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This article does a very good job of outlining the important parts of the life that the people of Venezuela live and helps the reader better understand the things that they do in their culture. It also outlines important things to them and what they believe in. This article outlines all the main focuses and beliefs of Venezuelan culture.

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A Look at Venezuelan Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Location: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Capital: Caracas

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Population: 28,868,486 (2014 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Languages in Venezuela

About 40 languages are spoken in Venezuela. However, Spanish, the country's official language, is the most common. The most widely spoken indigenous languages are Wayuu, Warao, Piaroa, Yanomami, Kahlihna, Manduhuaca, Panaré, Pemón, Guahibo and Nhengtu. Most of these languages originated in the languages of the Caribs, the Arawaks and the Chibcha.

As more indigenous people move to the cities, many of their languages are becoming extinct. Languages such as Sapé and Mapoyo have five or fewer speakers. Anthropologists are trying to learn these languages and the stories of these peoples before the last people who speak these languages die.

Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic and English are the most common foreign languages spoken in Venezuela. Some English words, such as "parking," have found their way into Venezuelan Spanish.

Venezuelans often speak less formally than people in most other Spanish-speaking countries.

Venezuelan Society & Culture

Venezuelan Pride

Venezuelans are proud of their country and heritage.

Simon Bolivar, who liberated much of South America from the Spanish colonialists, was born in Venezuela.

Their flag is a national icon and is respected and admired.

There are four separate public holidays that commemorate independence, during which time flags are flown outside private houses as well as public buildings and there are street parades.

Venezuelan Family Values

The family is the cornerstone of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.

The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the extended family.

In villages it is common for members of the extended family to live close to one another, often on the same block.

Nepotism an accepted practice and is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Venezuelan Hospitality

Venezuelans pride themselves on their hospitality.

They go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Venezuelan hosts cater to their every desire.

Religion in Venezuela

Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Venezuelan constitution.

More than 90% of the population is Roman Catholic.

Some indigenous people practice their traditional religions, but many have converted to Roman Catholicism.

Etiquette & Customs in Venezuela

Meeting Etiquette

A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. When shaking hands, always use the appropriate greeting for the time of day - 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes', or 'buenas noches'.

When meeting groups always introduce yourself to the eldest person first.

When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.

Since this is a formal culture, address people by their academic or professional title and their surname until invited to move to a first- name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

If invited to a dinner party, send flowers, particularly orchids, in advance of the event.

Do not give handkerchiefs since they are considered unlucky.

Gifts are generally opened when received.

Always send a handwritten thank you note as it marks you as a person with class.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Venezuelan's house:

Arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than invited.

Arriving on time or early shows that you are too eager, which is interpreted as greedy.

Dress conservatively but with an elegant flair. Smart casual dress is usually acceptable.

Never decline an offer of coffee, as it is a symbol of hospitality to Venezuelans.

Table manners

Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.

Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

Do not begin eating until all other diners are seated, unless encouraged by the host to start.

The host saying 'buen provecho' (enjoy or have a good meal) is the customary invitation for everyone to eat.

In most cases, a maid or server will place food on your plate, although large dinner parties may be buffet style.

Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.

Food is always eaten with utensils. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork.

Keep your napkin on your lap while eating.

Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink. Venezuelans typically toast with the word 'salud'.

The host makes the first toast.

When not using utensils, rest the tips on the edge of the plate with the handles resting on the table.

It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.

When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork diagonally across the plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communications

This is a country where networking is important since it broadens your base of personnel who might have a connection you need.

As with many Latin cultures, Venezuelans are risk averse, which makes it important that they know and trust the people with whom they do business.

Venezuelans prefer face-to-face meetings to doing business by telephone or in writing, which are seen as too impersonal. It takes time to develop relationships.

Appearances matter to Venezuelans. Dress well and try to stay in a reputable hotel.

Senior positions in business are predominately held by the upper class, so it is important that you pay attention to the hierarchy and show appropriate deference and respect to those in positions of authority.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them about 2 weeks in advance by telephone, email or fax.

Confirm meetings by fax or email, in Spanish, at least one week before the meeting. It is best to schedule appointments in the morning.

Avoid scheduling meetings on Friday afternoon, as many Venezuelans leave early for the weekend.

It is often difficult to schedule meetings in the two weeks before and after Christmas and Carnival, and three weeks before and after Easter.

