September 11, 2008 - CARACAS, Venezuela - Stefania Fernandez, a 17-year-old brunette, has been crowned Miss Venezuela — and will represent the beauty-obsessed South American country at next year's Miss Universe pageant.

The annual Miss Venezuela pageant is one of Venezuela's most watched programs and a source of national pride.

Venezuela has won five Miss Universe, five Miss World and four Miss International crowns — more than any other country.

Dayana Mendoza, a Venezuelan, was selected Miss Universe in July at the pageant in Vietnam.

Mendoza gave the Miss Venezuela crown to Fernandez at the conclusion of Wednesday's four-hour pageant.

Second place went to 25-year-old Maria Veliz Pinto, who will represent Venezuela in the Miss World pageant.