Latinas are among the most beautiful women in the world, but the beauties at the Miss Universe 2012 pageant stun with more than their bikini bodies. They’re also environmental activists, athletes and economists who will make this year’s competition fiercer than ever before.  Here’s a look at some fun facts about the gorgeous gals that will be strutting their stuff on Wednesday’s competition, broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Dec. 19 on Telemundo and NBC at 8/7 c.

Laura Godoy Calle – Miss Guatemala    

Laura Godoy Calle - Miss Guatemala

Laura Godoy Calle – Miss Guatemala(Photo/Courtesy 2012 Miss Universe L.P.)

This is one beauty who isn’t afraid to get tough, as Godoy Calle is a skilled volleyball player who once played for Guatemala’s national volleyball team.

Gabriela Markus – Miss Brazil

MIss Brazil Gabriela Markus at the National Costume event at the Miss Universe pageant.

MIss Brazil Gabriela Markus at the National Costume event at the Miss Universe pageant. (Photo/Courtesy 2012 Miss Universe L.P.)

Gabriela Markus is one 24-year-old who is extra-careful about what she eats: she’s currently studying Food Engineering at the University of State of Rio Grande do Sul and has even put in hours working at her school’s microbiology laboratory. But don’t think it’s all work and no play for this half-German, half-Portuguese beauty: she loves music and when she was younger even took jazz dance and German dance classes.

Daniella Álvarez – Miss Colombia

MIss Colombia Daniella Álvarez at the National Costume event at the Miss Universe pageant.

MIss Colombia Daniella Álvarez at the National Costume event at the Miss Universe pageant. (Photo by Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic)

Daniella Álvarez represented the region of Atlántico, Colombia in the Miss Colombia 2011 pageant and became the 10th woman from that region to win the title of Miss Colombia – making Atlántico home to more beauty queens than any other in Colombia.

Camila Solórzano Ayusa – Miss Argentina

Camila Solórzano Ayusa – Miss Argentina

Camila Solórzano Ayusa – Miss Argentina(Photo/Courtesy 2012 Miss Universe L.P.)

Camila Solórzano Ayusa may be representing her country this year in the most prestigious pageant in the world, but the 23-year-old is a seasoned beauty queen who competed in the Philippines for the title of Miss Earth 2008 – a pageant which promotes environmental awareness.

Bodine Koehler Peña – Miss Puerto Rico

Bodine Koehler Peña – Puerto Rico

Bodine Koehler Peña – Puerto Rico(Photo/Courtesy 2012 Miss Universe L.P.)

Miss Puerto Rico could have very well been representing the Netherlands in the Miss Universe pageant, as the 20-year-old (who is 6ft tall!) was born there and moved to Puerto Rico when she was just 10 years old.

Camila Vezzoso – Miss Uruguay

Camila Vezzoso – Miss Uruguay

Camila Vezzoso – Miss Uruguay(Photo/Courtesy 2012 Miss Universe L.P.)

President Obama and Rep. John Boehner may want to consult this beauty queen when it comes to addressing the fiscal cliff, as 19-year-old Camila Vezzoso says that her “goal in life is to become a reputable and successful economist.”

Ana Yancy Clavel – Miss El Salvador

Ana Yancy Clavel – Miss El Salvador

Ana Yancy Clavel – Miss El Salvador(Photo/Courtesy 2012 Miss Universe L.P.)

Sure, this 20-year-old can answer her interview questions in English and Spanish, but this flutist can also express herself in sign language, which she learned as a child in order to converse with her cousin. Clavel is currently studying Nursery School Education and hopes to one day “open a child development center for education.”