Miss Universe 2008 - Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela

Miss Venezuela crowned Miss Universe 2008

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza was named Miss Universe 2008 winner on Monday (July 14,2008) at Nha Trang City, Vietnam.

Dayana Mendoza likes photography, designing, advertising and wave surfing. With the height of 1.78 meters, she can speak Spanish, Italian and English.

The crown worth 120,000 U.S. dollars is handed to Dayana Mendoza by Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori. Mendoza will continue Mori’s work of promoting education and HIV/AIDS research around the world.

First Runner-up

» Taliana Vargas - Miss Columbia (20 years old, 1.78 meters in height)

Second Runner-up

» Marianne Cruz - Miss Dominica (23 years old, 1.81 meters)

Third Runner-up

» Vera Krasova - Miss Russian (20 years old, 1.77 meters)

Fourth Runner-up

» Elisa Najera - Miss Mexico (21 years old, 1.83 meters)

Among the Top 15 is Miss Universe Vietnam Nguyen Thuy Lam.