RELIGIONS OF VENEZUELA

ROMAN CATHOLIC

• In 2001, an estimated 70% of the population are Roman Catholic.
• In 2009, 96% of the population is Catholic.
• Unlike the military, this is not a major political force in Venezuelan politics.

PROTESTANT

• In 2001, 29% of the population is Protestant.
• Muslim
• community of more than 100,000 is concentrated among persons of Lebanese
• Jewish
• community approximately 13,000 and mainly concentrated in Caracas

FOOD STAPLES INCLUDE CORN, RICE, PLANTAIN, YAMS, BEANS AND SEVERAL MEATS

Arepa

• a flatbread made of ground maize dough
• or cooked flour prominent in the cuisine of Colombia and Venezuela
• served with cheese, avocado, jelly or jam, or (especially in Venezuela) split and used to make sandwiches.

CACHAPA

• a traditional Venezuelan dish made from corn
• like pancakes of fresh corn dough
• or wrapped in dry corn leaves and boiled (cachapa de hoja)
• fresh ground corn mixed into a thick batter and cooked on a budare
• is slightly thicker and lumpier than a pancakes because of the pieces from corn kernels

Chicharrón

• a dish made of fried pork rinds
• sometimes made from chicken, mutton, or beef

Mofongo

• fried green plantains mashed together in a pilón, with broth, garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings or bits of bacon
• filled with vegetables, chicken, crab, shrimp
• or beef and is often served with fried meat and chicken broth soup

Empanada

• stuffed bread or pastry baked or fried
• stuffing, which usually consists of a variety of meat, cheese, huitlacoche, vegetables or fruits, among others

Sopa de mondongo

• soup made from diced tripe (the stomach of a cow)
• slow-cooked with vegetables as bell peppers, onions, carrots, cabbage, celery, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic

Hallaca

• a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, raisins, capers, and olives wrapped in cornmeal dough
• folded within plantain leaves, tied with strings, and boiled or steamed afterwards