His childhood

Hugo Rafael Chavez Fri­as was born in Sabaneta, Barinas, Venezula, on 28 July, 1954. His parents were both teachers and he had one sibling. Due to his family being very poor, he was raised by his grandmother Rosa Inez.

Young Chavez was an excellent student, keen on baseball and arts. He got his secondary school degree with scientific orientation in Barinas in 1971 and then entered the Military Academy of Venezuela where he progressed until he reached Lieutenant Colonel.