Venezuela

Geography Northern South America and borders on the Caribbean Sea

Size 352,143 square miles Texas is 268,820 sq miles

Land Regions West: Andes Mountains Central: northern coast and largest cities East: the plains (1/3 of the country) South: High plateaus and jungles

Weather and Climate May to November is the rainy season Average temperature 70F to 85F There is a potential for earthquakes

A little bit of history… 1498: Columbus discovered 1527: Capital, Caracas, founded 1811: declared independence from Spain This began a 10 year struggle to actually achieve desired freedom 1821: Republic established but they experienced instability 1958: freely elected president helped make Venezuela most stable country in South America for a little while They benefitted from high oil prices but when oil dropped poverty and unemployment increased Many presidents tried to help by mostly failed Little has happened since to improve the economy

Government Republic head by a President President is chief of state and head of government Current president is Hugo Chavez

How a Republic works A republican form of government is a type of government in which the citizens of a country have an active role in the affairs of the government Runs with a single National Assembly

Economy Member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) Oil is the cornerstone of the economy Oil provides 80% of earnings This has allowed for more modern development They also try to compete in other industries for when oil prices fluctuate Low oil prices in the 1990’s have hurt the country Unemployment and large debt have lowered the once high standard of living

Venezuelan Oil Oil first discovered in Venezuela about 100 years ago Made a lot of money working in the oil industry In the 1970’s, oil prices went up This caused an oil boom Standards of living for many people in Venezuela went up Then the government started to spend a lot of money and even had to borrow some money so they could keep spending money

Oil Drill

Education Attend school from 7-14 Public school is free ¾ of all students complete primary school Only 2/3 of those go to secondary school

Culture

Population million people 90% of these people live in urban areas

Language Spanish is the official language

Learn some Spanish _children

Religion 90% Roman Catholic Many are baptized but they do not attend regularly. Venezuela is a little less religious that other South American countries.

Attitudes Take pride in their country and their independence heroes Celebrate on liberator in particular: Simon Bolivar Admire honesty, generosity, and a good sense of humor Personal joy and the needs of others are more important than schedules.

Appearance It is very important to look your best at all times. Follow the current European styles

Customs During conversations, people stand close together Handshakes or a pat on the back are common greetings It is common to serve any visitor un cafecito (thick black coffee in a small cup) It is polite to ask about one’s health during casual conversation.

Food Staples: pasta, rice, beans, white cheese, chicken, potatoes and fish. Corn is the basis of every dish Fried food is very popular Arepa is a traditional dish (thick pancake filled with meat and cheese) Shaved ice is a common treat.

Food Lunch is the main meal of the day Parents always sit at the heads of the table Dining out is common

Recreation Baseball and basketball are equally popular They also enjoy watching horse racing and bull fighting Enjoy dancing, going to the movies, or watching TV soap operas are common activities

Music and Dance National Dance is called the Joropo (start at 00:50-02:50) Other fun music and dances are the salsa and merengue (00:55-01:30)

Music and Dance Popular instruments are the maraca and cuatro

Family Grandparents usually live with families Many women work (1/2 the work force) but only 10% of those hold managerial jobs Families financially support each other when able.

Color the Flag

Trompo Each player needs a top Everybody spins there tops into a circle Whoevers top is the last one still spinning wins