Diplomatic bloc
OPEC
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries — coordinates oil production policy.
Members
12
Founded
1960
Headquarters
Vienna, Austria
What is the OPEC?
OPEC is a group of oil-exporting countries that coordinates petroleum production to manage global oil prices. Founded in Baghdad in 1960 and based in Vienna, its members together hold a large share of the world's proven crude-oil reserves.
Key facts
- Full name
- Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
- Founded
- 1960 · Founded in Baghdad
- Headquarters
- Vienna, Austria
- Member states
- 12
- Role
- Coordinates oil production quotas
- OPEC+
- Adds non-members such as Russia
OPEC member states
12 countries
Why the OPEC matters
By setting production quotas, OPEC — and the wider 'OPEC+' grouping that includes Russia — can move global energy prices, giving it significant geopolitical leverage. Membership shifts over time; Angola left at the start of 2024.
Related blocs & alliances
Frequently asked questions about the OPEC
Quick answers to the most common questions about the OPEC.
What is OPEC?
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a group of oil-producing nations that coordinate production levels to influence global oil prices.
What is the difference between OPEC and OPEC+?
OPEC+ is a broader alliance that adds major non-OPEC producers — most notably Russia — to coordinate output alongside OPEC's members.
Where is OPEC headquartered?
In Vienna, Austria. OPEC was originally founded in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1960.
Research the OPEC with Model Diplomat
Get sourced answers on bloc cohesion, voting records, and member positions — built for Model UN delegates and researchers.