The World Bank was established in 1945 to help finance the reconstruction of countries devastated by World War 2. It is an international financial institution headquartered in Washington D.C. with 189 member countries. The World Bank provides funding and technical assistance to help developing countries pursue projects focused on agriculture, small businesses, rural development, urban development, and long-term economic development, with objectives including reconstruction, encouraging investment and trade, establishing stable economies, environmental protection, and maintaining balanced international payments.