Miss Universe 2009 will be held at the Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, on August 23.

Alongside with its rival Miss World and Miss Earth contests, the Miss Universe beauty pageant is one of the most publicised beauty contests in the world.

The current Miss Universe is Dayana Mendozza of Venezuela. She will crown her successor in the event.

Last Monday the contestants took part in a national costume show at the Rainforest Theatre at the Wyndham Hotel in Nassau as part of the preparations for the contest.

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