The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs. The World Bank Group comprises five institutions managed by their member countries.

• The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD);
• The International Development Association (IDA);
• The International Finance Corporation (IFC);
• The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and
• The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty. However, according to its Articles of Agreement, all its decisions must be guided by a commitment to the promotion of foreign investment and international trade and the facilitation of capital investment. It provides low-interest loans, zero to low-interest credits, and grants to developing countries. These support a wide array of investments in such areas as education, health, public administration, infrastructure, financial and private sector development, agriculture, and environmental and natural resource management. Established in 1944, the World Bank Group is headquartered in Washington, D.C. We have more than 10,000 employees in more than 120 offices worldwide.