Here are the world's most resource-rich countries
Despite geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns, some nations continue to leverage their natural wealth to fuel development and global trade. As usual, some countries stand out for their share and possession of these natural resources.
According to Investopedia, Russia is the world's most resource-rich nation as it boasts an estimated $75 trillion in natural resources.
Russia leads the list due to its abundant reserves of coal, natural gas, oil, gold, timber, and rare earth metals. These resources are pivotal not only to Russia’s economy but also to global markets, especially in energy and industrial production.
The United States comes in second, with $45 trillion in natural resources, including coal, timber, natural gas, gold, and copper. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia rounds out the top three with $34 trillion, largely attributed to its vast oil reserves.
Other notable entries include:
- Canada is at $33 trillion, with diverse holdings in oil, uranium, timber, and natural gas.
- Iran, at $27 trillion, is focused on oil and gas.
- China, at $23 trillion, is driven by coal and rare earth metals essential for electronics and green technologies.
- Brazil, Australia, Iraq, and Venezuela also feature prominently, each rich in minerals and fossil fuels.
This ranking underscores the strategic importance of natural resources in shaping global economic influence. The world's shift towards renewable energy and technological advancement means that control over critical materials such as rare earth metals may prove even more valuable than traditional fossil fuels.
