Venezuela in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Society, Rural and Urban Life, Security, Religion, Hugo Chavez, Simon Bolivar, Traditions

These two unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Venezuela, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

Orientation Guide 2012 - GEOGRAPHY * Climate * Bodies of Water * Lake Maracaibo * Lake Valencia * Orinoco River * Caroni River * Apure River * Major Cities * Caracas * Maracaibo * Valencia * Barquisimeto * Maracay * Environmental Concerns * Natural Hazards * HISTORY Conquest * The Colonial Era Independence * Simon Bolivar * Boundary Dispute * The Caudillos (1830-1935) * 20th and 21st Centuries * The Transition to Democracy * Period of Stability * Economic Difficulties * Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela * ECONOMY * Agriculture * Industry * Natural Resources * Trade * Tourism * Banking and Finance * Standard of Living * Employment Trends * Public Versus Private Sector * SOCIETY * Ethnic Groups * Religion * Catholicism * Protestantism * The Cult of Maria Lionza * Gender Issues * Cuisine * Traditional Dress * The Arts * Music * Visual Arts * Sports and Recreation * SECURITY * U.S.-Venezuela Relations * Relations with Neighbors * Brazil * Colombia * Guyana * Cuba * Venezuela-Iran Relations * Police * Military * Issues Affecting Stability * Governance * Economic Concerns * Crime and Corruption * Smuggling * Terrorism and Separatist Movements * Water and Electricity Problems

Cultural Orientation 2012 * Climate * Geographic Divisions * Coasts * Plains and River Delta * Mountains * Highlands * Bodies of Water * Lake Maracaibo * Lake Valencia * Orinoco River * Caroni River * Apure River * Major Cities * Caracas * Maracaibo * Valencia * Barquisimeto * Maracay * History * Pre-Columbian History * Conquest * Colonial Era * Independence * The Caudillos (1830-1935) * The Transition to Democracy * Repression and Democracy * Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela * Government * Media * Economy * Ethnic Groups and Languages * RELIGION * Religious Conventions and Gender Roles * Religious Holidays and Festivals * Carnival (Carnaval) * La Semana Santa (Holy Week) * Corpus Christi * Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria * San Jose * Velorios de la Cruz de Mayo * Christmas * Places of Worship * Behavior in Places of Worship * TRADITIONS * Codes of Politeness * Male/Female Interaction * Hospitality and Gift Giving * Eating Habits * Dress Codes * Non-Religious Holidays * New Year's Day * Independence Declaration Day * Labor Day * Battle of Carabobo Day * Independence Day * Birthday of Simon Bolivar * Columbus Day * Dos and Don'ts * URBAN LIFE * The Urban Condition * Poverty and the Slums * Healthcare * Education * Restaurants * Marketplaces and Street Vendors * Money and Credit Cards * Transportation and Traffic * Automobiles * Buses * Taxis * Metros * Airplanes * Street Crime and Solicitations * RURAL LIFE * Land Ownership and the Rural Economy * History * Consequences * Agriculture * Rural Transportation * Cars * Buses * River Travel * Rural Health * Rural Government * Indigenous Groups * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * FAMILY LIFE * Typical Household and Family Structure * Status of Women * Marriages, Consensual Unions, and Divorce * Family Social Events * Weddings * Funerals * Rites of Passage * Naming Conventions