Venezuela

{ Venezuela }

• Flag Meaning: The yellow stands for land wealth, the blue stands for courage, and
the red stands for independence from Spain.

• Population: 26,814,843 (July 2009 est.)

• Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
• Terrain: Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains
(llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast
• Industry: Venezuela’s industry consists mostly of petroleum; other well known
products are construction materials, food processing, and textiles.
• History 1.) A Spanish explorer gave the country its name, Venezuela, meaning
“Little Venice.” after arriving at a lake there and seeing houses built on the water
on stilts.
2.) Simon Bolivar was born in Venezuela and later led the country into
recognition by liberating many countries in South America, including his own.
• Culture: Venezuela’s culture (heritage, art) is largely Caribbean influenced, so
there’s a lot of bright colors and tropical themed things; most of the food here
contains some marine flavor because of the big fish market; holidays include
Christmas and New Years, as well as traditional holidays such as Natalicio del
Libertador, which celebrates the liberation of the country from Spanish rule. Many
of them are Christian; some customs are giving a firm handshake with strong eye
contact to someone when you meet them and never refusing coffee. The people
are known for being warm and friendly, and very traditional.
• Places of Interest: You can find the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls, in
Venezuela. To experience this wonder, you can either trek upriver, take a boat
tour, or even a helicopter tour; Pico Bolivar is the highest mountain in Venezuela,
 and is a monument for the great Simon Bolivar. Experienced hikers can conquer
5007 meters; Playa El Agua is a very beautiful, famous beach located on one of
the islands. It’s a three mile stretch of palm tree lined white sand, and it’s a great
place for sun worshippers.
• Places to Stay: Hotel Alba Caracas is a five-star hotel located in Caracas,
Venezuela. There are many facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, two
restaurants, and lounges; Best Western Margarita Dynasty, located on Margarita
Island, is also a great suggestion. Here there’s a casino, a mini shopping center,
and car rentals just in case (as well as many other facilities).
• Transport: the basic way around Venezuela would be car or train. Ferries do carry
locals and tourists back and forth from the islands, however, and there are also
several airports to get to and from this amazing country.