One of the busiest chokepoints in the world, the Bosporous and Dardanelles saw a total of 50,000 ships carrying an average of 3 million barrels a day, pass through it in 2011.

Source: US Funds

Though just 1,000-feet-wide at its maximum point, 18,000 ships passed through the Suez in 2011. Combined with the SUMED oil pipeline, the Suez area transports 2.4 million barrels per day.

Source: US Funds

The most vital checkpoint in the world: 17 million barrels per day passed through in 2011.

Source: US Funds

The origin for tankers' hazardous journey around the horn of Africa, the strait saw 3.4 million barrels per day in 2011.

Source: US Funds

Asia's key checkpoint: 15 million barrels per day passed through in 2011.

Source: US Funds

Though only 755,000 barrels per day passed through in 2011, the Panama Canal Authority is in the midst of a massive overhaul that, by 2014, will triple the strait's capacity.

Source: US Funds

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