Its history is full of discoveries, starting in 1908 with oil found in a rugged part of Persia after a long and difficult search. Since then, discoveries large and small (and sometimes just in the nick of time) have fuelled our progress. It operate in 100 countries with well-established businesses in Europe, North and South America, Australasia and Africa.

Its main activities are the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas; refining, marketing, supply and transportation; and the manufacture and marketing of petrochemicals. BP plc has a growing presence in gas and power and in solar power generation. BP is divided into four main business segments: Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; Petrochemicals; and Gas, Power and Renewables. Their business segments operate across four regions. Their activities are supported by a number of key corporate functions.