Houston-based, Marathon Oil, came in to existence as a new standalone energy company in 2002, when USX Corporation divided itself in to two independent businesses. The company is engaged in the worldwide exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. Exploration activities are conducted principally in the United States, Norway, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Canada, while development activities are carried out in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Russia.