An influential oil producer with a colorful and charismatic president at
its helm since 1999, Venezuela is a vast, sometimes frustrating, but
never dull country. It is one of the most complex countries in Latin
America and one of the least understood. An ambitious attempt to benefit
the poor and redistribute oil wealth by President Hugo Chavez has seen a
major political transformation in recent years that has put a severe
strain on its traditional ties with the USA. He has made steadfast
attempts to confront his powerful northern neighbor and reduce
Venezuela's economic dependence on the United States. However, Miami
remains the top holiday destination for Venezuelans traveling abroad,
baseball beats soccer as the preferred sport, and teenage girls still
cover their bedroom walls with American idols like Justin Bieber.
Venezuelans are known for being friendly, gregarious, and outgoing. They
value family over everything and love to criticize the status quo, but
they are also fiercely proud and protective of their homeland and react
poorly to criticism of their country from outsiders. Culture Smart!
Venezuela takes you beyond the stereotypical descriptions of a tropical
petro-state, famous for its beauty queens and its populist president, to
provide you with an insider's understanding of the country and its
people. Practical tips, valuable insights, and vital statistics will
help you get to the heart of this vibrant, sometimes contradictory, and
increasingly important country.
