18. The country with the largest natural gas reserves in the world is $\qquad$, and China is also one of the top 20 countries in terms of natural gas reserves.
A. Russia
B. Finland
C. United Kingdom
D. Norway
【Answer】A
【Analysis】Russia is the country with the richest natural gas resources, the highest production, and the largest consumption in the world. It is also the country with the longest natural gas pipelines and the largest export volume, earning it the title of the "Kingdom of Natural Gas." The proven natural gas reserves are 48 trillion cubic meters, accounting for more than $1 / 3$ of the world's proven reserves, ranking first in the world. Russia has five major natural gas fields, namely Urengoy, Shtokman, Yamburg, Zapolyarnoye, and Bovanenko gas fields. A considerable portion of Russia's natural gas reserves are located in the Siberian region, where the natural gas reserves in Siberia account for about $50 \%$ of Russia's total reserves.