Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

1
I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Venezuela, named the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela since 1999, is located on the
northern coast of South America. The country comprises a continental mainland and
numerous islands in the Caribbean Sea. It borders Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south,
and Colombia to the west. Its Caribbean neighbors off the northern coast are Trinidad and
Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, Curaao, Bonaire, Aruba, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
and the Leeward Antilles. Falling within the tropics, Venezuela sits closer to the Equator, in
the Northern Hemisphere.
Venezuela is known widely for its petroleum industry, the environmental diversity of its
territory, and its natural features. Home to a huge diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected
habitats, Venezuela is considered to be among the 17 most mega diverse countries in the
world. Venezuela is also among the most urban countries in Latin America. The majority of
the population is concentrated in the north, especially in the largest metropolis, Caracas.
Other major cities include Maracay, Maracaibo, Barquisimeto, Valencia, and Ciudad
Guayana.
Area: 912,050 square kilometers

People
Population: 28,946,101 (2011 census)
Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 92%, 8% Protestant or other
According to the 2010 BP Statistical Energy Survey, Venezuela consumed an average of
608.77 thousand barrels a day of oil in 2009, 0.7% of the world total and a change from
2008 of 0.93%. Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina are South America's main oil consuming
nations.
II.

INTRODUCTION
The Central Bank of Venezuela is responsible for developing monetary policy for the
Venezuelan bolvar, which is used as currency. The currency is primarily printed on paper
and distributed throughout the country. The President of the Central Bank of Venezuela is

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

2
presently Eudomar Tovar, who also serves as the country's representative in the
International Monetary Fund. According to the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street
Journal, Venezuela has the weakest property rights in the world, scoring only 5.0 on a scale
of 100; expropriation without compensation is not uncommon. Venezuela has a mixed
economy dominated by the petroleum sector, which accounts for roughly a third of GDP,
around 80% of exports, and more than half of government revenues. Per capita GDP for
2009 was US$13,000, ranking 85th in the world. Venezuela has the least expensive petrol in
the world because the consumer price of petrol is heavily subsidized.

More than 60% of Venezuela's international reserves is in gold, eight times more than the
average for the region. Most of Venezuela's gold held abroad is located in London. On
November 25, 2011, the first of US$11 billion of repatriated gold bullion arrived in Caracas;
Chvez called the repatriation of gold a "sovereign" step that will help protect the country's
foreign reserves from the turmoil in the U.S. and Europe. However government policies
quickly spent down this returned gold and in 2013 the government was forced to add the
dollar reserves of state owned companies to those of the national bank in order to reassure
the international bond market.

Manufacturing contributed 17% of GDP in 2006. Venezuela manufactures and exports heavy
industry products such as steel, aluminium and cement, with production concentrated
around Ciudad Guayana, near the Guri Dam, one of the largest in the world and the provider
of about three-quarters of Venezuela's electricity. Other notable manufacturing includes
electronics and automobiles, as well as beverages, and foodstuffs. Agriculture in Venezuela
accounts for approximately 3% of GDP, 10% of the labor force, and at least a quarter of
Venezuela's land area. Venezuela exports rice, corn, fish, tropical fruit, coffee, beef, and
pork. The country is not self-sufficient in most areas of agriculture. In 2012, total food
consumption was over 26 million metric tonnes, a 94.8% increase from 2003.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

3
Since the discovery of oil in the early 20th century, Venezuela has been one of the world's
leading exporters of oil, and it is a founding member of OPEC. Previously an
underdeveloped exporter of agricultural commodities such as coffee and cocoa, oil quickly
came to dominate exports and government revenues. The 1980s oil glut led to an external
debt crisis and a long-running economic crisis, which saw inflation peak at 100% in 1996 and
poverty rates rise to 66% in 1995 as (by 1998) per capita GDP fell to the same level as
1963, down a third from its 1978 peak. The 1990s also saw Venezuela experience a major
banking crisis in 1994. The recovery of oil prices after 2001 boosted the Venezuelan
economy and facilitated social spending. In 2003 the government of Hugo Chvez
implemented currency controls after capital flight lead to a devaluation of the currency. This
lead to the development of a parallel market of dollars in the subsequent years with the
official exchange rate less than a sixth of black market value. The fallout of the 2008 global
financial crisis saw a renewed economic downturn.

With social programs such as the Bolivarian Missions, Venezuela made progress in social
development in 2000s, particularly in areas such as health, education, and poverty. Many of
the social policies pursued by Chvez and his administration were jumpstarted by the
Millennium Development Goals, eight goals that Venezuela and 188 other nations agreed to
in September 2000. It is expected that Venezuela will meet all eight goals by the 2015
deadline.
GDP purchasing power parity: US$402.1 (2012 est)
GDP real growth rate: 2.6% (2Q 2013 est.)
GDP per capita: $13,200 (2012 est)
Industries: petroleum, construction materials, food processing, iron ore mining, steel,
aluminum; motor vehicle assembly, real estate, tourism and ecotourism
Agriculture products: corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee, beef,
pork, milk, eggs, fish

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

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Petroleum: production 2,300,000 barrels a day (370,000 m3), proven conventional
reserves 79.7 billion barrels (1.2671010 m3)
Natural Gas: production 176 trillion cubic feet (5,000 km3) (2010 est), total proven
reserves 4,838 billion cubic meters (bcm) (2007 est)
Currency: Bolivar Fuerte, BsF. (VEF)
Poverty rate: 28% (2008 est.)
Inflation Rate: 29.1% (2010 est)

III.

BRIEF DISCUSSION OF COUNTRYS HISTORY

The modern nations of Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador are grouped together, from 1740,
as

the

Spanish

viceroyalty

of

New

Granada

with

its

capital

at

Bogot.

The second half of the 18th century is a time of considerable progress in the region. Spain
relaxes the long-standing mercantilist restrictions on trade with its colonies, resulting in a
rapid increase in prosperity. An educated and professional class of Creoles begins to
emerge, self-confident and increasingly resentful of the privileges of the peninsulares. In
these circumstances New Granada is a natural region for the first resistance to imperial rule.
There is a brief uprising in Ecuador as early as 1809. But sustained opposition begins
elsewhere a year later.
Bolvar and Gran Colombia: 1810-1822
Simn Bolvar, Venezuelan by birth and the central figure in the story of the independence
movements of Latin America, is a young officer in Caracas in 1810. He is part of the
conspiracy by which a junta expels the Spanish governor of the province of Venezuela, on
April 19, and takes control. For the next twelve years Bolvar's efforts are directed singlemindedly towards liberating the whole of New Granada from Spanish rule. There are many
reverses on the way. The optimism of July 1811, when a national assembly in Caracas
formally declares Venezuela's independence, is followed by a complete reversal a year later.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

5
The Spanish authorities rally, recover a military initiative, and by July 1812 regain control of
the entire province.

Bolvar escapes to Cartagena, the main seaport of neighbouring Colombia. The city is in
rebel hands, and here he pens a powerful political pamphlet, the Manifesto de Cartagena,
addressed to the citizens of New Granada. In it he offers the inspiring vision of a united
effort to expel the Spaniards.

He soon proves his own abilities in this great enterprise. In 1813, at the head of an army of
liberation, he returns to Venezuela and wins six successive engagements against Spanish
forces. On 6 August 1813 he enters Caracas. Welcomed as the Liberator, he takes political
control with dictatorial powers.

