Venezuelan Culture

Venezuela

Jill Fleming

SUNY Potsdam

Dr. Gregory Gardner

International Business Communication

September 27, 2009

 

http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/venezuela.htm venezuelanalysis.com

Introduction

Venezuela is a beautiful nation with a rich and diverse culture. Venezuela, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498, now has a population estimated to be over 26 million. The official language is Spanish, which is referred to as Castellano by the Venezuelan people. Roman Catholic is the most prominent religion in Venezuela, however family is seen as the most important foundation in Venezuelan culture. A Federal Multiparty Republic since 1958, it capital Caracas, currently has an estimated population of over 3 million people.

General Description

Originally named Venice by Alonso de Ojeda, under Spanish rule, the name evolved in Capitanía General de Venezuela or Venezuela as it is known today. Once part of the Gran Columbia, (Venezuela, Ecuador, and New Granada), in 1830 at its collapse, Venezuela became its own country. Prior to 1958, Venezuela was a dictatorship ruled by the military, after several coup d’état attempts, the nation was able to hold democratic government elections, In 1999 Hugo Chávez was elected president, he was re-elected in 2006, since elected he has tried unsuccessfully to turn Venezuela into a Socialist Nation. The official language of Venezuela is Spanish, however there are approximately 40 languages spoken, (including numerous indigenous languages), English, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Arabic are among the foreign languages commonly spoken. While there is no official religion in Venezuela, the majority are Roman Catholics, with a small percent of the population being Protestant. Family is a cornerstone of the Venezuelan social structure and the basis of stability in times of need. The Venezuelan people are proud; they value both their heritage...