Venenzuela
by: Kaitlin Wiseman
Languages
Spanish is the official launguage with numerous indigenous dialects.
Population
29,275,460 people
Geographical features and climate
The country consists of four distinctive regions: the Venezuela Highlands in the west; the Maracaibo Lowlands in the northwest; the vast central plain of the Los Llanos around the Orinoco River, and the guyana region in the south, this includes the Amazon rainforest and the Guyana Highlands. A few parts of Venezuela including Caracas and the eastern Sucre are vulnerable to earthquakes. Venezuela is perched 8 degrees above the equator so it keeps a warm climate. 79 degrees fahrenheit and 82 degree fahrenheit is the steady all year round temperature. The mountainous Andean region is much cooler, the temperature can drop to 48 degrees fahrenheit. Venezuela's weather is changeable, and even during a dry seaon they is always a chance of rain.
Government
Federal Republic
tourist sites
Angel Falls: is the tallest waterfall in the world, the water spills from the rim of an ancient sandstone tepuy (plateau)into a freefall about 0.6 miles into a pool.
Caracas: the capital of Venezuela, its a stunning setting along the base of the Avila range.
Colonia Tovar:settled by german immigrants from the Black forest in the mid-19th century, the town has kept it's old world traditions, food and architecture.
Coro: an early colonial settlement near the caribbean coast, a national park composed of huge sand dunes, the country's only desert landscape.
Cueva Wildlife Refuge: a coastal reserve adjoining the Parque Nacional Morrocoy about four hours from caracas. Admire colonies of pink flamingo and scaelet ibis as well as other kinds of birds.
Greetings and Gestures
Venezuelans expect a polite greeting such as a good afternoon or good morning. Shaking hands is always acceptable however in Venezuela they expect a firm handshake done by men and a soft performed by women. Venezuelans like to talk about family, hobbies, vacations, and past experiences. One subject that is never welcomed or discussed in Venezuela is politics.
Popular Foods
Venezuela's food is a combination of Native Indian, European, and African influences. They use many ingredients with influences even from the caribbean. Their food uses ingredients such as onion, garlic, and sweet peppers. Corn is common and sometimes an ingredient when making pancakes. Arepas is usually a substitution for bread with most Venezuelans. Cachapa is a traditional dish, it is pancakes wrapped in corn leaves and boiled.
Education
Students attend six years in primary school. They then go to secondary middle school from seventh to ninth grade. These years are the government mandated school time. Public, free education is offered to all Venezuela's children and is popular at the primary level. 92% of the children under age 11 are attending school.
Religions
Christianity is the official religion in Venezuela. Ninety-two percent of the population is Roman Catholic while the rest follow protestantism. The country has very small communities muslim and jew.
Leisure Activities
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Venezuela. They are known to have the most skilled players go through professional baseball. Football is also becoming more common. The foot ball team representing the country has gained world-class recognition. Tennis is another sport that is very popular in Venezuela. They look forward to the meet against North American teams. Para gliding is also a hobby that attracts their hearts. Horseback riding across the Paramo Grasslands and even canyoning in the region of Merida are all popular activities of the Venezuelans.
Fashion
Being neat, clean and properly groomed is important to Venezuela culture. The women wear long decorative skirts with off shoulder blouses. Men wear white beige or cream made of cotton cloth. This clothing is a blend of spanish and french influences.
Famous Person
Miguel Cabrera played major league baseball for Florida Marilins and also Detriot Tigers. HE was born in Cabrera andhad almost 2,000 hits before age 31.