Again success is short-lived. By July 1814 Bolvar has once more lost Caracas. He marches
instead to Bogot, which he succeeds in recapturing from the Spanish. He makes this capital
city his base for a while, but soon the Spanish recover it yet again. Bolvar flees into exile, in
Jamaica and Haiti. But by the end of 1817 he is back in Venezuela, building up a new army
in an inaccessible region on the Orinoco river.

Here he conceives a bold plan. He will not make another attempt on Caracas. Instead he will
strike at the capital city of New Granada by a route, which is considered impossible - along
the waterlogged plain of the Orinoco and then over the Andes for a surprise attack on
Bogot.

In 1819 Bolvar's small force, of only about 2500 men, uses cowhide boats to cross a
succession of flooded tributaries of the Orinoco (one of his men claims later that for seven
days they marched in water up to their waists). This ordeal is followed by one even worse, a

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

6
mountain crossing during which a considerable number of the rebel band die of cold.
But the surprise holds. They descend from the high passes upon an unsuspecting enemy. In
an engagement at Boyac, on 7 August 1819, the Spanish army surrenders. Three days
later Bolvar enters Bogot. On December 17 the Republica de Colombia is proclaimed. It
covers the entire region of modern Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

As yet the republic is little more than a notion, for Venezuela and Ecuador are still securely in
Spanish hands. But the Liberator soon puts this right. In Venezuela on 24 June 1821 he wins
a battle at Carabobo, which yields to him once again his native city of Caracas. And in
Ecuador on 24 May 1822 Bolvar's favorite general, the young Antonio Jos de Sucre, wins
a victory at Pichincha and brings the patriots into Quito. With this liberation of Ecuador, the
Republica de Colombia becomes a reality as a free republic. (To avoid confusion with later
republics of Colombia, historians have subsequently given Bolvars pioneering state, and
this now common anachronism is followed here.)

Gran Colombia: 1822-1830

Gran Colombia only has eight years as a functioning state, and they are increasingly
turbulent. Bolvar technically remains president even during the period (1823-6) when he is
away controlling the campaign in Peru. In his absence the acting president is one of his
trusted

commanders,

Francisco

de

Paula

Santander,

native

of

Colombia.

Unfortunately another close colleague of Bolvar's is increasingly discontent with the

attempted rule of the entire region of Gran Colombia from the capital at Bogot. The
Venezuelan patriot Jos Antonio Pez leads a rebellion in 1826 demanding independence
for Venezuela.

The crisis of 1826 brings Bolvar back from Peru to Gran Colombia. He appeases Pez,
allowing him a degree of autonomy in Venezuela, but in doing so he provokes opposition in
Colombia - where he assumes dictatorial powers in 1828 (and later in the same year is lucky

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

7
to survive an assassination attempt). Meanwhile Ecuador, the third part of Gran Colombia,
has been in political turmoil since independence was first achieved in 1823; and its valuable
southern port of Guayaquil has remained a bone of contention with Peru. The Peruvians
invade in 1829. They are only driven back when Sucre emerges from his recent retirement
and defeats them, against heavy odds, on the plain of Tarqui.

By 1830 Bolvar is isolated, ineffective and increasingly ill. Santander has been exiled after
the 1828 attempt on Bolvar's life (in which he was not directly implicated). And in 1829 Pez
has launched a renewed separatist movement demanding Venezuelan independence.
In May 1830 Bolvar decides to leave Bogot, resigning as president and planning to retire to
Europe. He only gets as far as Santa Marta, on the Atlantic coast of Colombia, where he
dies of tuberculosis - but not before hearing of two final blows. In September both Ecuador
and Venezuela secede formally from Gran Colombia. And June has brought news of a more
personal loss.

Of his many devoted followers Bolvar has always favored the talented but unassuming
Antonio Jos de Sucre, treating him almost as a son and seeing him as his likely successor.
Early in 1830 Bolvar asks Sucre to preside over a congress in Bogot, in a final attempt to
hold Gran Colombia together. When the congress fails, Sucre sets off to ride home to Quito.
Agents of a political rival assassinate him on his journey,

probably.

Bolvar and his associates have won independence for the nations of Spanish America. But
the republics begin their separate histories in a lethal atmosphere of mistrust and political
gangsterism.

A republic of caudllos: 1830-1945

The newly independent republic of Venezuela is profoundly affected, from the earliest
decades of its existence, by the Latin American tradition of caudllos. First of these caudllos,

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

8
and one of the most efficient in his rule, is the man who has done more than anyone to win
Venezuela's final independence, Jos Antonio Paez.

Paez is elected president in 1831 and remains the real power in the country until 1848. He is
seen as acting in the conservative interest, though his policies are far from conventional in
that respect (under his rule the church loses both its tax immunity and its monopoly of
education). When an opposition group is founded in 1840, it calls itself the Liberal party.

By 1848 the liberal cause is strong enough to force Paez into exile, but the country never
settles into the lasting Liberal and conservative clash which characterizes other nations in
Latin America. Instead it is the caudllo tradition, which prevails for nearly a century, with a
succession of corrupt dictators seizing power. Local strong men, anarchistic and
uncontrollable, reflect the same pattern at a provincial level. Their ability to do so is
increased by the extremely violent Federalist Wars of 1858-63, in which the liberal side
eventually prevails. It is thus able to insist on the principle of greater local autonomy, which
coincidentally gives carte blanche to the regional warlords.

With its long coastline on the Caribbean, Venezuela has more developed foreign contacts
than other South American countries. Its connection with European bankers involves the
nation in an international crisis in 1902. In that year Venezuela defaults on interest payments
due to British, German and Italian creditors. It also fails to pay compensation for property
damaged in local riots. The three countries send warships to threaten Venezuela, prompting
in turn the intervention of President Theodore Roosevelt. Twelve years later, in 1914, there
is even more significant foreign involvement. The British and the Dutch, in the form of RoyalDutch Shell, begin to pump oil near Lake Maracaibo.

The Maracaibo region proves to be one of the world's richest oil resources. By the end of the
1920s Venezuela exports more oil than any other nation, and is second only to the USA as a

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

9
producer. As yet this unexpected gush of wealth enriches mainly the foreign oil companies
(working in large numbers in the region from 1918) and the ruling military clique. The
dominant caudllo in the early 20th century is Juan Vicente Gmez, a particularly ruthless
and rapacious dictator who is in power from 1908 until his death in 1935. Known in his time
as the 'tyrant of the Andes', Gmez is unusual among caudllos in being an almost fullblooded American Indian.

Oil revenues help Venezuela through the depression years of the 1930s. After the death of
Gmez, in 1935, they also allow his successors in the presidency to undertake extensive
investment

in

the

infrastructure

of

transport,

water

supplies

and

electricity.

During this period Gmez's many political enemies are allowed to return from exile. They
begin to organize political parties. The result is a major turning point in the modern history of
Venezuela. In 1945 civilian politicians and the military join forces to overthrow the
government. They put in its place an interim junta, with the promise of elections to follow.

Mainly democracy: from1945

When democracy comes to Venezuela, the leading political party is Left wing but antiCommunist, it is founded in 1941 by Rmulo Betancourt. After the coup of 1945 Betancourt
becomes provisional Accin Democrtica. President.

