Oil Production by Country (1900–2018) — A Century of Energy Power Shifts (Bar Chart Race Video))

History of oil production at the country level from 1900 to nowadays in barrels per day. Includes crude oil, shale oil, oil sands, condensates.

Oil Production by Country (1900–2018) — A Century of Energy Power Shifts

Explore the fascinating timeline video that tracks global oil production by country over more than a century, from 1900 to 2018. See how the world’s leading oil producers have risen and fallen, reflecting geopolitical changes, technological advancements, and economic shifts.

Discover which countries dominated oil output in different eras—from the early days of oil exploration in the U.S. to the rise of Middle Eastern giants like Saudi Arabia, and the recent surges in production by Russia, the U.S. shale boom, and others.

This visual history highlights how oil production has influenced global energy markets, international relations, and economic development worldwide.

Fun Facts & Trivia:

The U.S. led global oil production for much of the 20th century before Middle Eastern countries surged.

Saudi Arabia became a major player after discovering vast reserves in the 1930s.

The shale oil revolution in the 2000s drastically increased U.S. output, reshaping the market.

Keywords: oil production by country, global oil output history, top oil producers timeline, energy market evolution, oil production statistics.

Oil Production by Country (1900–2018): A Century of Energy Power Shifts

Oil has been the lifeblood of the modern industrial world, shaping economies, geopolitics, and global trade for over a century. From the early 20th century to the brink of 2018, oil production has shifted across continents, creating energy superpowers and transforming local economies. This article explores the top oil-producing countries, historical trends, and fun facts from 1900 to 2018.

A Historical Timeline of Global Oil Production

1900–1930: The early oil boom began in the United States, particularly Pennsylvania and Texas. U.S. production dominated global output, fueling industrialization and automobiles.
1930–1950: Middle Eastern oil emerges. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran discovered vast reserves, setting the stage for future dominance.
1950–1970: The U.S. remained a major producer, but OPEC formed in 1960 to coordinate oil policies among Middle Eastern producers, creating a new energy balance.
1970–1990: Oil shocks and geopolitical conflicts redefined production patterns. Middle Eastern countries increased output, while U.S. production stabilized.
1990–2018: Technology, fracking, and offshore drilling transformed production. The U.S. resurged as the world’s top producer, surpassing Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Top Oil-Producing Countries (2018 Estimates)

Here’s a ranking based on total crude oil production in 2018, measured in barrels per day (bpd):

United States – ~12.2 million bpd
- Fun Fact: The shale revolution and fracking transformed the U.S. from a declining producer to the largest global oil producer.
Saudi Arabia – ~10.3 million bpd
- Trivia: Saudi Arabia holds roughly 17% of the world’s proven oil reserves.
Russia – ~11.4 million bpd
- Fun Fact: Russia relies heavily on oil exports, particularly to Europe and Asia.
Canada – ~4.6 million bpd
- Trivia: Oil sands in Alberta are a major contributor to Canada’s oil output.
China – ~3.9 million bpd
- Fun Fact: China is a top producer but still relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.
Iraq – ~4.5 million bpd
- Trivia: Post-war reconstruction and new oil field developments increased production after 2003.
United Arab Emirates – ~3.2 million bpd
Brazil – ~3.0 million bpd
- Fun Fact: Offshore pre-salt fields are crucial to Brazil’s oil growth.
Iran – ~3.0 million bpd
Kuwait – ~2.7 million bpd

Fun Facts and Trivia About Oil Production

U.S. Oil Dominance: The U.S. was the world’s largest producer until the 1970s and regained dominance in the 2010s thanks to shale fracking technology.
Middle East Power: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran control a significant portion of global reserves, making them central to OPEC decisions.
Russia’s Role: Russia’s economy is heavily linked to oil revenues, accounting for over 30% of its federal budget.
Canada’s Oil Sands: Extracting oil from sands is costly and energy-intensive, but Canada remains a top producer.
Brazil’s Offshore Boom: Brazil has invested heavily in deepwater exploration, giving it a growing presence in the global oil market.

Global Oil Production Trends (1900–2018)

Early U.S. Dominance: Until the 1960s, the U.S. produced over 50% of the world’s oil.
Middle Eastern Expansion: Post-WWII oil discoveries transformed Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq into global energy powers.
OPEC Influence: Formed in 1960, OPEC regulates production to stabilize prices, impacting global economies.
Technological Shifts: Fracking, offshore drilling, and enhanced oil recovery transformed production in the 21st century.
Energy Transition Pressure: By 2018, renewable energy trends and climate policies began influencing long-term oil strategies, though global demand remained high.

Conclusion: A Century of Shifting Energy Power

From Pennsylvania oil fields to Saudi Arabian deserts and U.S. shale formations, global oil production has undergone massive transformations over the last century. Understanding which countries produce the most oil—and how production shifts over time—is crucial for policymakers, investors, and energy analysts. As of 2018, the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia remain the titans of oil production, but emerging technologies and geopolitical developments continue to reshape the landscape of global energy.

Post Keywords: oil production by country, top oil-producing countries, global oil production 2018, US oil production, Saudi Arabia oil, Russia oil, OPEC countries, oil production history, energy market, oil reserves, top energy countries.

Source: Data Is Beautiful

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