Group of 8 (G8)

Sometimes, it's fun to have a big party. Invite everyone you know, crank up the stereo, and just get weird. Other times, you want a more intimate soiree. Just some close friends, wine and cheese, and intense conversations about Kierkegaard and Samuel Beckett.

The G20 represents the big party version of this scenario. It brings together leaders from 20 of the world's most important economic powers. It's the main conclave of influential leaders.

However, meeting with 19 other countries can be overwhelming. Sometimes, leaders of the real heavyweights want to turn down the lights and really dive into some intense conversations. For that, they gather the G8.

The G8 officially consists of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, Russia, and Canada (probably because the U.S. insisted that its little brother gets to tag along). However, since 2014, the group has met as the G7...because Russia doesn't play well with others.

See: Group of 20 (G20).