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Essay Name       : 759.txt 
Uploader         : Brent Buddensee
Email Address    : crcbrent@cape.com
Language         : English
Subject          : Spanish Essays
Title            : Venezuela
Grade            : 94
School System    : High School
Country          : USA
Author Comments  : Overview of Venezuela, history, culture, etc.
Teacher Comments : None
Date             : 11/2/96
Site found at    : Browsing
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	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.  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 petroleum.  At one time, Venezuela was the worlds 
leading exporter of oil, but now is only one leader.  Early in Venezuelan oil production, 
foreign aid was needed to process the crude oil.  In 1960, the government placed all 
processing in the hands of private industry.  This founded PETROVEN, short for 
Petroleos de Venezuela.  In 1984, crude oil massed 95 million tons.  Today one third of 
Venezuelan oil is refined there.  Such is the reason the Venezuela is economically one of 
the most sound Latin American countries.  As with all oil deposits, natural gas provides 
more income for the country.  Besides which, gold, diamonds, coal, nickel, copper, and 
asbestos are also significant natural resources.
	The typical middle class Venezuelan family lives comfortably, owning a car and 
taking an occasional vacation.  Spanish is spoken predominately, though tribal tongue still 
exists.  Most houses are being replaced by high-rise apartments, and the government has 
worked hard to end ranchos; shack-like dwellings.  Most meals include black beans, mixed 
with either beef, pork, poultry, or fish.  Rice is often added, too.  A special type of banana, 
plantains, are eaten with some meals.  Catholicism is the religion of the majority. 
Venezuela can boast an 85% literacy rate, and such may be due to the fact that children 
ages 7 to 13 are required to attend school.  The Central University of Venezuela has 
50,000 students. Venezuela has tried hard to bring higher learning to its population, and 
granted massive scholarships during the 1970s.  Free education is offered through college.
	Venezuela has an ancient history dating back to Columbus, and nothing has 
changed that.  Today it is an industrial nation, that trades often with the United States, and 
Great Britain.  It can only look forward to better years, as its people become more 
financially stable and intellectually active.
	





















































	


	




 
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