The World Bank - Working for a World Free of Poverty

The World Bank provides a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. The World Bank is comprised of two unique development institutions owned by 184 member countries—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The IBRD focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while IDA focuses on the poorest countries in the world. The World Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and many other worthy financing purposes.