Historical Resource Dependence: Venezuela (Oil, Mining, Ag) & El Salvador (Coffee, Sugar, Textiles, Remittances)

Venezuela

• Oil: World's largest reserves; backbone of economy for decades; >90% export earnings.
• Mining: Iron ore, bauxite, gold, diamonds.
• Agriculture: Corn, rice, sugarcane, bananas, coffee (historically significant).

El Salvador

• Coffee: Premier export for 150+ years; high-quality arabica.
• Sugar: Sugarcane for sugar, molasses, ethanol.
• Textiles & Apparel: Major employer and export sector (maquila).
• Remittances: ~20-25% of GDP; from Salvadorans abroad (mostly US).

Both economies historically relied on narrow primary/secondary exports, creating vulnerability.