Starbucks was founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington to sell high quality imported coffee beans. It aimed to bring the Italian coffee house tradition to the United States. Starbucks has since expanded globally with over 16,700 stores in 43 countries. Starbucks provides comprehensive health care benefits to employees and funds literacy programs through its foundation. It also partners with conservation efforts and ensures ethical sourcing of coffee beans to be environmentally and socially responsible. Starbucks faces increased competition from fast food chains entering the coffee market but aims to continue offering high quality coffee and expanding its product range for long term success.