During his presidency Betancourt

introduces moderate reforms but concentrates on preparing a new democratic constitution. It

is adopted in 1947. Elections at the end of that year bring Accin Democrtica into full
democratic power, whereupon a thoroughgoing programmed of left-wing measures is
introduced. The result is a military coup in 1948 by alarmed conservatives. Betancourt
escapes again into exile.

The renewed military dictatorship lasts for nearly ten years, most of them under the rule of
the spectacularly oppressive and corrupt Marcos Prez Jimnez. When he is finally toppled,
in a coup in 1958, he escapes to the United States with an estimated $200 million as his

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

10
personal fortune (he is subsequently extradited, in 1963, and serves five years in a
Venezuelan.gaol).

Betancourt returns and is elected president for a five-year term in 1958. His term places
Venezuela securely back on the democratic track. Power has changed hands peacefully
every five years since then. In 1968 a Christian Democrat candidate wins for the first time.
He is Rafael Caldera, who is again successful, twenty-five years later, in 1993.

The elections of 1998, however, bring a dramatic new change of direction. Hugo Chavez,
a charismatic former paratrooper who has served two years in gaol for his part in a failed
military coup in 1992, wins the presidency with a large popular majority on a nationalist leftwing programmed.
Chavez, who sees himself as leading a new revolution, borrows the mantle of the liberator of
Venezuela, Bolvar. He renames the country the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and
appears on platforms with Bolvar's jewel-encrusted ceremonial sword as a prop.
Using army officers to run his administration, Chavez sets out to reverse the free-market
economic policies of the 1990, so as to benefit of the millions of Venezuelans living in
poverty.

Under a new constitution, limiting presidents to two six-year terms, he is re-elected in 2000
and again in 2006. By now - to the alarm of many who see ominous signs of a return to the
plague of Latin America, military dictatorship - he is proposing a change to the constitution to
allow a president unlimited terms of office. But when these proposals are put to a
referendum in December 2007, they are narrowly defeated (with 51% of the votes against).
IV. GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING
A. Location

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

11
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Colombia and Guyana
B. Climate
Although the country lies wholly within the tropics, its climate varies from tropical humid to
alpine, depending on the elevation, topography, and the direction and intensity of prevailing
winds. Seasonal variations are marked less by temperature than by rainfall. Most of the
country has a distinct rainy season; the rainy period (May through November) is commonly
referred to as winter and the remainder of the year as summer.

The country falls into four horizontal temperature zones based primarily on elevation. In the
tropical zonebelow convert|800 meterstemperatures are hot, with yearly averages
ranging between 26 and 28 C (78.8 and 82.4 F). The temperate zone ranges between 800
and 2,000 meters (2,625 and 6,562 ft) with averages from convert|12|to|25|C|F|1; many of
Venezuela's cities, including the capital, lie in this region. Colder conditions with
temperatures from 9 to 11 C (48.2 to 51.8 F) are found in the cool zone between 2,000 and
3,000 meters (6,562 and 9,843 ft). Pastureland and permanent snowfield with yearly
averages below 8 C (46 F) cover land above 3,000 meters (9,843 ft) in the high mountain
areas known as the pramos.

Average yearly rainfall amounts in the lowlands and plains range from a semiarid
430 millimeters (16.9 in) in the western part of the Caribbean coastal areas to around
1,000 millimeters (39.4 in) in the Orinoco Delta. Rainfall in mountainous areas varies
considerably; sheltered valleys receive little rain, but slopes exposed to the northeast trade
winds experience heavy rainfall. Caracas averages 750 millimeters (29.5 in) of precipitation
annually, more than half of it falling from June through August.

C. Topography

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

12
Most observers describe Venezuela in terms of four fairly well-defined regions: the
Maracaibo lowlands in the northwest, the northern mountains extending in a broad east-west
arc from the Colombian border along the Caribbean Sea, the wide Orinoco plains (llanos) in
central Venezuela, and rank highly dissected Guiana highlands in the southeast.

The Maracaibo lowlands form a large spoon-shaped oval bounded by mountains on three
sides and open to the Caribbean on the north. The area is remarkably flat with only a gentle
slope toward the center and away from the mountains that border the region. Lake
Maracaibo occupies much of the lower-lying territory. Areas around the southern part of Lake
Maracaibo are swampy, and, despite the rich agricultural land and significant petroleum
deposits, the area was still thinly populated in 1990.

V.

SOCIAL INSTITUTION
A. Family
Typically, both the immediate and the extended family unit in Venezuela is celebrated and
revered. Their elderly are respected and mostly cared for amongst family members with the
adult children often never leaving the parental home. Special occasions such as birthdays
and weddings are frequent, great social family affairs. Despite an increase in households
having to survive without a male role model due to absent fathers and an apparent increase
in murder rate amongst young men, the family unit remains a conventional, social supportive
institution.

In Venezuela, long-established male and female roles are still honored and upheld. Even in
a changing society where more women are attaining a tertiary education, the roles at home
remains traditionally defined. The Venezuelan man remains proudly macho and chivalrous.

B. Education

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

13
Education
Many children under five attend a preschool. Children are required to attend school from the
age of six. They attend primary school until they are eleven. They are then promoted to the
second level of basic education, where they stay until they are 14 or 15. Public school
students usually attend classes in shifts. Some go to school from early in the morning until
about 1:30pm and others attend from early afternoon until about 6:00pm. All schoolchildren
wear uniforms. Although education is mandatory for children, some poor children do not
attend school because they must work to support their families.

Venezuelan education starts at the preschool level, and can be roughly divided into Nursery
(ages below 4) and Kindergarten (ages 46). Students in Nursery are usually referred to as
"yellow shirts", after the color of uniform they must wear according to the Uniform Law, while
students in Kindergarten are called "red shirts".

Basic education comprises grades 1 through 6, and lacks a general governing programme
outside of the Math curriculum. English is taught at a basic level throughout Basic education.
Students are referred to as "white shirts". Upon completing Basic education, students are
given a Basic Education Certificate.

Middle education (grades 7-9) explores each one of the sciences as a subject and algebra.
English education continues and schools may choose between giving Ethics or Catholic
Religion. Students are referred to as "blue shirts". Venezuelans cannot choose their classes.

Once a student ends 9th grade, they enter Diversified education, so called because the
student must choose between studying either humanities or the sciences for the next two
years. This choice usually determines what majors they can opt for at the college level.
Students are referred to as "beige shirts". Upon completing Diversified education (11th
grade), students are given the title of Bachiller en Ciencias (literally, Bachelor of the

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

14
Sciences) or Bachiller en Humanidades (literally, Bachelor of Humanities). Some schools
may include professional education, and instead award the title of Tcnico en Ciencias
(literally, Technician of the Sciences)

Higher education
Venezuela has more than 90 institutions of higher education, with 860,000 students in 2002.
Higher education remains free under the 1999 constitution and was receiving 35% of the
education budget, even though it accounted for only 11% of the student population. More
than 70% of university students come from the wealthiest quintile of the population. To
address this problem, instead of improving primary and secondary education, the
government established the Bolivarian University system in 2003, which was designed to
democratize access to "higher education" by offering heavily politicized study programmers
to the public with only minimal entrance requirements. Autonomous public universities have
had their operational budgets frozen by the state since 2004, and staff salaries frozen since
2008 despite inflation of 20-30% annually.

