Venezuela gained independence from Spain on 5 July 1811.
Things you may not know about Venezuela:
– The original inhabitants of Venezuela were Amerindians, predominantly Caribs and Arawaks. Now, approx. 51.6% of the population are Pardos of mixed European, African, and Amerindian ancestry; 43.6% of Venezuelans identify as European, 3.6% identify as being Afro-Venezuelan and 2.7% identify as being Amerindian. We will focus more on Afro-Venezuelans in our next post.
– Spanish is the official language of Venezuela.
– In 1863, Venezuela became the first modern country to abolish the death penalty for all crimes.
– Venezuela currently holds the most beauty pageant crowns, with 23 wins.
– The Joropo is the national dance of the country.
– The cuatro is their national instrument.
– In Caracas it is customary to travel to early-morning church services during the festival period on roller skates – roads are even cleared to provide Christmas worshippers with a safe passage.
– A famous drink in Venezuela is the ‘Chi Cha Andina’, which is made from rice or corn flour.
– Venezuela’s gas prices are the cheapest in the world because of their oil reserves.
– Venezuela leads the way when it comes to conservation, having designated 53.9 per cent of its territory as protected – more than any other nation.
– The Guri Dam is the world’s largest dam, producing all the hydroelectric power the country relies upon.
– Venezuela is home to one of the largest national parks in the world, named the Canaima National Park.
– Venezuela is home to the angel falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall.
– Lake Maracaibo is the largest and oldest lake of Venezuela. Also, the most lightning-struck location in the world.
– Venezuela is heaven for wildlife (one of the megadiverse countries) – and home to the world’s largest rodent, capybara.
Glædelig uafhængighedsdag Venezuela
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