Diplomatic bloc
BRICS+
BRICS
Emerging-economy bloc; expanded in 2024 with new members from Africa and the Gulf.
Members
9
Founded
2009
Headquarters
No fixed seat
What is the BRICS+?
BRICS is a bloc of major emerging economies that began with Brazil, Russia, India, and China and added South Africa in 2010. A 2024 expansion — often written 'BRICS+' — brought in new members across Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf, positioning the group as a counterweight to the Western-led G7.
Key facts
- Full name
- BRICS
- Founded
- 2009 · South Africa joined in 2010; major expansion in 2024
- Headquarters
- No permanent secretariat
- Member states
- 9
- Core members
- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
- Development bank
- New Development Bank (Shanghai)
BRICS+ member states
9 countries
Why the BRICS+ matters
BRICS members coordinate on trade, development finance, and reform of institutions like the IMF and World Bank. They run the Shanghai-based New Development Bank and increasingly discuss trade in local currencies. The bloc is a frequent reference point in debates about a more multipolar world order.
Related blocs & alliances
G20
19Premier forum for international economic cooperation, ~85% of global GDP.
OPEC
12Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries — coordinates oil production policy.
NAM
122Largest grouping outside the great-power blocs — around 120 members focused on autonomy.
P5
5The five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power.
Frequently asked questions about the BRICS+
Quick answers to the most common questions about the BRICS+.
What does BRICS stand for?
It is an acronym of its original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. South Africa joined in 2010, turning BRIC into BRICS.
Which countries joined BRICS in the 2024 expansion?
The 2024 enlargement added members from Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates — the version often labelled 'BRICS+'.
What is the goal of BRICS?
Members seek a larger voice for emerging economies in global governance, alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions, and deeper trade and investment ties — including through the New Development Bank.
Is BRICS a rival to the G7?
It is often framed that way. BRICS positions itself as a voice for the Global South and a counterweight to the G7, though its members differ widely in politics and economic interests.
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