The Miss Universe 2006 pageant took place in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, July 23rd in the Shrine Auditorium. This was the first time since 1998 that the pageant has been held in the United States, and the second time that it has been held in Los Angeles, having previously been held there in 1990.
Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza (Miss Puerto Rico), won the event. The first runner-up was Kurara Chibana (Miss Japan), the second runner-up was Lauriane Gillieron (Miss Switzerland), thrid runner-up was Lourdes Arevalos (Miss Paraguay) and fourth runner-up was Tara Conner (Miss USA). Lia Andrea Ramos (Miss Philippines) was picked as this year's Miss Photogenic in an internet poll, Kurara Chibana of Japan won Best National Costume, and Angela Asare of Ghana won Miss Congeniality.
