VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA

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Chapter 9, Section 3

Venezuela

• Venezuela and Colombia are located in the northern part of South America.

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• Was previously part of the Spanish empire.

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• Named after explorers saw the houses built on stilts. (Venice)

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• Became the first colony to declare independence from Spain.

Venezuela

• Venezuela is a federal republic.
• A government divided between the federal and states.

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• Venezuela’s economy is dependent on oil.
• 75% of exports are oil.
• It is almost a one-crop economy.

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• About 50% of farmers raise just enough food for their families and animals.

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Venezuela

• Most Venezuelans are mestizos.

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• Official language is Spanish.

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• Most are Roman Catholics.

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• Most live in cities.

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• The gap between rich and poor is large.

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Venezuela

• The government is doing things to encourage people to stay in the rural areas.

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• Enjoy dancing, music, and sports.

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• Venezuela’s national folk dance is joropo.

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• Capital is Caracas.

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Colombia

• Named after Christopher Columbus.

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• Simón Bolívar gained Colombia’s independence from Spain in 1819.

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• Colombia has a republic form of government.
• Three branches of national government.
• President serves 4 year terms.
• Has 32 departments (like states or provinces.)

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Colombia

• Economy is agricultural.
• Coffee is the largest legal export.
• Others include fruits and vegetables.

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• Cocaine has been a large export product as well.

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• Cut flowers are an effort to curb the drug trade.

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Colombia

• Manufacturing and service industries are increasing.
• Service industries employ about 45% of all Colombians.

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• Produces large amounts of coal and petroleum.

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• Emeralds are mined and supply more than 90% of the world’s supply.

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Colombia

• Spanish is the official language.

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• Most are also Roman Catholic.

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• Most are mestizos.

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• Capital is Bogotá.

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HOMEWORK

• Read p. 266-271

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• Answer #1-7

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