The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was formed in 1944 and has 188 member countries. It is headquartered in Washington D.C. and has over 2,600 staff from 147 countries. The IMF works to promote global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. It provides economic advice, loans to countries experiencing economic difficulties, and technical assistance and training to its members.