Higher education institutions are traditionally divided into Technical Schools and Universities.
Technical schools award the student with the tile of Tcnico Superior Universitario
(University Higher Technician) after completing a three-year programme. Universities award
the student with the title of Licenciado (Bachelor) or Ingeniero (Engineer) amongst many
others, according to the career and after completing a five-year programme in most of the
cases. Some higher education institutions may award Diplomados (Specializations) but the
time necessary to obtain one varies.

Post-graduate education follows conventions of the United States (being named "Master's"
and "Doctorate" after the programs there).
According to the QS Latin American University Rankings 2014 the top 5 universities in
Venezuela are: #1 "Universidad Central de Venezuela", #2 "Universidad Simon Bolivar", #3

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

15
the Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas, #4 "Universidad de Los Andes" in Mrida
and #5 "Universidad Metropolitana de Caracas"

In 2009 the government passed a law to establish a national standardized university

entrance examination system, replacing public universities' internal entrance examinations.
Some universities have rejected the new system as it creates difficulties for planning. The
system has still not been formally implemented by the State. The previous line is a good
example of the Venezuelan Government's official line toward the autonomous universities
where democratic elections have failed to give the state party any significant victories.

C. Political system
Government type: Federal republic, with five branches of government: executive,
legislative, judiciary, electoral, and citizen.
Capital: Caracas
Executive branch: President Hugo Chavez Frias (since February 3, 1999) Chief of state
and head of government are held by the president elected by popular vote for a six-year
term with a two consecutive term limit. The president appoints the Council of Ministers. On
December 3rd, 2006, Hugo Chavez was reelected president with 62.9% of the vote against
Manuel Rosales with 36.9%, (Next election December, 2012)
Legislative Branch: Unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; three seats reserved for the
indigenous peoples of Venezuela).

Judicial Branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribunal Suprema de Justicia. The National
assembly elects magistrates for a single 12-year term.

Electoral Branch: National Electoral Council or Consejo Electoral Nacional (CNE)

administers all elections, including those held within civil society. The National Assembly

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

16
elects its five principal members for a seven-year term. The current president of the CNE is
Tibisay Lucena.

Citizen Branch: This branch ensures that citizens and government officials follow the
countries laws. It consists of the Attorney General (or Prosecutor General), the Comptroller
General, and the Defender of the People (Human Rights Ombudsperson).

Major Political Parties:

There are currently two major blocs of political parties in Venezuela: the incumbent leftist
bloc United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), its major allies Fatherland for All (PPT) and
the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV), and the opposition bloc grouped into the electoral
coalition Mesa de la Unidad Democrtica. This includes A New Era (UNT) together with
allied parties Project Venezuela, Justice First, Movement for Socialism (MAS) and others.
Hugo Chvez, the central figure of the Venezuelan political landscape since his election to
the Presidency in 1998 as a political outsider, died in office in early 2013, and was
succeeded by Nicols Maduro (initially as interim President, before narrowly winning the
Venezuelan presidential election, 2013).

Military Branches: National Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Nacionales or FAN): Ground
Forces or Army (Fuerzas Terrestres or Ejercito), Naval Forces (Fuerzas Navales or Armada;
includes Marines, Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerzas Aereas or Aviacion), Armed Forces of
Cooperation or National Guard (Fuerzas Armadas de Cooperacion or Guardia Nacional)

D. Legal system
In accordance with its juridical framework (the Constitution), the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela is a democratic and social state of law and justice. The Constitution provides that
the republic is a decentralized federal state and that sovereignty resides inalienably with the
people, who exercise it directly in the manner provided in the Constitution and the law, and

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

17
indirectly, by suffrage, through the organs of government (Articles 2 and 5 of the Constitution
of the Republic). Government powers are exclusive and are exercised based on the
principles of honesty, participation, expeditiousness, efficacy, efficiency, transparency,
accountability and responsibility, being fully subject to the law and the legal system (Article
141 of the Constitution of the Republic). Government in Venezuela is structured according to
the political-territorial framework of the country: at the level of the Republic, it corresponds to
the national executive branch; at the State level, it corresponds to the state executive
branch; and at the Municipal level, it corresponds to the municipal executive branch (Article
136 of the Constitution). National government is divided into five branches: legislative,
executive, judicial, citizens and electoral. The latter two branches were incorporated into the
Constitutional regulations adopted in 1999. National government is regulated in accordance
with the separation of powers. The powers of the national legislative branchare exercised by
the National Assembly, a unicameral parliamentary body made up of deputies elected in
each of the 24 federal jurisdictions; deputies are elected for five-year terms based on
proportional representation according to a percentage of the countrys total population. Their
functions include: legislating on matters of national jurisdiction and on the operation of the
various branches of national government; proposing constitutional amendments and
reforms; exercising oversight of the government and the civil service according to the
provisions of the Constitution and of the law; and debating and approving the national
budget. The national executive branch consists of the President of the Republic, the
Executive Vice-President, the Ministers, the Council of Ministers, the Office of the Attorney
General and the Council of State. The duties and functions of this branch include complying
with and ensuring compliance with the Constitution and national laws; directing the activities
of the government, including foreign affairs; issuing decrees with the force of law prior to the
adoption of enabling legislation; adopting legislation; managing the public treasury;
concluding and ratifying international treaties, conventions or agreements; directing and
exercising supreme command of the National Armed Forces; directing reports or special
messages, in person or through the intermediary of the Executive Vice-President, to the

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18
National Assembly; and any other functions outlined in the Constitution or in law. The
Judiciary is responsible for the administration of justice, hearing cases and other matters
falling under its jurisdiction based on procedures determined by law, and enforcing or
ensuring the enforcement of judgments. The judicial branch is functionally, financially and
administratively independent and is not empowered to establish rates, fees or to require any
payment whatsoever for its services -free justice- (Article 254 of the Constitution). The
citizens branch, autonomous and national in nature, is responsible for preventing,
investigating, and punishing offences against public ethics and administrative standards, for
oversight of proper administration and legality in the use of public property, and for
compliance with and application of the principle of legality in all of the governments
administrative activities. The functions of the citizen's branch are exercised by the Ethics
Council, which is made up of the Ombudsman, the Attorney General and the Comptroller
General. The bodies that make up the citizens branch are the Ombudsmans Office, the
Office of the Public Prosecutor, and the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic
(Article 273 of the Constitution). The Ombudsmans Office, headed by the Ombudsman, is
responsible for the promotion and protection of rights and guarantees established in the
Constitution and in international human rights treaties, as well as the legitimate, collective
and diverse interests of the citizens. The Ombudsmans functions include protecting human
rights, ensuring the proper functioning of public services; filing actions alleging
unconstitutionality, habeas corpus, habeas data and other actions and recourses necessary
to carry out his or her functions (Articles 280 and 281 of the Constitution). The Public
Prosecutors Office reports to the Attorney General. The Offices functions include:
guaranteeing respect for constitutional rights and guarantees in legal proceedings as well as
in international treaties, conventions and agreements subscribed by the State; ordering and
directing criminal investigations in cases involving the perpetration of punishable offences
(Articles 284 and 285 of the Constitution). The Office of the Comptroller General is the body
charged with controlling, supervising and auditing the income, expenditures, public property
and national assets of the State, as well as transactions related to the foregoing (Articles 287

