What is the G-8?

The G-8 is not officially recognized as an international organization because its summits are largely informal in nature. During its annual meetings, the group of leading industrial nations focuses primarily on advising on issues affecting the global economy such as unemployment and trade or the social situation in developing countries.

Recently, however, the group has begun shifting its attention away from the purely economic to the political arena, as world events such as the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States or the Iraq war take center stage. The U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein had led to a rift among the members, who were divided over support for the war, but during last year's summit in Evian, the group concentrated on mending ties. At the same time, talks focused on drafting a coordinated plan of action for the war on terror and the creation of an anti-terror group.

An exclusive club

Once a year, the heads of state and government of the eight member nations meet for the world economic summit. The president of the European Commission (the executive arm of the EU) is invited to attend, as are representatives from various other states. The high-profile gatherings are often targeted by globalization critics, whose protests have turned increasingly violent in the past several years.

The group was established in 1975 as the G-6 by then-French President Valérey Giscard d'Estaing and former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. It included France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain and the United States. In 1976 the group expanded to include Canada. It remained the G-7 until 1998, when Russia was accepted as a full member. Spain is currently striving for membership.