An affiliated
agency of the World Bank whose mission is to reduce poverty in middle-income
and credit-worthy poorer countries by promoting sustainable development. The
IBRD does this by making loans, issuing guarantees, and offering analytical and
advisory services. IBRD doesn’t intend to maximize profit; however, it has
earned net income every year since 1948. It was started in 1945. In fiscal
2002, it lent $11.5 billion for 96 new operations in 40 countries.
The IBRD is owned by its 184 member countries,
with those contributing the most money having the greatest influence. The
United States is the greatest contributor.