Miss Universe 2012 Official Swimsuit Photoshoot

The 89 official candidates competing for this year's Miss Universe 2012 competition took part in a swimsuit photo shoot for the official portraits at the poolside of Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

The delegates were provided swimsuits by Kooey Australia, the official swimwear partner sponsor of the pageant.

Albania Adrola Dushi	Angola Marcelina Vahekeni	Argentina Camila Solorzano Ayusa	Aruba Liza Nerelyn Helder
Australia Renae Ayris	Bahamas Celeste Marshall	Belgium Laura Beyne	Bolivia Yessica Mouton Gianella
Botswana Sheillah Molelekwa	Brazil Gabriela Markus	British Virgin Islands Abigail Hyndman	Bulgaria Zhana Yaneva
Canada Adwoa Yamoah	Cayman Islands Lindsay Katarina Japal	Chile Ana Luisa Konig	China Diana Xu Jidan
Colombia Daniella Alvarez	Costa Rica Nazareth Cascante	Croatia Elizabeta Burg	Curacao Monifa Jansen
Cyprus Ioanna Giannakou	Czech Republic Tereza Chlebovska	Denmark Josefine Hewitt	Dominican Republic Dulcita Lynn Lieggi
Ecuador Carolina Aguirre	El Salvador Ana Yancy Clavel	Estonia Natalie Korneitsik	Ethiopia Helen Getachew
Finland Sara Yasmina Chafak	France Marie Payet	Gabon Channa Divouvi	Georgia Tamar Shedania
Germany Alicia Endemann	Ghana Gifty Ofori	Great Britain Holly Hale	Greece Vasiliki Tsirogianni
Guam Alyssa Cruz Aguero	Guatemala Laura Godoy	Guyana Ruqayyah Boyer	Haiti Jacques Christela
Honduras Jennifer Denise Andrade	Hungary Agnes Konkoly	India Shilpa Singh	Indonesia Maria Selena Nurcahya
Ireland Adrienne Murphy	Israel Lina Makhuli	Italy Grazia Maria Pinto	Jamaica Chantal Zaky
Japan Ayako Hara	Korea Lee Seong-hye	Kosovo Diana Avdiu	Lebanon Rina Chibany
Lithuania Greta Mikalauskyte	Malaysia Kimberley Leggett	Mauritius Ameeksha Devi Dilchand	Mexico Karina Gonzalez
Montenegro Andrea Radonjic	Namibia Tsakana Nkandih	Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker	New Zealand Talia Bennett
Nicaragua Farah Eslaquit	Nigeria Isabella Agbor Ayuk	Norway Sara Nicole Andersen	Panama Stephanie Vander Werf
Paraguay Egni Eckert	Peru Nicole Faveron	Philippines Janine Mari Tugonon	Poland Marcelina Zawadzka
Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler Pena	Romania Delia Monica Duca	Russia Elizaveta Golovanova	Serbia Branislava Mandic
Singapore Lynn Tan	Slovak Republic Lubica Stepanova	South Africa Melinda Bam	Spain Andrea Huisgen
Sri Lanka Sabrina Herft	Saint Lucia Tara Carla Edward	Sweden Hanni Beronius	Switzerland Alina Buchschacher
Tanzania Winfrida Dominic	Thailand Nutpimon Farida Waller	Trinidad & Tobago Avionne Mark	Turkey Cagıl Ozge Ozkul
Ukraine Anastasia Chernova	Uruguay Camila Vezzoso	USA Olivia Culpo	Venezuela Irene Esser
Vietnam Luu Thi Diem Huong

See also Miss Universe 2012 Exclusive Coverage

Shamcey Supsup to host Miss Universe 2012 Behind-the-Scenes Coverage

Former beauty queen, Shamcey Supsup was chosen by the Miss Universe Organization to host and be the special correspondent on this year's Miss Universe 2012 Behind-the-Scenes Special Coverage.

The web series on the Miss Universe YouTube channel, Shamcey will head to Las Vegas to take fans behind-the-scenes as the 89 candidates prepare for exclusive events, such as the Preliminary Competition and National Costume Event on December 13 and 14.

Supsup is not stranger to pageant life. She was Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011 winner and 3rd run-up in Miss Universe 2011 held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Aside from glamorous accomplishment, she also managed to graduated as Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines and topped the National Licensure Examination in Architecture in June 2011. She has recently teamed up with the UN World Food Program in the fight against child hunger.

You can find Supsup hosting the exclusive behind-the-scenes web series on the official Miss Universe channel at: www.youtube.com/OfficialMissUniverse. After getting the inside scoop on the delegates, make sure to visit www.missuniverse.com or www.telemundo.com to vote and help your top runner secure her spot in the semifinals!

The worldwide telecast will be broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday, December 19 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

See also Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Marie Payet (France) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe France 2012

Marie Payet

BIO:
20 year old Marie grew up on the island of Reunion spending her weekends sightseeing with family. She loves water sports like surfing and has always loved music and singing and even had been recruited by a musical troupe on her island which she got to record a single.

Payet stands 5'10" tall and currently training at a children's hospital in hopes of becoming a nurse and specializing in child care.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Luu Thi Diem Huong (Vietnam) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Vietnam 2012

Luu Thi Diem Huong

BIO:
A former top 14 semi-finalist in Miss Earth 2010 pageant, Luu Thi from Ho Chi Minh City loves reading books on the best seller’s list about famous people or life skills, traveling, exploring new cultures in other parts of the world, working out, swimming and collecting perfume which she has more than 40 bottles.

Standing 5'9" tall, Huong is currently a student taking up Hospitality in Restaurant, Tourism, and Hotel Management and she hopes to one day become CEO of a Real Estate Company and run a chain of restaurants throughout Asia.

This beauty hopes to meet Hillary Clinton someday. She believe that she's the kind of person who is straightforward, sociable, sharp, and decisive. All of these characteristics have mold her into a confident and modern woman in today's Vietnamese society.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Irene Esser (Venezuela) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Venezuela 2012

Irene Sofia Esser Quintero

BIO:
21 year old Irene was raised on a cocoa plantation in Sucre where her family owns a chocolate factory, and one time, she had to pretend to be a member of the Board of Directors. She spent much of her time in contact with nature, spending time on the beach and meeting new people.

Standing 5'10" tall, Esser spent 8 years of her childhood without TV, so she became an avid reader. She hopes to become an actress someday where she can play challenging roles. She enjoys reading and surfing and has been competed on a national level.

Sofia believes that every mistake is a step you take on the road to happiness, because they teach you what is important. She tend to look forward more than looking back.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Olivia Culpo (USA) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe USA 2012

Olivia Culpo

BIO:
20 year old Olivia grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island and is the middle child of five in her family. Her parents are both musicians and her together with her siblings each studied different instruments throughout their childhood, Olivia’s choice instrument being the cello and once played with Yo-Yo-Ma.

Standing 5'7" tall, Culpo hopes to land a career in either film or television someday. She considers Audrey Hepburn as her role model because of her generosity, intelligence, and grace. During her leisure time, she enjoys going to movies, museums, concerts, and making people laugh.

Asked on her thoughts about beauty, Olvia replied "Everyone is exactly as they should be on the outside and it is your inner contentment, good spirits, grace and openness to others that make you truly beautiful".

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Camila Vezzoso (Uruguay) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Uruguay 2012

Camila Vezzoso

BIO:
Previously competed in Reina Hispanoamericana 2012, 19 year old Camila was born in Artigas and moved to Montevideo after 16 years to study Economics and to work as a model for an esteemed modeling agency. Her goal in life is to become a reputable and successful economist.

Standing 5'8.5" tall, Vezzoso loves to play the guitar when she was younger. She dreams of meeting her idol, actor Woody Allen. She is very grateful to be chosed to represent her country in Miss Universe and she said that she will do her best in this pageant.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Anastasia Chernova (Ukraine) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Ukraine 2012

Anastasia Chernova

BIO:
An animal lover, 19 year old Anastasia was raised by her mother, who has influenced her life most and taught her to be a kind-hearted individual. She is presently studying Foreign Languages at Skovoroda Kharkov National Pedagogical University and someday hopes to possibly have a career connected to cinema or television.

Chernova standing 5'9.5" tall used to store her perfume in the refrigerator and she would like to have met Marilyn Monroe. Asked about her taughts on the upcoming Miss Universe competition, "I will try to do my best at this pageant, and my positive thinking will help me enjoy the event itself" she replied.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Cagil Ozge Ozkul (Turkey) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Turkey 2012

Cagil Ozge Ozkul

BIO:
24 year old Cagil grew up in of Ankara with her brother and parents. She likes watching football matches with friends, taking walks with her dog, and learning Spanish.

Standing 5'11.5" tall, "Cha Cha" as she often called by her peers currently works as a model and has a degree in Economics from University of Atilim. She dreams of traveling the world and to be a woman who is accomplished in her job and is known as a role model for young ladies.

Ozkul wants to become a famous model and successful TV host in sports programs someday. She thinks that drug addiction is the world’s biggest problem today.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Avionne Mark (Trinidad and Tobago) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2012

Avionne Mark

BIO:
23 year old Avionne from Champ Fleurs was always a tomboy growing up and has a special interest in youth development and tourism policy changes. She dreams becoming a Tourism Ambassador someday.

Standing 5'9.5" tall, Mark loves hiking and going to the beach to writing poetry and makeup artistry.

Asked about how she feels about representing her country in this year's Miss Universe, she replied "The opportunity of representing my country on an international scale has always been a dream of mine... I am confident and unwavering that this is where I should be".

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Nutpimon Farida Waller (Thailand) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Thailand 2012

Nutpimon Farida Waller

BIO:
19 year old Nutpimon Farida from Krabi was Raised by her father who taught her to be the person she is today and has taught her to be tough, fight for justice and fairness, and to always think positive.

She spent her childhood going to the beach and building sand castles. She donates much of her time to visiting nursing homes for the old and enjoys going to church, scuba diving, cooking and collecting coins from different countries.

Standing 5'8" tall, Waller currently a student at the Chulalongkorn University of Thailand taking up a degree in Arts and Humanities. She dreams of representing Thailand working with UNICEF in the future.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Winfrida Dominic (Tanzania) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Tanzania 2012

Winfrida Dominic

BIO:
Mostly influenced by her father, 19 year old Winfrida moved all around her country of Tanzania throughout her childhood, experiencing different cultures and tradition everywhere she went. She grew up learning many traditional dances in school and loves netball and collecting pebbles from all of the different places she travels.

Standing 5'9" tall, Dominic from Dar es Salaam is currently studying History, Geography, and English, in hopes of becoming an Ambassador for her country in the future and engaging in charity work.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Alina Buchschacher (Switzerland) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Switzerland 2012

Alina Buchschacher

BIO:
21 year old Alina was raised in Berne and has been an active horseback rider for 14 years and is currently training in show jumping and dressage. She wish to have her own horse breeding farm and train foals.

Buchschache stands 5'8 ½" tall and her career ambition is to obtain her degree in Business Administration and eventually take over her father’s Real Estate business. Alina supports a wide variety of foundations and volunteers in her spare time.

"I am taking this challenge with the goal to win; to have the chance to prove and show what qualities I can bring. I will work hard to be successful but at the end of the day, I want to live these 2 ½ weeks as the experience of a lifetime" she says.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Hanni Beronius (Sweden) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Sweden 2012

Hanni Beronius

BIO:
22 year old Hanni was raised Goteborg and is the second eldest of six children from a blended family. She is currently studying Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics in hopes of creating a non-profit organization aimed at providing reconstructive surgery to those in need.

Standing 5'8.5" tall, Beronius used to collect books from antique stores and has near 300 first edition copies in her collection. Her dream job is to be an astronaut and be the first Swedish person to travel to the moon.

"Though life has not always been easy, my experiences have helped me to become a confident, well rounded and loving individual. I feel that as a result I am able to be a role model for young women in Sweden and around the world."

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Tara Edward (Saint Lucia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Saint Lucia 2012

Tara Carla Edward

BIO:
A woman who loves traveling and trying new cuisines, 22 year old Tara has been an active netball and volleyball player throughout her life. She has developed a deep passion for reading fashion and beauty blogs to the hopes of becoming an image consultant someday.

Edwards from Gros Isles stands 5'11" tall and likes traveling and dining. She currently a student taking up Business Management. "I use every moment in my life, whether positive or negative, to mold myself. I have learned to ‘roll with the punches’ and continue to stand tall, not only for myself, but for the people of St. Lucia" she says.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Sabrina Herft (Sri Lanka) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2012

Sabrina Herft

BIO:
25 year old Sabrina was born in Colombo. She's currently the media coordinator for a World Bank funded project who desires to become a world-renowned media personality with her own talk show shedding light on global social issues.

Growing up as a tomboy, she has climbed Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin in Sri Lanka that has been dubbed the “8th” wonder of the world.

