Oil reserves are the estimated amount of crude oil that can be extracted from a country, region, or specific geological formation. Oil reserves are tracked and measured by government organizations, such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the US Department of Energy. Global oil reserves have been estimated to contain 1.73 trillion barrels of oil, based on estimates provided by industry leader BP plc.

The three leading countries with the highest proved oil reserves in the world are Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. Venezuela leads the way with 341 billion barrels of proved reserves, while Saudi Arabia and Canada both have over 256 billion barrels. However, determined oil reserves vary regionally due to the fact that some countries lack sufficient development of infrastructure to accurately monitor and measure oil reserves.

In many countries, oil reserves are also a key source of national wealth, providing crucial economic stability. Unfortunately, the availability of oil reserves can also lead to strategic conflicts, as certain countries may hoard them for economic and geopolitical strategies. To prevent these kinds of conflicts and ensure a steady flow of oil, the United States, and other major countries, have established strategic petroleum reserves (SPR), emergency stockpiles of crude oil that can be used to offset a severe oil supply shortage.

In summary, oil reserves are the estimated amount of crude oil that can be extracted from a country, region, or geological formation. Global oil reserves have been estimated to contain 1.73 trillion barrels, with Venezuela having the highest reserves at 341 billion barrels of oil. Oil reserves are also a key source of national wealth, but can lead to strategic conflicts, hence why countries like the United States have established strategic petroleum reserves to ensure a steady flow of oil.