Which countries make up the G8?

The G8 is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

How often are summits held?

The first Summit was held in Rambouillet in France in 1975. Summits have been held every year since, hosted by the country that holds the rotating year-long G8 Presidency.

When was the last time the UK held a G8 summit before G8 Gleneagles 2005?

The UK last held the Presidency in 1998.  The Summit was held in Birmingham.

What legitimacy does the G8 have?

G8 countries are represented at the Summit at the level of Heads of State or Government: these individuals have been democratically elected to lead the governments of their countries.  The G8 does not claim to speak for the world or for anyone other than the governments of those 8 countries.

How does the G8 relate to other international organisations like the United Nations and the European Union?

The G8 is complementary to these other organisations. The G8 often works with them in particular areas, such as in setting up the Global Fund with the UN.  The G8 members include four members of the EU (UK, France, Germany and Italy).  Four of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council are in the G8 (France, Russia, UK and USA).

What are the other ‘G’ Groups & how do they fit in with the G8?

Russia joined the G7 in 1998, making it the G8. The G7 still exists as a grouping for Finance Ministers.  There are many other formations of countries that use the G prefix, such as the G20 group of Finance Ministers and the G77 trade negotiations grouping, these are not connected to the G8.

Where will the 2006 G8 Summit be held?

Russia will assume the G8 Presidency on 1 January 2006 and will host the 2006 G8 Summit in St Petersburg. For further information on the 2006 Summit, please read the G8 Summit 2006 Saint Petersburg website.