Standing 5'9" tall, Herft describes herself as the epitome of a true ‘Sri Lankan’ smile. A smile, which in an instant, encompasses a warmness and an acceptance.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Andrea Huisgen (Spain) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Spain 2012

Andrea Huisgen

BIO:
A fan of Angelina Jolie, 22 year old Andrea grew up in Barcelona and hopes to have a career in Equine Therapy, which aims to heal depressed, anxious and autistic children through interaction with horses. She collects horseshoes and has over 40 from more than 11 different countries.

Andrea’s biggest passion in life is horseback riding, a sport she has participated in for the last 15 years. Other sports she's fond of are winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow blading. When she’s not doing any sports activities, this 5'11.5" tall beauty likes to spend her time with friends and family and also enjoys traveling.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Melinda Bam (South Africa) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe South Africa 2012

Melinda Bam

BIO:
23 year old Melinda was born and raised in Pretoria and graduated from the University of Pretoria with Honors. She aspires to one day start an internal marketing agency that would focus on corporate culture and business psychology.

Standing 5'7" tall, Melinda has a wide variety of hobbies ranging from sports to arts. She is a professional painter and artist in medium acrylic, oil and graphite and has designed her own swimwear collection. She also once co-wrote a book with her mother and sister that has been published previously.

As Miss South Africa 2012, Melinda's ask on her view about being a beauty queen, and she quoted "Defying the stigma that beauty queens are only pretty faces stimulates me".

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Lubica Stepanova (Slovak Republic) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Slovak Republic 2012

Lubica Stepanova

BIO:
24 year old Lubica grew up in a small town in Prievidza with her parents and an older sister. She once worked as a cherry picker in Germany over a summer holiday and would like to study Architecture and Construction and hopes to become an architect in the future.

Stepanova stands 5'9" tall and loves to snowboard because it is fun and a great way to feel relaxed. She is also fond of mushroom picking. "I respect everything that I have and everything that I have achieved" she says.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Lynn Tan (Singapore) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Singapore 2012

Lynn Tan

BIO:
A frequent volunteer with the Guide Dogs Association for the Blind, 24 year old Lynn was born and raised in Singapore. She likes to read, travel, and play golf. " I am grateful when I wake up each day that I have the freedom to make a choice, to choose to make a difference in the lives of others" she said.

Standing 5'7.5" tall, Tan has competed on her high school's debate team. She is currently working as a Mergers and Acquisitions Associate with Deloitte, and hopes to one day become a Partner for the company.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Branislava Mandic (Serbia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Serbia 2012

Branislava Mandic

BIO:
Trained in Karate for 6 years, 21 year old Branislava grew up in a small village in Vojvodina, Curug and spent her childhood hanging out with friends and having picnics with her parents and sister. She has a love for books, sports, cooking, baking and collecting scented candles and takes one wherever she travels.

Standing 5'10" tall, Mandic have such a desire to learn, to see different cultures, people, customs, countries and think that the only real value in life is to learn and see more. She is currently studying to become a teacher, but would also love to become a famous model as well. She admires Cindy Crawford as she is a role model for models, mothers, and women all over.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Elizaveta Golovanova (Russia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Russia 2012

Elizaveta Golovanova

BIO:
19 year old Elizaveta grew up in Smolensk, a small secluded city with a close-knit community in Russia. She recently graduated from music school with a Piano Class degree. She is currently studying Law at the Moscow State University of Railway Engineering and hopes to become a TV host someday.

Elizaveta tall and loves travel, pilates, cooking and eating traditional Russian pancakes served with different fillings. Her biggest interest is playing the piano and going to visit New York.

This 5'10" tall beauty competed previously in Miss World 2012. She believes that a huge global problem is that most people are very scared of being themselves. She think we should be more open to each other and try to be sincere.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Delia Monica Duca (Romania) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Romania 2012

Delia Monica Duca

BIO:
Playing chess on a competitive level since the age of six, 5'11" tall Delia Monica grew up in Brasov, an area known as one of Romania’s oldest and most historical regions. During her childhood, she sent her time playing chess, going to school, and spending quality time with her family. She has also developed a love for mountain trekking, dancing, taking part in fashion shows and even collecting seashells from each country she visits.

26 year old Duca's most prized possession is her first pair of shoes, given to her by her grandfather which she has took cared and saved for over 20 years. Her goal in life is to become a project manager of a software development company, and hopefully one day establish her own company in this field. She believes one’s future can only be built on thorough and dedicated hard work.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Bodine Koehler (Puerto Rico) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2012

Bodine Koehler

BIO:
Grew up with very inspiring parents who gave their best to always bring bread to the table, 20 year old Bodine was born in Amsterdam, and moved to Rio Grande in Puerto Rico. She was raised by her parents who taught her that success is not a matter of good luck, but a result of effort, commitment, and passion

Standing 6'0" tall, Koehler likes traveling and jogging through Puerto Rico’s National Rainforest. She was also a music lover who loves to sing. A trained pianist and has been playing piano since the age of 12, and writing music since the age of 16.

This beauty queen has worked with collected school shoes in Puerto Rico for children of Haiti. She considers Adele as a role model because of her ability to transmit emotion to her music.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Marcelina Zawadzka (Poland) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Poland 2012

Marcelina Zawadzka

BIO:
Grew up as a child who wants to become a Karate master, 5'11" tall Marcelina is currently a student of cosmetology while also pursuing a career as an international model. She is the face of a campaign organized by Feminoteka, a foundation that helps women who have experienced violence. One day, she would like to open her own spa. She believes that there are moments worth living for and people worth meeting.

23 year old Zawadzka was born and raised in Malbork, a city known for being home to some of Poland’s most famous castles. She is interested in motorsports, and her biggest dream is to take part in the Dakar Rally.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Janine Tugonon (Philippines) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Philippines 2012

Janine Tugonon

BIO:
Raised in Balanga City in the province of Bataan, 23 year old Janine Mari grew up with her mother, sister and grandparents. She spent her childhood going to the farm with her mother and the markets with her grandmother. An adventurous spirit, Janine enjoys hiking and climbing mountains. She also loves to travel, cook classic Filipino dishes and she's a big fan of actor Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds.

Tugonon stands 5'9" tall and is an avid trader who is fond of making candies, or “pastillas”, that she then sells to friends and family. She hopes someday to work as a social entrepreneur. She believes that our compassion for the world should start within.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Nicole Faveron (Peru) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Peru 2012

Nicole Faveron

BIO:
"No matter where I am, either my country or abroad, I always strive to make the best of each new situation and contribute good thoughts and actions" says 24 year old Nicole who was born in Lima, but moved to the Amazon city of Iquitos in the jungle region of Peru.

This 6 footer lady enjoys modeling, acting and collecting shoes that are creative, colorful, and unique. During her leisure time she enjoys horseback riding, traveling, and watching movies.

Faveron currently works in modeling while obtaining a degree in Psychology and taking acting classes. She strives hard so that someday she can create a psychology clinic, through which she can help people in poverty throughout her nation. But her dream job is to be an actress in comedy films so she can make people laugh.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Egni Eckert (Paraguay) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Paraguay 2012

Egni Eckert

BIO:
25 year old Egni was raised in Luque and grew up frequented in church. She enjoys traveling, modeling, being active outdoors and collecting indigenous artwork from all over Paraguay. She recently started a foundation that provides shelter and job-training for those in need.

Standing 5'11.5" tall, Eckert was former 1st run-up in Reina Hispanoamericana 2010 and top 25 finalist in Miss World 2010. She works as a model which is her passion because it has opened doors for her to give back to people and help them through her foundation. That is her dream, and she feels very lucky to have the opportunity to do what she love.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Stephanie Vanderwerf (Panama) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Panama 2012

Stephanie Vanderwerf

BIO:
Born from a Panamanian mother and Argentinian father, 26 year old Stephanie grew up in Panama City and got to travel every summer with her family. No matter where they are, her family spends their Sundays having lunch and watching soccer games. At the age of 15, she got to interview Owen Wilson and Eddie Murphy for a television program.

Vanderwerf likes yoga, reading, dancing, and swimming with her father. This 5'10" tall beauty has degrees in Advertising, PR, and Management and dreams to one day own a newspaper, radio show, and TV channel that covers today’s news.

She believes that we can always learn something new every time we meet someone new. Every opportunity we get, whether on a bus or a plane or even in an elevator, there’s always something we can hear that will add something new to our life.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Sara Nicole Andersen (Norway) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Norway 2012

Sara Nicole Andersen

BIO:
Thinks that hunger is the biggest problem facing our world today, 20 year old Sara moved from Iran to Norway at the age of 4. She likes working out, animals and fashion. She spends time volunteering at animal shelters, and working at fashion related companies.

