The host nation

Venezuela will host the America Cup for the first time, and they hope this will increase people's interest in soccer in this nation. Baseball is still the number one sport in Venezuela, which would explain Venezuela's poor showing in international competitions.

In order for all of the regions to benefit from the America Cup, nine cities were selected to host. Every one of the stadiums that are being used went through a modernization process, thus transforming them into world class venues.

Caracas, the capital and metropolis of Venezuela, will host the big games. Caracas offers everything any other major city can offer. They have everything from big shopping malls to sophisticated restaurants.

The country itself is going through a modernization process funded by the production of petroleum. The growth can be seen in cities like Barquisimeto and Maracaibo, which are also host cities for the America Cup.

Barinas, one of the most religious states in Venezuela, and San Cristobal, located near the Andes mountains, are two of the most traditional cities in Venezuela. Puerto La Cruz and Puerto Ordaz, mostly tourism driven cities, are also host cities.

Photos of Venezuela