Fernandez, an 18-year-old brunette, became the 58th winner of the title in a show broadcast live around the world from the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas.
It was the second consecutive year that a contestant from the oil-producing South American country, which is famous for its beauty queens, won the Miss Universe title.
Reigning Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza (R) of Venezuela congratulates Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, winner of the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant, held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
