The Group of Seven (G7) is an organisation comprising the world's seven largest advanced economies: the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Italy and Japan. To qualify for membership, a country must have an economy that is both large and advanced.
Monaco, for example, is extremely wealthy on a per-capita basis but has a population of only about 20,000 people, so it is not included. China has the world's second-largest economy, but its gross domestic product per capita remains well below the G7 average, and it is therefore not a member.
The G7 countries are represented by their heads of government or state, and in the case of the United States, by the president, at the annual summit.
The European Union (EU) also sends representatives to the G7 because France, Germany and Italy are member states of the bloc. The G7 discusses issues such as the economy, international affairs and security. It issues statements and seeks to coordinate action, but it cannot legislate or compel member states to act.
The G7 occasionally invites leaders from other countries to attend its meetings. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a guest of honour at a recent summit. Leaders from the Republic of Korea, Brazil and Kenya have also attended as guests.
This year's agenda included financial support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the global economy, China's control of rare earth minerals, artificial intelligence, protecting children online, immigration, narcotics and public health.
Russia was previously a member of the G8, the Group of Eight. However, it was suspended from the group in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea and its actions in Ukraine.
The G7 holds an annual summit, with the host country rotating among its members. Summits are often held in relatively isolated locations because they are easier to secure and attract fewer protesters due to limited transport links and expensive accommodation. Germany will host the summit next year.
The G7 should not be confused with the G20. The Group of Twenty includes a wider range of major developed and developing economies, including countries such as Russia, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and Türkiye.
Spain participates as a permanent guest. Unlike the G7, the G20 is not limited to advanced economies. Some Western countries have argued that Russia should be excluded from the G20, but there is no mechanism for doing so without broader agreement among members.