A fisherman cruises on lake Maracaibo which is covered with green alge as a result of the oil exploitation. Children use the water to bathe after heat of the day. Respiratory and skin problems are very common amongst the children.

Graffiti on the walls on the street in Caracas urging foreign oil companies to leave the country. They we forced out by Chavez in 2007

residents of a fishing village on lake Maracaibo. Venezuela was so named for these stilted fishing villages which reminded explorers of Venice. Venezuela means essentially Little Venice. Children use the water to bathe after heat of the day. Respiratory and skin problems are very common amongst the children.

A fisherman fixes clothes on Lake Marachaibo. The lake is horrifically polluted and dead fish wash up on the beach regularly. Children use the water to bathe after heat of the day. Respiratory and skin problems are very common amongst the children.

An environmental activist views the oil installations on Lake Maracaibo. Children use the water to bathe after heat of the day. Respiratory and skin problems are very common amongst the children.

A resident looks at the pollution in the lake outside his lakeside home. Oil is blamed for many birth defects. Children have been born with no brains and no limbs.

An oil pump in Zulia state.

Slums in the City of Caracas.

A Child working in a kiosk in one of the Slums in Venezuela

Residents of a fishing village on lake Maracaibo. Venezuela was so named for these stilted fishing villages which reminded explorers of Venice. Venezuela means essentially Little Venice. Children use the water to bathe after heat of the day. Respiratory and skin problems are very common amoungst the children.

A family on the way home in Zulia state. Venezuelans love American cars and the streets are full of 1970 chevys.

A fisherman prepares his catch for resale. Fish stocks have fallen as a result of the oil extraction.

A gang member wanders through one of the Caracas slums.

The City of Caracas lights up whilst the American TV program CSI is reflected in the window. Venezuelans embrace all that is American, Baseball, Fast food, cars and TV. Whilst Chavez the president actively tries to reject all that is American.

President Chavez on Alo Presidente, his weekly program to the nation