Venezuela

Overview of Venezuela, history, culture, etc. None

Venezuela is probably best known for being a leading producer of petroleum products. It is, however, a diverse county in both culture and economy. Located in northern South America, its most southern point is a single degree north of the equator. Of the 352,145 square miles, many are on the Caribbean Sea. Venezuela can be divided into four regions, the: Maracaibo Basin, Andean Highlands, Llanos, and Guiana Highlands. The Maracaibo Basin, named for river maracaibo, the largest in Venezuela, is in the northwest. The Andean highlands are south west of the basin and consist of three mountain ranges, the: Merida range, Central Highlands, and Northeast Highlands. The Merida range houses the highest peek in Venezuela; Pico Bolivar, so named for Simon Bolivar. The great population of Venezuela is localized in the Andean Highlands and Maracaibo Basin. The river Orinoco runs through the Llanos.

Boceto del pintor venezolano Martín Tovar y Tovar...

Venezuelan Joropo

Maracaibo Basin

They are frequented by yearly floods in the many waterways. In the Guiana Highlands, Angel Falls can be found. First seen from an airplane by American pilot Jimmy Angel, they are the highest water falls in the world. The people of Venezuela, named little Venice by the Spaniards, were comprised of two Indian groups, the Arawak and Carib. Those of the west and east. In the early 1500s, Spaniards colonized Venezuela chiefly for its pearls. Such could be found along the Caribbean Sea, this was named the Pearl Coast. It was not until the 1800s that Venezuela fought for its independence. Simon Bolivar was the leader in this revolution. Today, Venezuela is a federal republic consisting of twenty states. Elections are held for voters 18 and older. The Venezuelan capitol is Caracas, and the president is elected for a five year term. Venezuela's greatest asset is...