The BRICS group of countries' is a heterogeneous mix with more differences and diversities among them than any apparent similarities or commonalities. They form some of the fastest growing economics in the world and represent the hope for a global economic revival. The BRICS group, if recent statistics are to be believed, accounts for more than a quarter of the world's GDP, and well over 40 percent of the global population. As of 2013, the five BRICS countries represent almost 3 billion people, 17 percent of the world trade, a combined nominal GDP of US$16 trillion, and an estimated US$4 trillion in combined foreign reserves.