IMF Family Association

The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries throughout the world. The World Bank isn t a bank in the common sense. It is made up of two unique development institutions owned by more than 180 member countries. The two institutions it is made up of include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association. Each institution plays a different but supportive role in its mission of global poverty reduction and the improvement of living standards. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while International Development Association focuses on the poorest countries in the world. Together it provides low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and many other purposes. The World Bank is located in Washington, D.C.