The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an organisation of 12 major oil producers and exporters. It was founded in 1960 to unify and co-ordinate its members' petroleum policies and safeguard their interests. It conducts research into energy studies, energy finance, economics and technology. It also holds regular meetings of members' oil ministers to set production quotas and discuss oil prices.
OPEC also provides financial assistance to developing countries through its OPEC Fund for International Development. This agency was formed in 1976 by OPEC member countries to assist developing states through financial co-operation and fiding of projects.
OPEC publications include:
OPEC Bulletin (monthly), OPEC Review (quarterly), Annual Report and Annual Statistical Review.