BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising major emerging economies aimed at fostering economic cooperation, trade, and political coordination across the Global South.
Originally an acronym coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill to highlight fast-growing investment destinations, it formalized into a diplomatic bloc in 2009.
Member Countries
Founding Members (BRIC, 2009): Brazil, Russia, India, China
First Expansion (BRICS, 2010): South Africa joined
Major Expansion (BRICS+, effective 2024): Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially joined as full members. (Saudi Arabia participates in bloc activities, while Argentina withdrew following a change in government.)
Together, the expanded bloc represents roughly 45% of the global population and over one-third of global GDP (measured by purchasing power parity).
Originally an acronym coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill to highlight fast-growing investment destinations, it formalized into a diplomatic bloc in 2009.
Member Countries
Founding Members (BRIC, 2009): Brazil, Russia, India, China
First Expansion (BRICS, 2010): South Africa joined
Major Expansion (BRICS+, effective 2024): Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially joined as full members. (Saudi Arabia participates in bloc activities, while Argentina withdrew following a change in government.)
Together, the expanded bloc represents roughly 45% of the global population and over one-third of global GDP (measured by purchasing power parity).
