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In a world with no shortage of floundering states, the growing turmoil in Venezuela seems sadly familiar. Protesters riot in the streets and security officers reply with sometimes-deadly force, as the country suffers through sky-high inflation, a record-setting murder rate and scarcity of basic items.

Even toilet paper has become a hot commodity on under-stocked grocery shelves.

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Yet there is a striking difference between Venezuela and many of the globe’s other basket cases. Boasting the world’s largest reserves of oil and already out-stripping all but a handful of countries in crude production, it is uncommonly blessed with a highly lucrative natural resource.

The protests that have wracked the capital Caracas and other cities are complex, partly the result of an opposition faction reluctant to wait for the next election to try to unseat the government. But analysts agree the unrest is largely driven by the country’s chaotic economy.