This 5'7" tall beauty says that her mother is the one who has great influence in her life because she is a strong woman with a big heart. Her career ambition is to become a successful psychologist.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Isabella Agbor Ayuk (Nigeria) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Nigeria 2012

Isabella Agbor Ojong Ayuk

BIO:
Standing statuesque at 5'11" tall, Isabella was raised in Ikom Local Government Area of the Cross River State where it is a largely agricultural area of the country. Being raised by a widowed mother, she has a passion for working with widows and would love to work to create a small scale business to help raise money for scholarships for their children, home renovations and other basic needs.

26 year old Ayuk is currently in the National Youth Service Corp in Nigeria. She loves to cook and a fan of Angelina Jolie's work for humanitarian services.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Farah Eslaquit (Nicaragua) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Nicaragua 2012

Farah Eslaquit

BIO:
"In life you are given 1% of luck and need to seize the moment as it comes. The remaining 99% is work and effort to achieve what you want", a words of wisdom from 21 year old Farah, Miss Nicaragua. She grew up in a small town of Masaya and starts each day with a morning workout to wake up and have more energy throughout the day. She also enjoys traveling, to learn a couple other language and to the beach and spending time with her family.

Standing 5'9" tall, Eslaquit love to meet Microsoft owner Bill Gates someday. She is currently studying to obtain a degree in Strategic Marketing, and hopes to one day own a worldwide recognized fashion magazine, but she always makes sure to dedicate time to herself and unwind from the rest of the world.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Talia Bennett (New Zealand) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe New Zealand 2012

Talia Bennett

BIO:
Once raised a Porsche 911 GT3 and reached a speed of 130 mph., 24 year old Talia grew up in her home in Takapuna and spent her childhood on the beaches of her town, running and taking walks by the lakes. With a mother from Italy and a father from Maori descent, she had a very diverse and eclectic upbringing.

Standing 5'8" tall, Talia is currently pursuing a career in Commercial Property Development. She also hopes of one day owning a makeup line to work closely with Retirement or Age Care Facilities throughout her country.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Nathalie den Dekker (Netherlands) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Netherlands 2012

Nathalie den Dekker

BIO:
Former Miss Tourism International 2010 winner, also competed in Miss Supranational 2010 and Top 15 semi-finalist in Miss World 2012, 5'6" tall Nathalie grew up in Amstelveen on a mushroom farm owned by her father in a small village in the south of the Netherlands, with a close knit community.

Aside from being a pageant veteran, this 23 year old aspires to become a human rights lawyer, and eventually use her background to conduct field research as a university professor. She believes that all must work hard to make our dreams come true.

Den Dekker loves reading, spending time with family, swimming and used to make her own greeting cards when she was younger which out-brings her creativity.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Tsakana Nkandih (Namibia) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Namibia 2012

Tsakana Nkandih

BIO:
A high hopes to become the first female President of Namibia, 22 year old Tsakana from Windhoek believes that through this role, she would be able to battle her country's internal socioeconomic issues and strive to empower women. "As a politician, I could be an asset to the cause of women and their rights, something that is very close to my heart" the beauty queen said. She thinks that the biggest problem facing the world today is the rapid climate change.

Standing 5'10.5" tall, Nkandih's strongest passion is reading and values the Bible so much. She also enjoys volunteering with animals and gardening. Presently, she is attending The University of Namibia in order to gain a degree in Public Management.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Andrea Radonjic (Montenegro) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Montenegro 2012

Andrea Radonjic

BIO:
An helpful hero who once saved her sister and friend from drowning, 20 year old Andrea who loves animals and works with horses grew up in Podgorica with her parents and two younger sisters. Her dream in life is to become a famous model.

Standing 5'9.5" tall, Radonjic previously competed in Miss Tourism Queen International 2011 pageant and currently working as a journalist and completing a degree in Law at the National University of Montenegro.

Back to: Delegates' List

See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage

BIO: Karina Gonzalez (Mexico) - Miss Universe 2012

Miss Universe Mexico 2012

Karina Gonzalez

BIO:
Grew up with her grandmother and cousins in Aguascalientes City, 5'9.5" tall Karina who enjoys modelling hopes to become a famous and esteemed architect, so she can improve construction from an ecological standpoint.

The 21 year old beauty recently has taken up water-skiing as a new hobby. She is fond of collecting Rosary Beads because it remind her of her grandmom, yet she makes sure to set time aside and relax.

Gonzalez have learned to appreciate all the things that she have. This has made her a better person because and it reminds her how important it is to help others.

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See also: Miss Universe 2012 Special Coverage