La miseria ama la compañía

The latest Misery Index is out, and Venezuela is almost Number 1 (worst), so naturally that calls for a celebration;

The Cuba-Venezuela Comprehensive Agreement is celebrating its 14th anniversary, implementing a variety of social programs throughout the entire country, key among which are those of public health and education. Over this period, mutually beneficial economic and social projects have been developed, guided by the spirit of their creators: historic leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro and former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.

On October 30, 2000, both dignitaries signed the Caracas Agreement, resulting in the expansion of bilateral relations. 

Though Cuba is so secretive about its economy it isn't even rated.

Maybe the fact that you can go to jail for grocery shopping in Venezuela has something to do with their ranking;

A $15 grocery run has cost two single mothers from Colombia 48 days in jail — and the threat of a 14 year prison sentence — as a result of a crackdown on smuggling in Venezuela that’s ratcheting up tensions and highlighting growing economic distortions between the neighbors.

Jenifer Rojas and Belsy Alvarez were arrested in early September by Venezuela’s national guard walking out of a supermarket in the western city of San Cristobal with bags of pasta, mayonnaise and other staples that are heavily subsidized in Venezuela and whose sale is restricted to the country’s residents.

Along with the cashier who rang up their purchases, they face charges of smuggling and violating the socialist government’s new law of fair prices, whose penalties include 10 to 14 years in jail.

No, not an episode of Parks and Recreation;