Wayuu People
The Wayuu (approximately 400,000) inhabit the arid Guajira Peninsula spanning Colombia and Venezuela—a harsh semi-desert with extreme heat (40°C+), scarce water, fierce trade winds, and drought. They endure water scarcity crises, desertification, and political instability. Traditional goat/sheep herding, matrilineal clan system, vibrant woven bags (mochilas), salt harvesting, and resistance culture define this desert peninsula people. Water access struggles, adaptation to Venezuela's crisis, and maintaining autonomy characterize their extreme desert existence.