Where are the largest oil deposits in the world?

Question

Where are the largest oil deposits in the world?

Answer 1

Saudi Arabia has a very large saturation of oil, as well does Alaska.  However in Alaska, much of it can't be pumped due to environmental regulations.

Answer 2

Saudi Arabia is typically considered to have the largest proven reserves but there's a catch. The Saudi government does not release data about production and exploration like other countries and companies. So, while historically they have had far more oil than any other country, we can only estimate what their current reserves are.

Additionally, I assume the question relates to crude oil only. Canada has large deposits of tar sands and oil shale and those deposits exist elsewhere too. Prior to the recent spike in oil prices those deposits weren't considered as proven reserves because they were not economically recoverable. Now they are, although both are environmental catastrophes to retrieve.

Answer 3

arab saudi............

Answer 4

Proven oil reserves, billions of barrels, 2008:

1st: Saudi Arabia    267

2nd: Canada            179

3rd: Iran                     133

4th: Iraq                     115

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8th: USA                      22

Alaska has around 6bn barrels - in comparison with the rest of the world, very small and at current consumption rates in the USA enough to last just 8 months! So, sorry Mr. Chips, but Alaska does not have a lot and I agree with those environmentalists - why destroy a beautiful environment for ever just to be able to drive gas guzzling 4x4s for an extra 8 months? Cut back!!!