Venezuelans are generally punctual for business meetings, especially if they are accustomed to working with international companies.

The first meeting is formal.

Have all written material available in both English and Spanish.

Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas.

Send a thank you note to the most senior executive after the meeting.

Business Negotiation

Expect a minimal amount of small talk before getting down to business. Older Venezuelans prefer to get to know people before doing business with them while younger businesspeople are more concerned with business than the social relationship.

It will take several meetings to come to an agreement. Negotiation and time for consultation are important.

Relationships are viewed as more important than business documents.

Negotiations and decisions take a long time.

Venezuelans focus on long- term rather than short-term goals.

Venezuelan business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the person with the most authority.

Dress Etiquette

Appropriate business attire is expected.

Men should wear good quality, conservative, dark coloured business suits.

Women should wear stylish suits or dresses. They should be elegantly dressed, including make-up, jewellery and manicures.

Business Cards

Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.

Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.

Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient.

Business cards should contain both your professional and educational qualifications, since Venezuelans are status conscious.

Writing on someone's business card in front of them is considered very rude.

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Venezuela - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

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Location: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana Capital: Caracas Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands Population: 28,868,486 (2014 est.) Ethnic Make-up: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2% Languages in Venezuela About 40 languages are spoken in Venezuela.

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Popular music in Venezuela is also popular throughout the rest of Latin America, it's called Reggaetón.

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Ozuna- BAILA BAILA BAILA (Video Oficial)

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In Venezuela, baseball is a very popular sport and several Venezuelan baseball players have been hired by major league teams in the U.S. Basketball is the next most widely played sport. Unlike other Latin American countries, soccer is much less popular. For entertainment, Venezuelans love to go dancing, eat at restaurants, attend cultural events, and just visit with each other. Telenovelas, which are soap operas, are very popular especially among women. Cockfighting is also a popular hobby and form of entertainment in several regions of Venezuela.

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Popular holidays celebrated in Venezuela that aren't celebrated in the U.S are Carnaval which is two days before Ash Wednesday. Carnaval is where water fights, parades, dancing, and other activities happen. People dress up in costumes and children throw water balloons or eggs at passerby in the street and occasionally, in some cities, a Carnaval queen is chosen at a beauty pageant.

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Venezuelans use their hands a lot during conversation when they are trying to make a point or to communicate without speaking. It is important to make eye contact during conversation and when sitting you shouldn't slouch or prop up your feet on anything. Pointing your index finger, passing between conversing individuals, or interrupting a conversation is considered to be rude and whenever this happens people are expected to say excuse me.

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A popular place in Venezuela to visit is Caracas which is the capital. Caracas is known for its varied culinary landscape, vibrant cultural life, exciting nightlife scene, and world-class museums. Caracas is also home to Simón Bolívar's, the father of Venezuela, grave as well as Caracas Cathedral, a landmark of Romanesque architecture.

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Greetings are different for men and women in Venezuela. For men, a handshake is a common greeting among strangers as well as acquaintances. They might also accompany that with a pat on the back. For women, they exchange kisses on the cheeks with both men and women no matter how close the relationship is. With close friends and family, both men and women greet with an abrazo. An abrazo is a full embrace while patting each other on the back.

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Venezuelans are pretty fashion conscious and tend to take great care of their appearance. Usually fashion tends to take precedence over comfort. They usually follow current European styles and wearing brand name clothing is considered important to them. Some people still wear traditional clothing or a combination of traditional and European style clothing.

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In Venezuela, religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution, but about 96 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. Most of the Catholics there don't attend church services often but they still profess their faith in God, Catholic saints, and the Virgin Mary. People who live in rural areas tend to be more devoted to their faith than people who live in urban areas.

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Spanish is the official language of Venezuela with the exception of some indigenous people who speak a variety of languages.There are some unique phrases and words that are spoken in Venezuela such as 'Ponerse las pilas' which would mean to insert batteries but in Venezuela it means to wise up. Although Spanish is the official language, English is required in private high schools and some public ones too.

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There are a lot of common foods in Venezuela including pasta, rice, beans, plantains, white cheese, chicken, potatoes, and fish. Corn is the basis of many different dishes and fried foods are also very popular. Some favorites are arepas, hallacas, puntatrasera, and pabellon criollo. You can find open-air markets provide a large variety of tropical fruits and fresh vegetables.