Bilderberg Group

The Bilderberg Group is a private group of over 100 influential financiers and politicians and world leaders. The group meets on an annual basis, with an invitation only status.

The last documented meeting of the Bilderberg Group was in Istanbul, Turkey on May 31-June 1, 2007. The next meeting is reported to be scheduled for June 5, 2008, in Washington, DC.

Fast Facts

1. Founded in 1954
2. Name comes from hotel of first location in The Netherlands
3. Annual meetings held since
4. Various locations always 5 star hotels
5. Completely private - no press allowed
6. Founders include Joseph Retinger and Henry Kissinger

Background

The Bilderberg Group was founded as a means to bring together the ideals of the United States and Europe. Initially a guest list was drawn up from among both groups. Today the group meetings are attended by some of the world's leaders, including kings and queens, presidents and vice presidents.

Conspiracy Theory

Because they meet in private and under the highest security, the group often comes under fire from conspiracy theorists. The group rarely issues any press information, and commonly provides mis-information regarding the whereabouts of future meetings.

Given these factors, many people feel that they are meeting in secret to decide the fate of the world. Because the meeting consists of the highest levels of financiers and leadership from around the world, they have been called the "shadow government".