Hugo Chavez, born in 1954, is the president of Venezuela, a country whose political doctrine is one of democratic socialism and Latin American integration. Chavez was elected democratically in 1998 and assumed office in 1999 with a promise of spreading the wealth of the nation to the poor; he has won re-election twice, in 2000 and 2006. Chavez is a major critic of American foreign policy and globalization.

Chavez shook hands with Barack Obama at the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago on April 17, 2009. Venezuelan media reported that Chavez, who in the past has been an open critic of the U.S., shook Obama's hand and said, "I'd like to be your friend."Fox News: Obama, Chavez Shake Hands... (April 17, 2009)

Hugo Chavez was born in the Venezuelan city Sabaneta in the state Barinas. His parents have both worked as schoolteachers. His father is a former governor of Barinas. Chavez is a graduate of the Venezuelan Academy of Military Sciences and has served in the Venezuelan military. He was a leader of a failed military coup in 1992. After serving time in prison, he gradually rose in power politically and was elected as president of Venezuela in 1998.

Chavez has emerged as a leading voice for democratic socialism in Latin America, advocating anti-imperialism, regional integration and socialist economic policy.BBC News: Profile: Hugo Chavez

On April 16, 2009, Freedom Watch, a nonprofit ethics organization, sued Chavez for alleged acts of terrorism and human rights violations. The organization filed the lawsuit on behalf of journalist Ricardo Guanipa, who received death threats after investigating corruption in the government.FoxNews.com: U.S. Group Sues Hugo Chavez... (April 16, 2009)

Voters in Venezuela approved a constitutional referendum in February 2009 that would eliminate term limits for leaders. The decision will allow Hugo Chavez to run for a third term in office when his current term expires in 2012. In his victory speech on February 15, 2009, a jubilant Chavez said "With today's victory we start the third historical cycle of the Bolivarian revolution, from 2009 to 2019."BBC News: Tough times ahead for Hugo Chavez (February 16, 2009)

Critics argue that, under his administration, crime and corruption have become rampant and that important infrastructures, particularly the hospital system, have fallen into disrepair.Economist: Poverty in Venezuela Economist: Corruption in Venezuela He has also been criticized for his attempts to consolidate power though judicial and legislative appointments, and his attempt to pass legislation allowing permanent presidential reelection.Time: Chavez's Push for Permanence

During his tenure, Chavez has forged a close relationship with Cuba. On Friday, February 20, 2009, he made an impromptu, 24-hour trip to Cuba where he met privately and on two separate occasions with 82-year-old Fidel Castro. He also met publicly with current president Raul Castro.FOXNews.com: Chavez Makes Surprise Visit to Cuba, Meets With Castro (February 22, 2009)