Top 10 Oil Producing Countries

Oil production is one of the most critical indicators of global energy security and economic power. The world's largest oil producing countries control vast reserves of crude oil and petroleum resources, shaping global energy markets and influencing economic policies worldwide. Understanding which nations lead in oil extraction and petroleum production provides crucial insights into the global energy landscape, geopolitical dynamics, and the balance of power in the fossil fuel industry. Today, we'll explore the 10 largest oil producing countries, from the United States' shale revolution to Saudi Arabia's vast conventional reserves, examining their production capacity, export capabilities, and role in the global energy supply chain. For more insights into global business and economics, explore our guides to the richest countries by GDP and most profitable companies.

Methodology

This ranking is based on total oil production data, including crude oil, lease condensate, natural gas liquids, and other petroleum liquids, using the most recent and accurate production statistics available. The criteria for inclusion are:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sovereign states with recognized oil production data
• Total oil production measured in barrels per day (bpd)
• Data includes all petroleum liquids (crude oil, condensate, NGLs)
• Rankings reflect actual production output, not reserves or export capacity
• Data based on official government reports and international energy organizations

Data Sources:

• U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
• International Energy Agency (IEA)
• Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
• British Petroleum (BP) Statistical Review of World Energy
• National energy ministries and petroleum authorities

Important Considerations:

• Production figures are measured in barrels per day (bpd) or million barrels per day (mbpd)
• Data represents total petroleum liquids production, not just crude oil
• Production levels can fluctuate based on market conditions, OPEC+ agreements, and geopolitical factors
• Rankings may vary slightly depending on measurement periods and data sources
• Production capacity differs from actual production due to quotas, maintenance, and market demand

Verification Process: All production figures have been cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources including the EIA, IEA, OPEC, and national energy agencies. Data represents the most current official measurements available as of 2024-2025, verified through multiple international energy organizations and government reports.

List of Oil Producing Countries

10. Kuwait - 2.91 Million Barrels Per Day

Kuwait is the 10th largest oil producer in the world and one of the most oil-dependent economies globally. This small but wealthy nation in the Persian Gulf has built its entire economy around petroleum extraction and crude oil exports, with oil revenues accounting for the vast majority of government income.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~2.91 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~3% of world production
• Capital: Kuwait City
• Major Fields: Burgan, Raudhatain, Sabriyah
• OPEC Member: Yes

Interesting Facts:

• Kuwait has the world's sixth-largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 100 billion barrels
• The Burgan field is one of the world's largest conventional oil fields, discovered in 1938
• Kuwait's economy is almost entirely dependent on oil, with petroleum accounting for over 90% of export revenues
• The country has one of the highest per capita oil production rates in the world
• Kuwait is a founding member of OPEC and plays a significant role in global oil market coordination

9. Iran - 3.99 Million Barrels Per Day

Iran is the 9th largest oil producer globally and holds the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves. Despite facing international sanctions that have limited its export capacity and foreign investment, Iran maintains substantial crude oil production from its vast conventional reserves in the Persian Gulf region.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~3.99 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~4% of world production
• Capital: Tehran
• Major Fields: Ahvaz, Gachsaran, Marun, Aghajari
• OPEC Member: Yes

Interesting Facts:

• Iran has proven oil reserves of approximately 157 billion barrels, the fourth-largest in the world
• The country's oil industry dates back to 1908 with the discovery of oil in Masjed Soleyman
• International sanctions have significantly impacted Iran's ability to export oil and attract foreign investment in its energy sector
• Iran is a founding member of OPEC and has historically been one of the organization's most influential members
• The country has vast untapped potential, with many fields requiring modern technology and investment for optimal production

8. United Arab Emirates - 4.16 Million Barrels Per Day

United Arab Emirates ranks 8th in global oil production and is one of the most economically developed nations in the Middle East. The UAE's petroleum industry is primarily concentrated in Abu Dhabi, which holds the vast majority of the country's oil reserves and production capacity.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~4.16 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~4% of world production
• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Major Fields: Zakum, Upper Zakum, Bu Hasa, Shah
• OPEC Member: Yes

Interesting Facts:

• Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is one of the world's largest national oil companies
• The UAE has proven oil reserves of approximately 98 billion barrels, mostly in Abu Dhabi
• The country has invested heavily in increasing production capacity, with plans to reach 5 million bpd by 2030
• Dubai, while smaller in oil production, has successfully diversified its economy beyond petroleum
• The UAE is a key member of OPEC and has been instrumental in coordinating production cuts and market stabilization efforts

