An informal group composed of United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, and Russia (listed by
nominal GDP). The European Union participates also but does not host or chair events. The G-8 members are the world's leading industrial democracies. Their leaders meet annually to discuss economic cooperation and other matters. The G-8 does not have a permanent secretariat, but rather gives an informal forum for leaders to meet and discuss ideas.