Approximately how many oilfields are there around the world?

The exact number of oilfields around the world is not precisely known, as new oilfields are discovered regularly and others may become depleted or uneconomical to operate over time. However, according to various industry sources and estimates, there are approximately several thousand oilfields globally, with varying sizes and production levels.

For instance, the Oil & Gas Journal, an industry publication, estimated that there were around 70,000 oilfields worldwide as of 2019. This includes both active and inactive oilfields. However, it's important to note that this number may not encompass smaller or less-significant oilfields.

The distribution of oilfields varies across different regions and countries. Some countries with major oil reserves and numerous oilfields include Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United States, Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela, among others.

It's worth mentioning that the classification and definition of an oilfield may differ depending on various factors such as geological characteristics, production volumes, and economic viability. Therefore, the exact count of oilfields may vary based on the specific criteria and methodologies used for identification.