VENEZUELA SOCIO-CULTURAL

Venezuela Socio-Cultural

Venezuela Socio-Cultural

Introduction

The Republic of Venezuela is the sixth largest country in South America, but in variation its landscape rivals that of the much larger countries like Brazil and Argentina. In fact, comparing its geography really doesn't do it justice: the country is simply unique. Anyone who has ever seen a tepuis rising above Venezuela's Gran Sabana can testify that there's nothing really like it, anywhere.

Political

The present political system of Venezuela has undergone significant changes as a result of political turmoil and economic backlashes. It's only the under the able leadership of Hugo Chavez that there has been lot of development activities carried out in the last few years which has made the country prosperous in every sense of the term (Salazar-Carrillo, J, 1976).

Economical

During the 1960's anti-Communist organization called Accion Democtratica (Democratic Action) provided the link to the labor and middle class reformist. Events in Venezuela underscore how dependence on oil shaped the views of middle class reformers and labor leaders and highlight the limited capacity of nationalist discourse to alter power structures and inequality existing in the nation. The oil companies recognized the advantages of stable relations with middle class reformist. Intent on preventing another Cuba in the Western Hemisphere, the United States and oil companies became exponents of the Venezuelan experience as a model for economic development throughout the Third World (Rudolph, Donna K., and G. A. Rudolph, 1996).

Geographical position

Venezuela is located in the northern part of South America and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to its north. To the east is Guyana, to the west is Columbia, and the south is Brazil. It has a total area of 912,050 square kilometers, including 882,050 square kilometers composing of land and 30,000 square kilometers of water. It is approximately twice the size of California (Pollak-Eltz, Angelina, 1994).

Transportation

Most people use public transportation; few Venezuelans can afford to own a private car. Buses and taxies are common, but the por puesto is the most popular and cheapest form of transportation. It features a system of taxi-like automobiles that travel a regular route throughout the city, picking up and letting off passengers at any point. The cost is less than a taxi but more than a bus. Highways are excellent in Venezuela, but driving is often hazardous. Railroads are generally not used for passenger travel. Caracas has a modern underground subway system (Petras, James F., et al, 1977).

History

Christopher Columbus's exploration to the New World brought the discovery of Venezuela and in turn brought Spanish explorers to the region to establish settlements during the middle of the 16th century. Caracas was the center of attraction with the supporting country side began investing heavy in agriculture. Spanish royalty declared exclusive rights to the Basque-run Caracas Company, the leading business in the establishment of the cocoa trade. This activity led to a revolt which was suppressed in 1728. In 1777, Caracas was given political-military authority over Venezuela which signified legitimacy to the colony and accrediting ...