oil reserves by country
Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves globally, followed closely by Saudi Arabia and Iran. These rankings reflect data from recent estimates around 2024-2025, with total world reserves exceeding 1.5 trillion barrels.
Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | Country | Reserves (billion barrels) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venezuela | 303.2 |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 267.2 |
| 3 | Iran | 208.6 |
| 4 | Iraq | 145 |
| 5 | UAE | 113 |
| 6 | Kuwait | 101.5 |
| 7 | Russia | 80 |
| 8 | Libya | 48.4 |
| 9 | United States | 45 |
| 10 | Nigeria | 37.3 |
Key Insights
Proven reserves indicate economically recoverable oil under current technology and prices, though figures vary slightly by source due to differing methodologies. OPEC nations dominate the top ranks, controlling over 70% of global totals, which shapes energy geopolitics. Recent updates as of late 2025 show minimal shifts, with Venezuela's vast Orinoco Belt deposits leading despite production challenges.
Regional Breakdown
- Middle East : Holds about 48% of world reserves, led by Saudi Arabia's Ghawar field.
- South America : Venezuela's heavy oil stands out, though extraction lags.
- North America : US reserves grew via shale, reaching 45 billion barrels; Canada has untapped oil sands potential around 163 billion but often listed lower for proven crude.
- Africa : Nigeria and Libya feature prominently amid political volatility.
TL;DR : Venezuela tops oil reserves at 303 billion barrels, with Middle Eastern giants close behind; data stable into 2026.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
