Miss Universe 2009 Recap

Remolacha via Flickr

The Miss Universe Pageant is an annual competition that stuns the world with an overwhelming number of diverse beauties that in no way disappoints. This year, 84 countries and territories competed for the 58th Miss Universe pageant, which was held at the Atlantis Paradise Island, in Nassau, Bahamas on August 23.

Over the last decade Latin America has dominated the competition with six wins. It was no different this year; Stefania Fernandez from Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2009 by outgoing titleholder Dayana Mendoza. It was the first time an outgoing queen crowned her successor from the same country. Fernández is of Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, and Galician origin and has a number of awards, which include “Miss Venezuela 2008”, “Miss Elegance”, “Best Body” and “Best face.”

Stefania’s prize package includes cash, a year contract promoting Miss Universe, world travel, a rent-free, prestigious New York City luxury apartment and a gift bag stuffed with designer shoes, dresses and beauty products. She’ll also receive a US $100,000 stipend for a two-year course at the New York Film Academy and free access to famous fashion houses and beauty parlors. She is ready to utilize her time as Miss Universe traveling the world to lecture on humanitarian issues and to promote education regarding HIV/AIDS.

Top 5 Contestants:
Venezuela – Stefani Fernande
Dominican Republic – Ada de la Cruz
Kosovo- Marigona Dragusha
Australia – Rachael Finch
Puerto Rico – Mayra Matos