Venezuela(Jackii)

VENEZUELA

= = = = =General Information:= = = = = = = =Geography:=
 * ====**Capital: Caracas**====
 * ====**Population: Approximately 29,000,000**====
 * ====**Demographics: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African**====
 * ====**Religion:**====
 * ====**Roman Catholic- 96%**====
 * ====**Protestant- 2%**====
 * ====**Other- 2%**====
 * ====**Venacular Language: Spanish (numerous dialects)**====
 * ====**Currency: Bolivar (B)**====
 * ====**Major Exports: Aluminum, crude oil, coffee, cocoa, and steel**====
 * ====**Major Industries: Aluminum, chemicals, cement, ships, textiles, and petroleum products**====

Depending on the elevation the climate varies from temperate to tropical. The weather is very enjoyable and attracts many tourists.
= = = = =Government and Politics:= ==== Venezuela has a Federal Republic government. The current president of the nation is, Hugo Chavez. The political climate of Venezuela is very volatile and highly polarized. A serious problem today is violent crimes. Caracas has one of the highest averages of homocides in the entire world. Also, an average of 23 kidnappings occur a day.. A DAY! That's a very high average. This average has had a negative affect on the economy and tourist rate of the country. ====

=Brief History:= In 1498 Colombus discovered the mouths of Orinoco. In 1499 th coast of Venezuela was discovered by Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci. They called it Venezuela (Little Venice) because of the little native villages built all around. The name was soon applied to the mainland. Approximately 21 years later spanish settlements were establsihed in 1520. German adventurers accomplished the major task of this conquest. From the 16th to the 18th century the coastline of Venezuela was attacked by English Buccaneer.

An uprising against spanish control began in 1795. Only after Napolean had taken control of Spain did a real revolution begin. Complete independence was declared in 1811, but was faced with many difficulties. In 1812 an earthquake hit that destroyed cities held by partiots and further helped the royalist. It was long after this that Venezuela gained true independence though. Indpendence wasn't fully gained until 1945, 10 years after the longest lasting dictator, Juan Vicente Gomez died in 1935.

=Culture:= Art: Venezuela's art has been heavily influenced by the Caribbean context. This extends to historic buildings, landscapes, paintings etc. The biggest part of their culture though is their architecture. Venezuela takes pride in this and has many beautiful buildings. Music: Venezuela has a very wide range of musical genres. The diverse genres are said to come from the result of African and Indian indigenous groups. Sports: The two most popular sports in Venezuela are baseball and futball. Baseball is the most popular. It was established in 1945. Futball is the second most popular and is currently growing. It was established in 1926.

=Tourism:= === Home to some of the best diverse and exotic places, Venezuela is a wonderful place to visit. Often visited places include: Caracas, Los Llanos, Margarita Isand and Morrocoy. ===

====Caracas sits at an elevation of 800m. It has a modeate climate that is very enjoyable along with innumerable views. It's is known as being a romantic paradise with many luxorious hotels, shopping malls, and====



Popular for its vast stretches of coastline, Margarita Island is the most visited tourist spot. This island is part of the Caribbean archipelago. Magratia Island consists of great scenery from big, gorgeous white churches to lush castles. There is also an array of different great tasting food outlets all around.



Morrocoy is a great place to visit with exotic beaches and amazing landscaes. However, the best thing about Morrocoy is the National Park that is full of life and a wonderful sight for nature lovers.

Los Llanos is a beautiful rural area with a great abundance of diverse wildlife. As the seasons blend they create a great scene of specatacular natural sights.

=Current Events: = = = =Hundreds of furious protestors gathered to baracade streets and burn tires in demand for clean water. On February 4, 2012 in Maturin, Venezuela a pipeline ruptured polluting main sources of water for Venezuelans. Maria Rodriguez, a very mad victim, said, "We have not had water for a week." So many complaints are being made that state governor, Jose Gregorio Briceno declared a "State of Emergency" that halted water distribution and even closed many schools in the area. You can read more at: [] =

=Even more importantly, Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela says he might not be able to run in the upcoming elections. Tuesday Hugo's doctors in Cuba found a two centimeter lesion that may be malignant. Chavez believes that he will most likely need to undergo radiation therapy. He will most likely be incapicitated, but no one knows who is temporary replacement will be in the upcoming weeks. "I'm not going to be able to continue with the same rhythm," Chavez told state TV adding he would need to "rethink my personal agenda and take care of myself, confront what must be confronted." Chavez has not yet said when his departure would be. You can read more at: [] = = = =SOURCES:=
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 * 10) <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">[]
 * 11) The History of Venezuela (Palgrave Essential Histories)