This document provides an overview of BRICS, the international organization of leading emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It discusses the origins and history of BRICS, including the locations and leaders of BRICS summits from 2009 to 2017. It also summarizes the focuses and strengths of BRICS, including the populations and economies of BRICS member countries. The document outlines the establishment of the New Development Bank by BRICS nations in 2015. It concludes with highlights from the 2017 BRICS summit in Xiamen, China, including condemnation of terrorism and North Korean nuclear tests.