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

19
to 291 of the Constitution). The electoral branch, independent and national in nature,
consists of the National Electoral Council, which is the supreme body, as well as subordinate
entities, including the National Electoral Board, the Civil and Electoral Registry Commission
and the Commission on Political Participation and Financing (Articles 292 to 298 of the
Constitution). The state government, which consists of states as autonomous and equal
political entities with legal status, is divided into the legislative and executive branches. A
governor elected by popular suffrage heads the executive branch, concerned with carrying
out the duties of government and administration in each state. The legislative branch in each
state is responsible for legislating on matters within the states authority and approving the
budget; it consists of the Legislative Council, composed of representatives elected
proportionally to represent the state and the municipalities. Each state has a Comptrollers
Office which is legally and functionally autonomous and which is charged with controlling,
supervising, and auditing state income, expenditures and assets, without prejudice to the
powers of the national Office of the Comptroller General (Articles 162 et seq. of the
Constitution). The municipal government consists of the municipalities and local entities,
such as parishes, communities and metropolitan districts, and is also divided into executive
and legislative branches. The municipal government and administration, under the
responsibility of the mayor, who is elected by popular suffrage, exercise the executive
functions. The Municipal Council, composed of popularly elected council members,
exercises the legislative function. Each municipality has its own legally and functionally
autonomous Municipal Comptrollers Office, which is responsible for the control and auditing
of municipal income, expenditures and assets, without prejudice to the powers of the
national Office of the Comptroller General. Finally, the Constitution provides for Local Public
Planning Councils headed by the mayor and composed of the council members, the
presidents of the Parish Boards, representatives of community organizations and other
representatives of civil society (Article 182 of the Constitution).
E. Social organizations

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

20
Although the traditional gap between rich and poor persisted in democratic Venezuela, the
modern upper class was by no means homogeneous. Traditional society--rural, rigid, and
deeply stratified--changed rapidly during the course of the twentieth century. Perhaps
ironically, the man most responsible for giving impetus to this change was the semiliterate
dictator Juan Vicente Gmez. The primary catalyst of the social change that began under his
dictatorship was economic, and it stemmed not from the established source of land
controlled by powerful hacendados, but from the subsoil in the form of petroleum extracted
and marketed through the efforts of technicians and technocrats. Gmez, by permitting and
encouraging oil exploration, laid the basis for the emergence of an urbanized, prosperous,
and comparatively powerful Venezuela from the chrysalis of a traditionally rural, agricultural,
and isolated society.

The trends away from the traditional society accelerated after 1945, particularly during the
decade of dictatorship from 1948 to 1958 and under the post-1958 democratic regime, which
is often described as the reign of the middle class. Despite the vast social and economic
changes that took place; however, the economic elite remained a small group separated
both economically and socially from the rest of society by an enormous income gap and by a
whiter and more Hispanicize ethnic makeup.

In general, those who considered themselves the Venezuelan elite, and were thus
considered by their fellow citizens, thought of themselves as the upholders of superior
values. Most claimed at least one postsecondary degree, possibly with a further
specialization abroad. Concentrated in business and the professions, the Venezuelan upper
class tended to disdain manual work and to patronize (in both senses of the word) members
of the lower classes. In this particular sense, Venezuela was one of the very few countries in
Latin America where a number of elite-supported scholarly and community welfare
foundations provided support for an imaginative variety of programs and scholarships. These

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

21
foundations often carried the names of elite families who prided themselves on their sense of
civic duty.

The members of the elite also tended to emphasize publicly their devotion to the Roman
Catholic Church and faith and to display a more stable family life than did the rest of the
society. That is, although divorce did occur in this class, children were usually born within a
legally constituted family union. Many of the younger women managed to combine
profession and family, often with the help of servants and members of the extended family.
Perhaps surprisingly for those who visit or observe Venezuelan society for the first time, the
elite is not a closed and static group. Prominent politicians, even those from humble
backgrounds, could easily marry into the elite. Successful professionals could also move up
and find acceptance among the upper class. This relative openness of the elite may serve to
mitigate to some extent the extremes that persist, particularly in economic terms, between
the Venezuelan rich and those considered "marginal."

F. Business Customs and practices

Meeting etiquette

A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard
greeting. When shaking hands, always use the appropriate greeting for the time of
day - 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes', or 'buenas noches'.

When meeting groups always introduce you to the eldest person first.

When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.

Since this is a formal culture, address people by their academic or professional title
and their surname until invited to move to a first- name basis.

Making appointments

Punctuality is expected on business and social occasions. Moreover, arriving at least

five minutes early will also be viewed favorably.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

22

Traffic congestion - especially in Caracas - can be difficult, so plan ahead to ensure

you have plenty of time to get to your appointment.

Guidelines for business dress

Men should dress conservatively, in dark business suits made of lighter wools.

In business and in any of the more privileged circles, Venezuelan women tend to be
meticulous dressers who closely follow European fashion. Female visitors are
advised to bring conservative, stylish business clothes of the highest quality,
including one cocktail dress.

In Venezuelan business culture, it is considered important for a woman to maintain

an elegant, beautifully dressed appearance, which includes becoming jewelry, heels,
and make-up.

You may find it an asset to wear watches, jewelry, or other accessories made by
prestigious designers. Again, Venezuelan businesspeople tend to be very statusconscious and will often be impressed by these displays.

Shorts and tennis shoes are generally reserved for the beach.

General conversation guidelines

Be sensitive to the fact that Venezuelans tend to position themselves extremely close
to others when conversing. The best policy is to respect this practice and accept that
it is the cultural norm. Attempting to move away will be perceived as a rejection.

In the course of a conversation, Venezuelans sometimes touch each other's arms or

jacket.

Maintaining eye contact is an important way of signaling attentiveness in this culture.

It will be appreciated if you make the effort to learn about Venezuela's political and
cultural history.

Refrain from monopolizing a conversation; allow your Venezuelan companions to

take the lead.
Addressing others with respect

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

23

Wait for permission before addressing others by their first names.

People who do not have professional titles should be addressed using courtesy titles
such as Mr., Mrs., or Miss, plus their surnames. Mr. = Senor Mrs. = Senora
Miss = Senorita

Most Hispanics have two surnames: one from their father, which is listed, first,
followed by one from their mother. Only the father's surname, however, is used when
addressing someone. When a woman marries, she usually adds her husband's
surname and goes by that surname.

Some Venezuelans may decide to address you by a pet name that, when translated
into English, sounds bizarre.

Working practices in Venezuela

Business hours in Venezuela are from 8.00am to 6.00pm with a two-hour break for
lunch between noon and 2.00pm.

Venezuelans have a flexible attitude towards time so dont be surprised if business

meetings or social events begin late. Punctuality tends to be respected when dealing
with foreigners though so make sure to arrive on time.

Reconfirm meetings a few days beforehand as things can change at the last minute.

Be aware that negotiations can take some time in Venezuela so schedule sufficient
time.

Working documents and presentation material should be translated into Spanish.

Correspondence is usually written in Spanish, but if you are approached in English

feel free to answer accordingly.

