OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)

An intergovernmental organization whose stated objective is to "coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of member countries." It was created at the Baghdad Conference on September 10–14, 1960. Current members (with years of membership) include Algeria (1969–present), Angola (2007–present), Ecuador (1973–1992 and 2007–present), Iran (1960–present), Iraq (1960–present), Kuwait (1960–present), Libya (1962–present), Nigeria (1971–present), Qatar (1961–present), Saudi Arabia (1960–present), United Arab Emirates (1967–present), and Venezuela (1960–present). Countries no longer members of OPEC include Gabon (1975–1994) and Indonesia (1962–2008).