G-7 and Russia, group created in Denver in 1997.

The G-7 countries plus Russia.

The group of eight most powerful countries, which hold an annual summit of the country leaders. The eight are: UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia.

Originally composed of a group of five finance ministers from Britain, France, Germany, Japan and the United States, in 1975 it added heads of state and government, and Italy became a Member. Canada's entry in 1996 made it the G7, and with Russia's involvement it became the G8. This should not be confused with the G-77, born at the height of the Cold War. It represented 77 developing countries non-aligned with either the US or former Soviet Union. It now numbers more than 130 countries.

Group of Eight countries: G-7 countries and Russia.

Group of 8. An informal group of 8 countries -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each year, G-8 leaders and representatives from the European Union meet to discuss broad economic and foreign policies.