Venezuela

Venezuela (officially) the

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,

The territory currently known as Venezuela was colonized by Spain in 1522 amid resistance from indigenous peoples. It gained full independence as a separate country in 1830.

Venezuela is a federal presidential republic consisting of 23 states. Venezuela is among the most urbanized countries in Latin America.

CARACAS is the capital and the largest city of Venezuela.

Nicolás Maduro Moros (born 23 November 1962)

A Venezuelan politician who has been President of Venezuela since 2013.

LANGUAGEAlthough the country is mostly monolingual Spanish, many languages are spoken in Venezuela. In addition to Spanish, the Constitution recognizes more than thirty indigenous languages, including Wayuu, Warao, Pemón, and many others for the official use of the indigenous peoples, mostly with few speakers – less than 1% of the total population. Immigrants, in addition to Spanish, speak their own languages. Arabic is spoken by Lebanese and Syrian colonies on Isla de Margarita, Maracaibo, Punto Fijo, Puerto la Cruz, El Tigre, Maracay, and Caracas. Portuguese is spoken not only by the Portuguese community in Santa Elena de Uairén but also by much of the population due to its proximity to Brazil.

RELIGIONAccording to the 2011 census, 88 percent of the population is Christian, primarily Roman Catholic (71%), and the remaining 17 percent Protestant. The Venezuelans without religion are 8% (atheist 2% and agnostic or indifferent 6%), almost 3% of the population follow other religions.

Caracas Cathedral

CUISINEDue to its location in the world, its diversity of industrial resources and the cultural diversity of the Venezuelan people, Venezuelan cuisine often varies greatly from one region to another. Its cuisine, traditional as well as modern, is influenced by its European (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French), West African and Native American traditions. Food staples include corn, rice, plantain, yams, beans and several meats. Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, eggplants, squashes and zucchini are also common sides in the Venezuelan diet.

Arepa is a type of food made of ground maize dough or cooked flour prominent in the cuisine of Colombia and Venezuela.

It is eaten daily in those countries and can be served with various accompaniments such as cheese (cuajada), avocado, or (especially in Venezuela) split and used to make sandwiches.

Chicharron is a dish generally consisting of fried pork belly or friedpork rinds; chicharrón may also be made from chicken, mutton, or beef.

EMPANADA is a stuffed bread or pastry baked or fried in many countries in Latin Europe, Latin America, the Southwestern United States, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Mandoca is a Venezuelan deep fried cornmeal ring that is usually eaten with butter and cheese while still hot. It is usually served at breakfast, and it is most popular in Zulia state of the country.

Angel Falls is a waterfall in Venezuela. It is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a height of 979 metres (3,212 ft) and a plunge of 807 metres (2,648 ft).

Playa El Agua (The Water Beach) is the most famous tourist development on Margarita Island.

The National Pantheon of Venezuela is a final resting place for national heroes. The Pantheon (Latin Pantheon,from Greek Pantheon, meaning "Temple of all the Gods")

TRIVIAInternationally, Venezuela has been well documented for its successes in beauty pageants. Miss Venezuela is a closely followed event throughout the country, and Venezuela has received 6 Miss World, 7 Miss Universe, 7 Miss International and 2 Miss Earth titles.

Venezuela ranks first in the Global Beauties webpage list as the country with more international pageants titles won. It also has a Guinness World Record, after Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008 from Venezuela crowned Stefania Fernandez, also from Venezuela as Miss Universe 2009, marking the first time over 50 years in the competition that a country wins the title in two consecutive years.

Miss Venezuela

2008 &

2009

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VISITINGVENEZUELA

Reported by: Clarivel L. Tajan