The Group of 20 (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union that addresses major issues related to the global economy such as financial stability, climate change, and sustainable development. The G20 accounts for around 80% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, two-thirds of the world's population, and 60% of the world's land area. It was founded in 1999 in response to economic crises and has convened annual summits since 2008 involving heads of state to discuss key issues.