Structure and hierarchy in Venezuelan companies

Business hierarchies are generally clearly defined, especially in familiy owned

companies. Although employees are welcome to give suggestions and comments,
senior members or managers make the final decision.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

24

Education and experience are important qualities and n sources of credibility.

Foreigners tend to be approached with high regard simply on the basis of their
international expertise.

Machismo is prevalent in Venezuelan society. Women frequently encounter

chauvinist or sexual comments in the streets, however they are generally harmless
and should simply be ignored.

Over the past few years women have increasingly entered the workforce and now
occupy high positions in politics and the economy. Venezuelan men are therefore
used to working with businesswomen.

Working relationships in Venezuela

Venezuelans like to establish personal relationships with business counterparts and

engage in informal conversation before discussing business matters. It is good to let
your Venezuelan counterpart initiate and lead the discussion. Common interests are
likely to encourage further personal ties.

Doing business in Venezuela is often based on nepotism and special privileges for
personal connections are not uncommon. However, favors should only be granted in
special circumstances, even more so as corruption is a sensitive matter in
professional contexts.

Business practices in Venezuela

When you first meet your Venezuelan counterparts, keep an arms length distance
between men and women.

A firm handshake between men is the standard form of greeting while women tend to
shake hands more softly. Once a personal relationship is established a kiss on the
cheek or a hug might be exchanged instead, in both social and professional
situations, but wait for your Venezuelan counterparts to initiate it.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

25

Managers are usually addressed using their surname and the formal Usted form of
you. Once relations become more personal, colleges may use the more informal
form T.

Business cards are commonly used and exchanged when first meeting your
Venezuelan counterparts. It is a good idea to have them printed on both sides with
information in Spanish and English.

Business attire is formal and conservative. Men typically wear dark suits and ties,
while suits or dresses are considered appropriate for women. A stylish appearance is
very important to Venezuelans.

Venezuelans are known for their open expression of feelings and affection, but they
tend to refrain from showing negative sentiments in public. Criticism should never be
vocalized in front of other people.

Venezuelan business etiquette (dos and donts)

Do participate in social events to improve relations with working colleges.

Do make eye contact when conversing. It shows interest in the subject and creates
an atmosphere of trust.

Do show gestures of affection when conversing with business partners you have
become familiar with.

Don't attempt to move back if you feel the person you are speaking to is standing too
close as this could be perceived as a cold rejection.

Don't point your index finger, as this considered rude and vulgar. Use your full hand
to indicate.

Don't be too dominant or aggressive when conversing with Venezuelans. Let them
take the lead.

VI. RELIGION AND AESTHETICS

A. Religion and other belief system

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

26
The countrys main religion is Roman Catholicism. Most of the native people adopted the
said religion except those people who settled in remote areas that still observed their old
tribal beliefs. The population of the country is around 96% Catholic. Being Catholic country
Venezuela observes Holy Week. Several Venezuelans go to the beaches and other wellliked destination to spend their Holy Week.

Other religions that are practice in Venezuela are Protestantism, Islam, and Judaism. In
2002, Protestant churches are countrys most rapid growing part of the spiritual population
according to government report. Theres a large mosque in Caracas. There are around
100,000 Muslims in the country, 0.4% of Venezuelas population. A Jewish population of
numerous thousand was concentrated in the main cities, particularly in Caracas. The Mara
Lionza is a popular figure and one of the well-known indigenous religions in the country. Her
spirituality is a combination of Catholic, indigenous and African beliefs like the Caribbean
Santera. She is well regarded as a goddess of love, harmony, peace and nature. She has
devotee in numerous levels in the society of the country from small rural communities to
Caracas, where a statue locates in her honor. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the
Venezuelan constitution.

B. Aesthetics
Culture of Venezuela
The houses and churches of Venezuela also stand as proofs of the rich architectural
heritage of the country. The modern houses are built in simple styles. Venezuela art, and
theater of Venezuela also form inseparable parts of Venezuela Culture. Majority speaks
Spanish. However, native languages are prevalent in certain parts of the country.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

27
Venezuela Art
The Venezuela Art is a fine blend of the pre-colonial and the colonial style in the field of
painting, fine arts, literature, music and dance. There was profound influence of Spanish art
forms on Venezuela art.

Venezuela Literature
As far as Venezuela Literature is concerned, it started developing during the days of colonial
subjugation. Different types of poetry and archives formed the basis of the literature during
the 1700s. The 18th century opened a new chapter of Venezuela Literature. Slowly, a large
number of eminent poets, authors emerged in the country such as Teresa de la Parra and
Arturo Uslar Pietri

Music and Dance of Venezuela

The music of Venezuela originated after the country won its independence from the
Spaniards. The music of Venezuela was the product of intermingling of the African, Spanish
and native music. Gaita is one of the important traditional music of the country, which is
mainly performed during the festival seasons. Joropo is the national dance of Venezuela.
Salsa is one of the most popular dance forms in this country. Folk music of Venezuela also
forms an important part of Venezuela Culture.

Some of the notable figures in the field of Venezuela fine art and literature, the cultural
heritage of the country are as follows:

Armando Reveron

Arturo Michelena

Gego

Jesus Rafael Soto

Carlos Cruz Diez

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

28

Marisol Escobar

Yucef Merhi

Festivals in Venezuela
Festivals in Venezuela bring color and fun to the country and let the Venezuelans enjoy their
culture and heritage. The Venezuelans celebrate festivals of Venezuela in a grand way with
high spirit. The country is well decorated and lit up. People spend their holidays during the
Festival in Venezuela, with their family and friends. Important Venezuelan Festivals

The Procession of the Holy Shepherdess

Carnival in Venezuela

La Paradura del Nino

Drumming Feast of St. John

May Cross Celebrations

Festivals in Venezuela, which are completely based on the tradition of the Venezuelans, are
enjoyed even in the present day. Festival Venezuela attracts a great number of tourists from
all over the world.

Carnival in Venezuela
Carnival in Venezuela is celebrated in the month of February forty days before the Easter
Sunday every year. It is one of the most popular festivals in Venezuela. Venezuela Carnival
is celebrated in the grandest way in the coastal towns and villages than any part of the
country. During the Carnival, Venezuela is lit up and decorated. People play with balloons
filled with water instead of air and throw them at each other. Carnival of Venezuela continues
for

four

days

when

people

indulge

in

wearing

new

outfits.

El Callao is the best and most popular Carnival in Venezuela. It also attracts a great number
of tourists from far and wide. Initiated in 1853, El Callao, which was called as Caratal in the
earlier days, is celebrated universally, when people meet their family and friends. Carnival in

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

29
Venezuela is celebrated with music and festivity. Carnival in Venezuela, being the most
important of all occasions is celebrated just like Christmas or any other big festival.

VII. LIVING CONDITION

A. Diet and nutrition
Nowadays, Venezuelans not only have a variety of foods at a low cost compared to what
their salaries could afford 12 years ago, but they now are accessing more nutritious foods
which allows them to consume the minimum amount of calories for a person in a healthy
way.

In order to compare the nutrition conditions that existed twelve years ago, we source a study
carried out by specialist Elisa Quintana from the Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics of the
Central University of Venezuela (UCV) and published in 2001 in a specialized magazine. In
this study, Mrs. Quintana evaluated the consumption of legumes over a five-decade period
(from 1945 to 1997).

