
Key Takeaways
- Just four countries control more than half of the world’s proven oil reserves.
- Despite the energy transition, fossil fuels still account for nearly 70% of global energy demand.
Oil remains one of the most strategically important resources in the global economy. It powers transportation systems, underpins industrial activity, and continues to shape geopolitics and trade flows. While renewable energy is growing, oil still plays a dominant role in meeting global energy needs.
This visualization ranks countries by the size of their proven oil reserves at the end of 2024. The data for this graphic comes from OPEC’s Annual Statistical Bulletin 2025. Figures represent proven oil reserves are measured in billions of barrels. The data includes conventional crude oil as well as oil sands.
Read more: Visual Capitalist