What does the abbreviation G7 stand for? What are the heads of state and government actually doing on their summits in picturesque surroundings? Seven answers:

The summit of the G7 begins on Sunday at Schloss Elmau in the Upper Bavarian district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From June 26th to 28th, the heads of state and government of seven leading Western industrialized countries and some host countries will meet there for consultation.

Seven things to know about the G7 format: