G-20

The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It brings together 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union — together accounting for around 85% of global GDP, about 75% of world trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

Finance ministers created the G20 in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis. Leaders began meeting as a summit in November 2008 in Washington, during the global financial crisis. The African Union became a permanent member in 2023.

The G20 has no permanent secretariat. A rotating presidency — held by the United States in 2026 — sets the agenda, supported by a troika of the past, present and incoming presidencies. Sherpas (leaders’ representatives) run the political track; finance ministers and central bank governors run the finance track.

The G20 coordinates financial regulation, debt relief (the Common Framework for low-income countries), climate finance, food security, development and digital governance. Its communiqués set the direction for the IMF, World Bank and other bodies — though implementation depends on members acting at home.

• G20, g20.org — members, presidency, summits.
• G20 Washington Summit, November 2008 — first leaders’ summit.

G-20 has 19 member countries, ranked by national power. The strongest members are United States, China, and Russia. The Bureau lists every member with its power score, from the most powerful to the least. Membership reflects the Factbook's country coverage as of October 2026.