Map Projection

Geographic

Notes

All numbers are, at best, informed estimates. Within the broad concept of oil 'reserves' there are several key distinctions: ultimately recoverable resource; proved, probable, and possible reserves; and oil in place. The data shown here are proved reserves. Every effort is made to come up with a consistent series for reserves based on a common definition, however, in reality, different countries use different methodologies and the data have varying levels of reliability.

The data, from 1965 to 2004, can serve as a useful business and policy tool in tracking oil trends. However, caution should be exercised as oil reserves vary in quality and level of accessibility.

Map Description

This map identifies the ratio of domestic oil reserves to the domestic rate of production, in years, for individual countries, as well as some regional totals. Reserves-to-production ratios measure the number of years that proved reserves would last at current production rates, providing a first-order gauge of each country’s production capacity and status of independent reserves. Note that nearly all countries (assuming no importation of oil) are expected to deplete their usable supply or “run dry” of oil before 2100.