Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías was born in the town of Sabaneta, State of Barinas, Venezuela, on July 28, 1954. At Venezuela's Military Academy he obtained a College-level degree in Military Sciences and Arts, Engineerign Branch, Ground Specialty, graduating as a Second Lieutenant on July 5, 1975.

Risking everything at the head of a movement of young officers of the Armed Forces, Hugo Chávez rebelled on February 4, 1992 against a social and political order mainly characterized by corruption and injustice. On February 2, 1999 Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías took over the reins of the State to lead the nation's destiny until the year 2004.

With a new Venezuelan constitution adopted in 1999, there was a new presidential election that he won, and allows him to stay in power for six more years.

President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías is married to María Isabel Rodríguez and is the father of five children: Rosa Virginia, María Gabriela, Hugo Rafael, Raúl Alfonzo and Rosa Inés.