The research concludes that Venezuelans consumed 42 % less legumes during that period,
with a significant decline from 1966 on. Legumes in Venezuela include different kinds of
beans and peas. The minimum consumption touched a rock bottom of 31 grams a day
during the 90s. At that time, 55 % of Venezuelans consumed legumes.

Rise of Legumes Consumption

The status of legumes consumption, among other foods, had a drastic change in the last
twelve years.

Until 1992, the consumption peak was below 35%. After the establishment of the Bolivarian
Government and its first measures taken in the agricultural area, it was possible to keep that
status. According to figures provided by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), daily

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

30
legumes consumption started increasing progressively and reached a total of 42.34 grams
per capita in the second semester of 2010.
This represents an increase of 8.34 grams per person per day (24.52 %). Additionally, the
consumption of black beans has been progressively replaced with other types of legumes,
balancing the nutritional value given by other products such as lentils. They have become
the new main element in Venezuelans diet and reached the status of black beans with a 53
% increase from 2008 to 2010.

Keeping a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Although it is a temptation for some, the consumption of flours and fats predominate in
Venezuelans meals, though they are the least healthy of foods. Thanks to the policies of the
National Institute of Nutrition (INN) over the last 12 years, it has been possible to eliminate
the so-called food guide clover, which was valid until 1993 and did not contribute positively to
the Venezuelans diet.

With the design of the Trompo de los Alimentos (Spinning Top of the Foods) [See Image at
RIGHT], a new way to classify basic food groups was implemented, using this traditional
Venezuelan toy. In this new distribution, legumes are given a more important position along
with other products.

The Spinning Top is easy to understand and families, schools, peoples cafeterias and all
organizations involved in nutrition use it as reference. This system combines each of the
food groups and the result is an assorted and balanced food guide. Water consumption and
physical activity are included in the spinning top guide as key aspects of achieving excellent
health.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

31
In order to have a healthy nutrition that suits the nutritional recommendations for the
Venezuelan population, the INN classified foods into groups according to their nutritional
value and each of them was given a distinctive color.
Grains, cereals, tubers and legumes are identified in yellow; vegetables and fruits in green;
milk, meat and eggs in blue; sugars in gray; fats and vegetable oils in orange and as a
complement, the rope of the spinning top represents water and the physical activity which
ensures a better quality of life.

The way in which foods are organized in the spinning top is intended to guide the population
with respect to a proper and balanced intake of foods. That is to say, is provides a guide for
the body to achieve all the nutritional components to improve growth, development and
health.

Research shows that Venezuelan families now have more access to products such as
chicken, bologna, ham, eggs, beef liver, pork, aside from the usual consumption of beef.
Regarding fish, the consumption of sardines increased (both fresh and canned), as did the
consumption of tuna. Milk and dairy products are also more frequent in Venezuelans diet,
while visible fats (butter and mayonnaise) decreasing. Butter, in particular, had a 4%
reduction in its consumption in Venezuelan homes.

Wholesale markets were the main source to buy non-processed foods 12 years ago,
followed by the sporadic municipal and peoples markets, and the famous vegetable trucks,
which offer their products as they drive around the streets.
The big private chains strategically offered processed products as the first option to
consumers, leaving unsanitary spaces for the food groups that are considered important
nowadays.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

32
Thanks to the creation of the PDVAL and Mercal Network the conditions to acquire foods has
changed. Despite the problems caused by a few corrupt administrators and the usual attacks
against government-backed social programs, the Bolivarian Revolution is at the vanguard of
national efforts to achieve food security and sovereignty by dedicating an exclusive program
for sovereign production and sale of the necessary foods.
The network has allowed Venezuelans to acquire the necessary foods for a balanced diet in
a cheaper and easier way. The figures provided by the INE regarding the first trimester of
2010 have shown that more than 6,200,000 people buy in the Mercal Network and only
around 2,700,000 still endure the old torture of buying in private chains.

B. Housing
In 1928, the Workers' Bank was founded as a public housing agency of the federal
government. Between 1959 and mid-1966, 23,881 low-cost units (houses and apartments)
were constructed by the Workers' Bank throughout the country. By spending 75% of housing
funds in rural areas and 25% in the cities, reversing the earlier ratio, the government hoped
to cut down the exodus of peasants to Caracas and to maintain the nation's essential
agricultural labor force. By 1969, the government had built 104,598 cheap and comfortable
homes for lower-income groups, 57,675 in cities and 46,923 in rural areas.

Construction of low-cost housing units during the early 1970s proceeded at a rate of about
100,000 a year. During 197781, the public sector built 167,325 housing units, and the
private sector 71,922. In 1981, the government introduced new low-interest housing loans,
but that policy did not prevent a housing slump that persisted from 1982 through 1986 as a
result of the general recession; housing units built by the public sector in 1986 totaled
91,666. The total number of housing units in the mid-1990s exceeded three million.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

33
At the 2001 census, there were 6,242,621 housing units nationwide; about 83.5% were
occupied. About 67% of all dwellings were detached single family homes. The average
household had 4.4 members. Nearly 97% of all households had access to electricity, 90.7%
had access to potable water, and 68% had access to appropriate sanitation systems.

C. Clothing
The clothing in Venezuela is a blend of Spanish and French influences. Certainly the
occupation of Spain over Venezuela put its huge effects on its culture and heritage
development. This is the reason that the formal dress code in Venezuela resembles the
Spanish fittings even today. With the passage of time, the trends have been enormously
changed and the Venezuelans today prefer to wear modern day costumes.

The traditional dress of Venezuela is not much complicated but descent and decorated.
The women love to wear a long and decorative skirt along with an off the shoulder blouse.
The men however traditionally wear white, beige, cream or ecru colored the Liqui Liqui
made of linen or cotton cloth, although gabardine and wool can also be used in its
elaboration. It is also the national dress for men in Venezuela and Colombia.
Till Venezuela got independence in 1830, the usage of Spanish costumes not only in official
courts but also in day-to-day affairs was not out of question. But after this, the Venezuelans
adopted new dressing trends as they were tilted towards French fashion wear. Slowly the
Spanish dress code became the part of either the official ceremonies or the Venezuelans
started to consider it as religious attire.
Womens traditional costumes in Venezuela normally consist of long dresses with full,
flowing skirts. Floral designs and patterns are commonly reflected on their dresses. The
dresses, or blouses if a skirt-and-blouse combination is selected, are often worn off the
shoulder or have one sleeve off the shoulder. The outfits frequently feature ruffles, and
women usually put flowers in their hair.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

34
Trends are changed with the time but one thing that still prevails in Venezuelans for
centuries is the neatness in their dress code. Their appearance counts in every walk of life
and the Venezuelans normally look very descent and well groomed. The people of
Venezuela form a mixed population of many ethical groups and normally there is no factor of
discrimination found in them on the basis of color or creed.
The country has hot and humid climate and the Venezuelans love to use light fabrics in their
clothing. The people of a country like Venezuela whove obtained numerous titles of
Miss World and Miss Universe love to wear attractive clothes. In the corporate
world, the modern day dress code in Venezuela for men may consist of high quality,
conservative and dark colored business suits. While the Venezuelan women should
be beautifully and magnificently dressed up with stylish costumes and it also
includes their glamorous make-up, jeweler and manicures. The Venezuelans are so
touchy about their appearances and beauty both men and women that they often
have plastic surgery performed.

