group of eight (G-8)

Forum of governmental leaders of eight large and industrialized nations. These eight nations are: US, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada, and Russia. G-8 was known as G-6 until Canada joined in 1976, and after that was known as G-7. However, when Russia was invited to join in 1997, the group became known as G8. The group meets once per year at a special summit meeting in one of the eight countries. Responsibility for hosting summit meetings is determined through a rotation of member countries. This rotation occurs in the following order: France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada. In 2009, the host country will be Italy and in 2010, the host country will be Canada. In 2011, France will become the host country as the rotation starts over again.