McDonald's, founded in 1940 and bought by Ray Kroc in 1961, has grown to operate 34,480 restaurants across 119 countries, serving 68 million customers daily. It ranks as the 92nd biggest global economy with a GDP of $24.07 billion, yet faces challenges including competition and a perception of unhealthy food. The company's mission is to provide a modern dining experience with a focus on quality, service, cleanliness, and value, while also having opportunities in home delivery and expanding menu options.