D. Recreation, sports, and other leisure activities

Venezuela continues to struggle against foreign influences to retain such traditional pastimes
as the toros coleados, a form of bullfighting in which the bull is thrown by its tail.
Nonetheless, there have been widescale adoptions of such North American pastimes as
baseball, now a national sport along with association football (soccer). Venezuelan baseball
players regularly compete abroad, and Major League teams in North America have recruited
many of them. Among the wealthier adventure-seekers, rafters and kayakers are drawn to
the white-water tributaries of the Orinoco River, and climbers frequent the various mountain
ranges and tepuis. The Cordillera de Mrida is the site of a well-developed ski resort.

E. Social security

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35
The Social Security Treasury Venezuela is created with the appointment of the Treasurer of
the Social Security System by the late President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Hugo Chvez, to ensure this fundamental right. It is an autonomous institution with legal
personality and its own, distinct and independent of the National Treasury, and is under the
Ministry of Popular Power for social work process.

It has a directory of more than 3,000 public institutions registered and affects a population of
more than 850,000 workers. The Social Security Treasury is responsible for managing the
Special Retirement and Pension System of the National Public Administration and
assign under the following conditions:

Regulatory Retirement: Every worker with 25 years of service in the public service
and aged 55 for Women and 60 for Men.

Disability Retirement: Every worker who has worked in public administration at

least 3 continuous years, and who has suffered an accident that incapacitated leave
between 50 and 70% of its physical or mental capacity.

On retirement survival: Spouse or Children of a worker who enjoyed the benefit of

Regulatory Retirement.

Special Retirement: the Vice President of Venezuela directly administers it, as

conditions to be retired or retired must be reviewed and approved by his office.

To enjoy this benefit, the agency or entity must be solvent with employer contributions and
contributions of workers.

F. Healthcare
Despite strenuous government efforts in the field of public health, Venezuela lacks a
sufficient number of physicians for its booming population. As of 2004, there were an
estimated 193 physicians, 64 nurses, and 52 dentists per 100,000 people. Total health care
expenditure was estimated at 4.2% of GDP.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

36

Commonly reported diseases included malaria and tuberculosis. Leading causes of death
were: communicable diseases, neoplasm, injuries, and diseases of the circulatory system.
Venezuela is virtually free of typhoid and yellow fever. To maintain this status, the
Department of Health and Social Welfare continues its drainage and mosquito control
programs. It also builds aqueducts and sewers in towns of fewer than 5,000 persons.
Approximately 84% of the population had access to safe drinking water and 74% had
adequate sanitation.

As of 2002, the crude birth rate and overall mortality rate were estimated at, respectively,
20.2 and 4.1 per 1,000 people. The infant mortality rate, 50.2 per 1,000 live births in 1971,
fell to 22.20 in 2005. In the same year life expectancy rose to an average of 74.31 years.
About 13% of children under five years old were considered malnourished. Venezuela
currently fortifies maize flour with iron and vitamin A. Immunization rates for children up to
one year old were tuberculosis, 98%; diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, 60%; polio, 76%;
and measles, 68%.

The HIV/AIDS prevalence was 0.70 per 100 adults in 2003. As of 2004, there were
approximately 110,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country. There were an estimated
4,100 deaths from AIDS in 2003.

VIII. LANGUAGE
Venezuela Languages feature 40 different languages including Spanish, which is the official
language of Venezuela. The indigenous languages though are on the verge of being extinct
are still used by a few people residing in Venezuela. Languages of Venezuela are not always
formally spoken, as Venezuelans mostly prefer speaking informally. The foreign languages
spoken in Venezuela are Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic and English.

Cultural Analysis: Venezuela

37
Traditional Languages in Venezuela
Aleman Coloniero Language, Venezuela, spoken in Colonia Tovar is a Indo-European
language. It is a dialect, which is a part of the Low Alemannic branch of German. Like other
Alemannic languages, Aleman Coloniero Language of Venezuela is not mutually intelligible
with Standard German.

Aleman Coloniero Language in Venezuela is not much widely

spoken. The German descendants, who migrated to Venezuela in 1843 from the Black
Forest region of Southern Baden mainly, speak this language. Thus, Aleman Coloniero
Language, Venezuela, being one of the Venezuela Languages, has several words that have
been taken from Spanish. Aleman Coloniero Language of Venezuela has a touch of the
other dialects of South Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Cariban Languages in Venezuela are widely spoken by the people living in the northern
side of South- America. The other regions where Cariban Languages are spoken are the
Maracaibo region, Colombian Andes and the northern part of the Amazon River. Cariban
Languages in Venezuelawere initiated by a south-American family. The Cariban language
family is famous all over the world for "Hixkaryana" language. This indigenous family of
Venezuela is related to Tupi and Macro-Je languages. There are almost 25 to 40 Cariban
languages spoken in the country of Venezuela. Cariban languages in Venezuela came into
existence before the Spanish language gained popularity. Much before the Spanish invaders
occupied the land of Venezuela, the Caribs took over the region of the Lesser Antilles.
Cariban languages did not reach to the greater Antilles as well as the Bahama region.

Maku language Venezuela refers to the Maku speech that is spoken in the regions around
Uraricera river and Roraima. The other places where Maku language is widely spoken are
Padamo and the bordering regions of Venezuela. The Makus are an ethnic tribe who live on
hunting wild animals. The Maku people are the originators of Maku language. They dwell in
the regions of Hupda, Yuhup and Vaupes. The Maku language is an uncategorized language

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38
that is spoken outside the area of Nadeb. Maku language is less popular than the other tribal
languages in Venezuela. The tribal Maku men and women do not encourage spreading of
their language to other tribal groups.
confined to

Thus, Maku language Venezuela remains largely

the areas where the Makus live.

Nheegate Language - The Yeral, Tupi, Geral, Waengatue tribesmen are the largest
speakers of Nheengatu Language, Venezuela. These ethnic groups dwell in the regions of
Southern Venezuela. Nheengatu Language of Venezuela is also called "lingua geral da
Amazonia"in Spanish and "lingua geral Amazonica" in Portuguese. Almost 2,000 people
speak the Nheengatu language. Nheengatu language in Venezuela is an Amerindian
language that hails from the Tupi-Guarani family.

The various ethnic red-Indian tribes

commonly use this language for communication. Mainly the rural population of Venezuela
uses Nheengatu language. Nheengatu is also widely used by those tribes, who have lost
their original language that represented their indigenous identity.

Panare language of Venezuela has various sub-accents. The characteristic trait of Panare
language is that the syllables end with a nasal tone. All the vowels in this language are
nasalized. Some vowels have a weak nasal sound and the others are strongly nasalized.
The language consists of 25 segments. The phonetic sounds of the Panare language in
Venezuela are flexible in nature. The vowels have many realizations.

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39

REFERENCES:
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ab55#ixzz3KrYXTxFI
http://venezuelanalysis.com/basicfacts
https://www.oas.org/juridico/mla/en/ven/en_ven-int-description.pdf
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/venezuela.htm
http://www.mapsofworld.com/venezuela/culture/
http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/6352
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Venezuela.aspx

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