7. Brazil - 4.28 Million Barrels Per Day

Brazil is the 7th largest oil producer globally and the largest producer in Latin America. The country has experienced a significant transformation in its oil industry through the development of deepwater pre-salt reserves in the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the world's most important offshore oil producers.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~4.28 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~4% of world production
• Capital: Brasília
• Major Fields: Tupi, Búzios, Sapinhoá, Mero (pre-salt fields)
• OPEC Member: Observer status in OPEC+

Interesting Facts:

• Brazil's pre-salt reserves, discovered in 2006, contain some of the world's largest deepwater oil deposits
• The country's state-owned Petrobras is a global leader in deepwater drilling technology
• Brazil became an OPEC+ observer in 2024, signaling its growing importance in global oil markets
• The pre-salt fields are located under a thick layer of salt at depths of 5,000-7,000 meters below sea level
• Brazil has achieved energy self-sufficiency and is now a significant oil exporter, particularly to China and the United States

6. Iraq - 4.42 Million Barrels Per Day

Iraq is the 6th largest oil producer in the world and holds the fifth-largest proven oil reserves globally. Despite decades of conflict and infrastructure challenges, Iraq has maintained significant crude oil production from its vast conventional reserves, primarily located in the southern Basra region and northern Kirkuk area.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~4.42 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~4% of world production
• Capital: Baghdad
• Major Fields: Rumaila, West Qurna, Majnoon, Kirkuk
• OPEC Member: Yes

Interesting Facts:

• Iraq has proven oil reserves of approximately 145 billion barrels, the fifth-largest in the world
• The Rumaila field is one of the world's largest oil fields, with estimated reserves of 17 billion barrels
• The country's oil production has been constrained by infrastructure limitations, security concerns, and export capacity
• Iraq is a founding member of OPEC and has historically been one of the organization's largest producers
• The country has significant untapped potential, with many fields requiring investment in infrastructure and technology to reach full production capacity

5. China - 5.26 Million Barrels Per Day

China ranks 5th in global oil production and is simultaneously the world's largest oil importer. Despite being a major crude oil producer, China's massive domestic demand far exceeds its production capacity, making it heavily dependent on petroleum imports to fuel its rapidly growing economy.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~5.26 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~5% of world production
• Capital: Beijing
• Major Fields: Daqing, Shengli, Changqing, Tarim Basin
• OPEC Member: No

Interesting Facts:

• China is the world's largest oil importer, importing over 10 million barrels per day despite its own production
• The Daqing oil field, discovered in 1959, was China's largest oil field for decades and is now in decline
• China's state-owned companies (CNPC, Sinopec, CNOOC) are among the world's largest energy companies
• The country has invested heavily in overseas oil assets and infrastructure, particularly in Africa and Central Asia
• China's oil production has remained relatively stable while consumption continues to grow, increasing its import dependence

4. Canada - 5.76 Million Barrels Per Day

Canada is the 4th largest oil producer globally and holds the world's third-largest proven oil reserves, primarily in the form of oil sands in Alberta. The country's petroleum industry has transformed through the development of bitumen extraction technologies, making it one of the world's most important unconventional oil producers.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~5.76 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~6% of world production
• Capital: Ottawa
• Major Fields: Athabasca Oil Sands, Cold Lake, Peace River
• OPEC Member: No

Interesting Facts:

• Canada's oil sands contain approximately 170 billion barrels of proven reserves, the third-largest in the world
• The Athabasca oil sands in Alberta are among the world's largest deposits of bitumen
• Oil sands extraction is more energy-intensive and environmentally challenging than conventional oil production
• Canada is the largest supplier of oil to the United States, exporting over 3.5 million barrels per day
• The country has significant offshore production in the Atlantic, particularly from the Hibernia and Terra Nova fields

3. Russia - 10.75 Million Barrels Per Day

Russia is the 3rd largest oil producer in the world and the largest producer outside of OPEC. The country's vast petroleum reserves and crude oil production have made it a critical player in global energy markets, with production concentrated in Western Siberia and other major oil-producing regions.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~10.75 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~11% of world production
• Capital: Moscow
• Major Fields: Samotlor, Priobskoye, Romashkino, Vankor
• OPEC Member: OPEC+ member (not full OPEC)

Interesting Facts:

• Russia has proven oil reserves of approximately 80 billion barrels, the eighth-largest in the world
• The country is the world's second-largest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia
• Russia is a key member of OPEC+, coordinating production cuts with OPEC to stabilize global oil markets
• Western Siberia contains the majority of Russia's oil production, though the region is maturing
• The country has faced significant challenges from international sanctions, but has maintained production through redirecting exports to Asia
• Russia's oil industry is dominated by state-owned Rosneft and private companies like Lukoil

2. Saudi Arabia - 11.13 Million Barrels Per Day

Saudi Arabia is the 2nd largest oil producer globally and holds the world's second-largest proven oil reserves. As the de facto leader of OPEC and home to some of the world's largest conventional oil fields, Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in global oil market stability and petroleum pricing.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~11.13 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~11% of world production
• Capital: Riyadh
• Major Fields: Ghawar, Safaniya, Khurais, Manifa
• OPEC Member: Yes (founding member and de facto leader)

Interesting Facts:

• Saudi Arabia has proven oil reserves of approximately 267 billion barrels, the second-largest in the world
• The Ghawar field is the world's largest conventional oil field, producing over 3.8 million barrels per day
• Saudi Aramco is the world's most valuable oil company and one of the most profitable companies globally
• The country has the world's lowest oil production costs, with extraction costs as low as $3-4 per barrel
• Saudi Arabia maintains significant spare production capacity, allowing it to quickly adjust output to stabilize markets
• The country is pursuing Vision 2030 to diversify its economy beyond oil, investing in technology, tourism, and renewable energy

1. United States - 21.91 Million Barrels Per Day

United States is by far the world's largest oil producer, producing approximately 22% of global oil supply. The country's dominance in crude oil production has been driven by the shale oil revolution, particularly through hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies in formations like the Permian Basin.

Key Facts:

• Production: ~21.91 million barrels per day
• Global Share: ~22% of world production
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Major Fields: Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Bakken, Gulf of Mexico
• OPEC Member: No

Interesting Facts:

• The United States achieved energy independence in 2019, producing more oil than it consumes for the first time in decades
• The Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico is the world's most productive oil field, producing over 5.5 million barrels per day
• The shale revolution transformed the US from a major oil importer to the world's largest producer in less than a decade
• The country has proven oil reserves of approximately 69 billion barrels, but production far exceeds many countries with larger reserves
• The US has become a significant oil exporter, particularly of light crude oil and refined products
• American oil production is driven by private companies rather than state-owned enterprises, creating a more dynamic and responsive market

Summary of the Top 10 Oil Producing Countries

Conclusion

These 10 countries represent the world's oil production powerhouses, collectively producing approximately 74.6 million barrels per day, accounting for about 73% of global oil supply. From the United States' shale revolution to Saudi Arabia's vast conventional reserves, each nation contributes uniquely to the global energy landscape through different approaches to petroleum extraction, production technology, and market participation.

The oil production landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with technological advances enabling the United States to dominate through unconventional extraction methods, while traditional producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia maintain their positions through vast conventional reserves and strategic market coordination. The inclusion of Brazil in the top 10 reflects the growing importance of deepwater production and pre-salt reserves, while countries like Canada demonstrate the potential of oil sands development. Understanding these production dynamics, reserve distributions, and export capabilities is crucial for businesses, investors, and policymakers navigating the complex global energy markets and making informed decisions about energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

The concentration of production in these 10 countries highlights the strategic importance of oil-producing nations in global geopolitics and economic stability. As the world transitions toward renewable energy, these countries face the challenge of diversifying their economies while maintaining their critical role in meeting global energy demand during the transition period.

For more insights into global business and economics, explore our comprehensive guides to the richest countries by GDP, most profitable companies, and countries with most gold reserves.

This list is based on total oil production data including crude oil, lease condensate, natural gas liquids, and other petroleum liquids, using the latest 2024-2025 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy Agency, and OPEC. Production figures are measured in barrels per day (bpd) and represent actual production output, not reserves or export capacity. Rankings may vary slightly depending on measurement periods, data sources, and market conditions. Oil production levels can fluctuate based on OPEC+ agreements, geopolitical factors, infrastructure capacity, and global demand.