G8

The G8 began with a 1975 Summit in France of 6 countries — France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, US
Canada joined in 1976.
The European Community began participation at the London Summit of 1977.
Russia began attending the political sessions in 1984 and became a full member in 1988.
The Presidency of the G8 and responsibility for hosting the Summit rotates each year.
It will be Russia’s turn in 2006. That will be the first time a G8 meeting has been held in Russia.

G8 meeting locations