Venezuela is a Spanish-speaking country located in South America. It has diverse geography that includes snow-capped Andes mountains, Amazonian jungles, plains, beaches, and the world's highest waterfall. Venezuela's economy was historically based on agriculture but shifted to oil after its discovery in the 1920s. While known internationally for its oil wealth and political figures like Hugo Chavez, Venezuela has a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes that are undervisited by international travelers.

1. Venezuela by Shelby Scott

4. Fast Facts about Venezuela GDP growth rate (2006) GDP growth rate (2006) : 8.8% Inflation (2006) Inflation (2006) : 15.8% Unemployment (2006) Unemployment (2006) : 8.9% Area 912, 050 sq km Population growth rate 1.9% Number of Miss Worlds won by Venezuelans 5 Adult literacy 93%

5. Económico Venezuela was a primarily agricultural country until the discovery of oil in the 1920s. A prominent founding member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the country ranks fifth in the world in oil reserves, and it is among the world's top 10 oil exporting nations. The resource provides 90% of export earnings, half of government revenues and approximately a quarter of the country's GDP (in contrast, agriculture comprises less than 4% of GDP). Overdependence on oil revenues, however, has left Venezuela vulnerable to world price fluctuations. Following an overwhelming electoral victory in December 2006, President Hugo Chávez moved to nationalize petroleum and other companies, somewhat ruffling foreign investors. Despite Chávez's vociferous denunciation of his American counterpart, George W Bush, the US remains a major trading partner, accounting for more than half of the country's exports (mostly oil). Buoyed by major government investments and increased access to credit, consumer spending jumped substantially in 2007, though at the expense of a 20% rise in inflation. In an effort to boost confidence in the currency, in 2008 the government introduced the Bolívar Fuerte, slashing three zeroes so that a beer now costs about 1 Bolívar instead of 1,000.

6. Venezuela Top Things To See … • Explore the capital, Caracas , a modern metropolis in a stunning setting along the base of the Ávila range. Besides a fabulously varied culinary landscape, a vibrant cultural life and throbbing nightlife scene, the city also boasts an array of world-class museums. • Take a scenic flight or motorized canoe trip to the foot of Angel Falls (Salto Ángel) , the world's highest waterfall, in the southeast, with an uninterrupted drop of 979m (3,212ft). The two-day canoe trip operates from June to November. • Catch a display of joropo , Venezuela's national dance, in Los Llanos, the vast plains region where it originated. The flamenco-influenced step is accompanied by ensembles playing harp, guitar and maracas and singing in a high-pitched nasal style. • Take a tour from Maracaibo north to the Guajira peninsula, where the indigenous Wayúu (or Guajiro) people live much as they did when the first Spanish settlers arrived, dwelling in houses that are raised above the lake on stilts (website: www.wayuutaya.org ). • Get to know Mérida , a delightful university town perched amidst snow-capped Andean peaks. More than just an excellent base for hiking, wildlife watching and whitewater rafting, Mérida boasts several fine art and archaeology museums and a vibrant nightlife. • Linger in the beautifully preserved center of Coro , an early colonial settlement near the Caribbean coast that's on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Aside from its historical legacy, it's also the gateway to the Paraguaná Peninusula, a prime windsurfing destination. • Marvel at the magical natural phenomenon of lightning minus the accompanying thunderclap at the Parque Nacional Ciénagas del Catatumbo , along a river delta southwest of Lake Maracaibo. The highly unusual displays can be witnessed throughout the year.

7. Getting Around Towns and Cities Caracas has a 48-station metro , which is comfortable and inexpensive. Elsewhere, local transport is handled by both conventional bus services and por puestos (share-taxis). Fares for the latter are similar to those on the buses, though generally higher in the evenings and at weekends. Taxis in Caracas are not metered and fares should be negotiated with the driver beforehand. Fares increase 30% after 2000. Travelers are advised to hail only white taxis with yellow number plates or to use official taxi stands. From the airport, authorized taxis (black Ford Explorers) line up in front of the international and domestic terminals. Journey Times The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Caracas to other major cities/towns in Venezuela. Air Porlamar 0.45 Canaima 1.15 Cumana 0.45 Maracaibo 1.00

8. Comida y beber The distinctive flavor of comida criolla, as Venezuela's cuisine is locally known, resides in roots and vegetables: yams, yucca, plantains and beans. Beef from the cattle ranches of Los Llanos also figures prominently; it's done a la parilla (charcoal grilled) at the country's many steakhouses. Equally enticing are the varieties of fresh fish and seafood stews prepared along the Caribbean coast. Authentic Italian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines are also widely available, thanks to the presence of substantial immigrant communities. From pineapples to papayas, tropical fruit is fabulously varied and blended into batidos (shakes). Venezuela produces excellent rum and is a major importer of Scotch. Polar (served ice-cold, naturally) is the most popular of several local beers. National specialties: • Arepas (corn cakes generously stuffed with all manner of fillings). • Pabellón criollo (shredded meat served with fried plantains, black beans and rice and a slab of cheese). • Hallaca (corn dough filled with beef, pork, olives, etc, and steamed in banana leaves; a Christmas favourite). • Cachapas (slightly sweet corn pancakes, usually folded over hunks of white cheese and/or ham). • Hervido (hearty soup of beef, chicken or fish with root vegetables). National drinks: • Cafe (espresso style - specify café marrón for milk). • Merengadas (fruity milkshakes). • Chicha (sweet and creamy rice-based drink). • Papelón con limon (refreshing beverage of sugar cane juice and lemon).