isla Margarita is the region par excellence for traditional crafts and handicrafts, another pillar of the economy. The famous centre for traditional crafts is Taller de Artesanía As ícon los Manos Tierra, Agua y Fuego. Villages with specific products are El Cercado (ceramics), Los Millanes (hand-rolled cigars), Tacarigua (woven hammocks or 'chinchorros'), Pedrogonzález (hand-woven bags or 'mapires') and Atamo ('mara' baskets).
The road network of Isla Margarita is in good condition. Isla Margarita's international airport Del Caribe is located in the south of the island. From Isla Margarita, there are ferry connections to Cumaná and Puerto La Cruz in mainland Venezuela. On Isla Margarita itself, minibuses or 'por puestos' and communal taxis or 'collectivos' provide transport.
Sources
Launspach, W. / Reishandboek Venezuela, Margarita
Elmar
O’Bryan, L. / Venezuela
Gottmer/Becht
Venezuela
Cambium
Verbeeck, I. / Isla Margarita, Puerto La Cruz & Cumaná
Van Reemst
CIA - World Factbook
BBC - Country Profiles
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