Petroleum plays a very important role in foreign policies and their international relations of Caspian and Middle East countries. The Middle East itself produces 32% of the world's oil, but even more impressive is they have 64% of the total proven oil reserves in the world. Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe and several volatile, strategically, and economically important regions, including the Caspian Sea basin region, the Middle East, and Russia. Its location on two continents plays a central part in Turkish history and gives the country a major advantage in serving the markets of Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. Turkey's geopolitical locale made possible an important role in regional politics, while domestic energy needs required it to do so.