G20 countries Total GDP

The G20 (see Figure 1) is an inclusive group designed to represent both advanced and emerging economies from all regions of the world through its membership, irrespective of their political regime. Most of the members feature among the largest 20 economies in the world – but not all (e.g. the only African member, South Africa – is not). The G20 members account for more than 85 % of world gross domestic product (GDP), over 75 % of global trade and 60 % of the world’s population (see Figure 2). In comparison, the G7 countries, an alliance of the largest liberal democratic economies, account for slightly over half of nominal world GDP. This percentage has declined steadily in recent decades. Major disparities exist between G20 members in terms of GDP, population and wealth (see Figure 3). For example, the four largest members in economic terms – China, the US, the EU, and Japan – alone represent two thirds of global GDP. In demographic terms, India and China alone make up more than half of the group’s population.