Venezuela: A Country Profile

Capital: Caracas. Major Cities: Caracas, 1.8 million inhabitants; Zulia, 2.9 million; and Carabolo, 1.9 million (2003) . Independence: July 5, 1811, from Spain. Public Holidays: Año Nuevo (New Year's Day) , January 1; Carnaval (Carnival) , the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, movable dates in early February to early March; Día de San José (St. Joseph's Day) , March 19; Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday) and Viernes Santo (Holy Friday) , movable holidays in March or April; Signing of Independence, April 19; Primero de Mayo (Labor Day) , May 1; Ascension, May 20;* Corpus Christi, June 10;* Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart) , June 18;* Battle of Carabobo, June 24; San Pedro y San Pablo (Saint Peter and Saint Paul) , June 29;...