Total is one of the world’s largest petroleum companies. It participates in all aspects of the production of petroleum, including exploration, refining, delivery, and the operation of service stations. The company also produces natural gas, natural gas products, and chemical products. Total has operations in more than 130 countries. Its headquarters are in Courbevoie, France.
The company was founded in 1924 as Compagnie Francaise des Petroles. Its name was changed in 1985 to Total-Compagnie Francaise des Petroles, and in 1991 to simply Total. Total merged with the Belgian oil company PetroFina in 1999 to form Totalfina. That company merged with the French oil company Elf Aquitaine in 2000 to form TotalFinaElf. That company was renamed Total in 2003.
