Fascinating map reveals which countries have the biggest oil reserves in the world

A fascinating map reveals which countries hold the world's largest oil reserves.

Thanks to the internet, we can now visualise comparisons we never thought to consider, like one interactive map that shows the average penis size by country in 2025, or another comparing each US state's average internet speed.

But this map feels even more relevant due to the recent news of Donald Trump.

The map that's circulating on Reddit shows the world's largest oil reserves. According to the graphic, just four countries control over half of the planet's proven oil reserves.

Some Western oil companies like Chevron still operate in Venezuela (CFOTO/Contributor/Getty)

With an estimated 303 billion barrels, Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves. Saudi Arabia follows closely in second with 267 billion barrels. In third place, Iran has 209 billion barrels and Canada sits fourth with 163 billion barrels.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq still possess substantial oil reserves of 113 billion and 145 billion, respectively. In contrast, the US hold about 45 billion barrels and the UK just 1.5 billion.

However, the amount of oil Venezuela actually produces today is minuscule by comparison.

In November, Venezuela produced an estimated 860,000 barrels per day, as reported by the International Energy Agency's oil market report. That's barely a third of its output 10 years ago and accounts for less than 1% of the world's total oil consumption.

Since the early 2000s, output has sharply declined as former President Hugo Chavez tightened control over the state-run oil company PDVSA, leading to a mass departure of experienced staff.

A map showing which countries hold the world's largest oil reserves (Few_Simple9049/Reddit)

While some Western oil companies like US-based Chevron still operate in Venezuela, their activities have shrunk as American sanctions expanded and specifically targeted oil exports.

President Trump pledges to tap into Venezuela's oil reserves after seizing control over President Nicolás Maduro. Trump announced that the US will 'run' the country until a 'safe' transition, adding that US companies will fix Venezuela's 'badly broken' oil infrastructure and 'start making money for the country.'

Jorge León, the head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad Energy, an industry consultancy, said: “My hunch is that if President Trump said this publicly, probably there was already an agreement with the US companies.”

However, some experts warn that Trump's plan faces huge obstacles that require billions in investment and potentially a full decade before seeing significant increases in oil production.

Currently, around 80% of Venezuela's crude production travels by supertanker to China. The world’s biggest oil importer reportedly takes the shipments as repayment for loans it extended to the country under Chávez.