which r the G-8 nations

Canada France Germany Italy Japan Russia UK USA G-8 is kinda a misnomer since there is now a 9th representative representing the EU. Supposedly these nations are responsible for 65% of the world's economy. They hold year long conferences and do policy research and then have a meeting at the end of that year to discuss the results. (For instance this year, Greenhouse Gas emissions were the big topic, and had been studied during the year leading up to the meeting.) It's interesting to note that this forum was basically created as a response to the oil crisis of the 70s, so energy is always a hot button item, though other topics such as terrorism are discussed as well.