Countries With the Most Staggering Amounts of Natural Resources
Natural resources shape economies and influence global politics, and some countries hold astonishing reserves of them. Oil, coal, timber, metals, and rare earth elements fuel industries, while farmland and hydropower add to national wealth. The following nations rank among the richest in terms of natural resource value that affect daily life far beyond their borders.
Russia – $75 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Russia sits at the top of the resource pyramid. The country holds immense reserves of oil, natural gas, coal, and precious metals, alongside the largest forested area on Earth. Its natural gas reserves alone make it the biggest global supplier. Industrial diamonds, timber, and rare earth elements also push its wealth higher.
United States – $45 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Coal remains America’s biggest contributor, with the country having the world’s largest proven reserves. Shale oil and gas transformed it into a major exporter, while timber stretches across millions of acres of land. Adding in rare earth elements vital for electronics, the U.S. stands tall with about $45 trillion worth of resources.
Saudi Arabia – $34 Trillion
Credit: Getty Images
Oil discovered in the 1930s continues to dominate Saudi Arabia’s economy, accounting for the bulk of its wealth. Its reserves rank among the biggest anywhere, while natural gas, phosphate, and gold add depth to the portfolio. The nation still ranks as a top crude exporter.
Canada – $33 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Energy and mining headlines often feature Canada, thanks to petroleum and natural gas. Uranium deposits make it one of the world’s leading producers. Its forests deliver valuable timber, and hydropower captures its river strength. Add in gold, nickel, and zinc, and the nation’s resources reach an estimated $33 trillion.
Iran – $27 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Iran holds one of the world’s largest combined oil and natural gas reserves. The South Pars field in the Persian Gulf remains a strategic energy site. The country’s growing exploration activity aims to expand known reserves. Agricultural land and specialty crops like pistachios also add economic diversity.
China – $23 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Coal dominates China’s energy mix, but rare earth metals may be its most globally significant resource. These minerals fuel industries from smartphones to defense systems. The nation also holds extensive reserves of iron ore, gold, and aluminum. Timber resources remain valuable, and massive hydropower projects harness their rivers.
Brazil – $22 Trillion
Credit: pexels
Brazil’s mineral profile is extensive, with iron ore exports leading the pack. Gold, bauxite, and uranium mining strengthen its global market share. Its massive forests, which cover more than half the country, contribute valuable timber and renewable energy through hydropower. Offshore oil fields expand their energy portfolio.
Australia – $20 Trillion
Credit: Getty Images
Australia’s outback is far more than open land. It hides iron ore, coal, uranium, and gold. Mining dominates the economy, and it is supported by significant rare earth and diamond reserves. The country also exports liquefied natural gas and supplies much of Asia.
Iraq – $16 Trillion
Credit: pexels
Petroleum defines Iraq’s economic structure, with enormous reserves placing it among the top global producers. Sulfur, though smaller in scale, still contributes to the mix. Iraq relies heavily on oil wealth, which powers its economy and closely ties its fortunes to the global energy market.
Venezuela – $14 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 300 billion barrels. Political and economic instability has hindered production, but the reserves still place it at the forefront of global petroleum potential. The nation also contains natural gas, iron ore, bauxite, and gold deposits.
Kazakhstan – $13 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Central Asia’s largest country has impressive oil and natural gas reserves. Uranium adds global importance, as it ranks among the top suppliers of nuclear energy. Kazakhstan serves as a crucial link between European and Asian markets, steadily building its influence as both an energy exporter and mineral supplier.
South Africa – $11 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
South Africa is famous for its mineral wealth, particularly gold and platinum. It also remains a global leader in diamond production. Coal reserves supply much of its electricity, and manganese and chromium are essential exports for industrial use. These cement South Africa’s reputation as a cornerstone of global mining.
Indonesia – $10 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Coal exports make Indonesia a key energy supplier in Asia, but recent attention has shifted toward its nickel production. With electric vehicle demand soaring, the country has become essential for battery supply chains. Gold and copper mining strengthen its economy further.
Nigeria – $9 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Nigeria’s economy relies heavily on petroleum exports, which account for a major share of government revenue. Beyond oil, natural gas deposits are extensive, and mineral resources include tin and limestone. Agriculture adds further diversity, though energy exports dominate earnings.
Mexico – $7 Trillion
Credit: iStockphoto
Silver shines brightest on Mexico’s resource list, making it one of the world’s largest producers. Oil extraction, particularly offshore, boosts its energy base. Copper, gold, and zinc fill its mineral sector. Meanwhile, fertile farmland adds agricultural value. Mexico is continually balancing mining and energy with modern industry.