The voltage nonlinear resistive element includes a resistor containing a joined body in which a zinc oxide ceramic layer composed mainly of zinc oxide and having a volume resistivity of less than 1.0×10−2 Ωcm is joined to a rare-earth metal oxide layer composed mainly of a rare-earth metal oxide, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the resistor such that an electrically conductive path passes through a junction between the zinc oxide ceramic layer and the rare-earth metal oxide layer. In this element, the zinc oxide ceramic layer of the joined body has a lower volume resistivity than before. This can result in a lower clamping voltage in a high electric current region than before.