G-7

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum of seven advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also takes part.

The group began in November 1975, when six leaders met at Rambouillet, France, to manage the oil shock and the end of fixed exchange rates. Canada joined in 1976. Russia joined in 1998, making it the G8, but was suspended in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea — and the forum returned to seven.

The G7 has no treaty and no permanent secretariat. A rotating presidency — France holds it in 2026 — sets the agenda and hosts the annual leaders’ summit. Foreign and finance ministers meet through the year, and sherpas (personal representatives of the leaders) prepare the summit.

The G7 coordinates economic policy, sanctions, and positions on security, climate, development finance and technology. Its joint statements carry weight because its members control a large share of global wealth — and because, unlike the UN or G20, it can move fast when its members agree.

• G7 presidency site, g7.fr — members, presidency, summits.
• Rambouillet Summit, November 1975 — founding meeting.

G-7 has 7 member countries, ranked by national power. The strongest members are United States, France, and United Kingdom. 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.