Shell in Iraq
Shell in Iraq
Iraq has the world’s third largest proven petroleum reserves and these resources will play a critical role in helping address the global energy challenge. Shell’s presence in Iraq dates back to the early days of the Iraqi oil industry when it helped discover the Kirkuk oilfield in 1927.
Shell worldwide
Shell worldwide
Royal Dutch Shell was formed in 1907, although our history dates back to the early 19th century, to a small shop in London where the Samuel family sold sea shells.
Today, Shell is one of the world’s major energy companies, employing an average of 93,000 people and operating in more than 70 countries. Our headquarters are in The Hague, the Netherlands, and our Chief Executive Officer is Ben van Beurden. The parent company of the Shell group is Royal Dutch Shell plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales.
Our strategy seeks to reinforce our position as a leader in the oil and gas industry, while helping to meet global energy demand in a responsible way. Safety and environmental and social responsibility are at the heart of our activities.
Read about our history from 1833 to the present
Our purpose
We believe that oil and gas will remain a vital part of the global energy mix for many decades to come. Our role is to ensure that we extract and deliver these energy resources profitably and in environmentally and socially responsible ways.
We aim to work closely with our customers, our partners and policymakers to advance a more efficient and sustainable use of energy and natural resources.
Our people
Our people work together on some of the most innovative and exciting energy projects in the world. A diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment are vital to our success, leading to greater innovation and better solutions.
Find out about diversity and inclusion at Shell
Professional training, development programmes and ongoing support mean that our people are given every opportunity to reach their potential. And our leadership programmes enable talented individuals to become the energy industry leaders of tomorrow.
Shell at a glance in 2015
70+ countries we operate in
93,000 employees on average
22.6 million tonnes of equity LNG sold during the year
23 refineries we have interests in
3.0 million barrels of oil equivalent we produce every day
Download our projects brochure "Create"
Financial performance in 2015
Revenue: $265.0 billion
Income: $2.2 billion
Capital investment: $28.9 billion
Investment in research and development: $1.1 billion
Fast facts for sustainable development in 2015
$122 million spent on voluntary social investment worldwide. Of this:
- around $93 million spent on local programmes for community development, disaster relief, education, health and biodiversity; and
- around $29 million spent on our three global strategic themes of enterprise development, road safety and energy access.
In lower-income countries, 75% of spending by Shell companies went to purchase goods and services from local companies.
