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UN & Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)

A guide to major print and electronic IGO information prepared by Sherry Smugler, Nich Worby and Sam-chin Li, University of Toronto Libraries.

Background information

The World Bank was established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference to help reduce global poverty.
Headquartered in Washington D.C.
Key activities:
- Issuing low interest loans & promoting foreign investment to low & middle income countries
- Providing support for developing countries through research & policy advice

Structure

The World Bank is comprised of two institutions:

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development (IBRD)
- Provides low-interest loans to middle income developing countries
International Development Association (IDA)
- Provides long-term, interest free loans to least developed countries

Useful links

World Bank homepage
- About us: overview of the World Bank Group
- Publications: browse for publications by topic, country or region
- Topics: organized by development topic - explore extensive resources including publications, data, news, & information on World Bank projects

Open Knowledge Repository This link opens in a new window
- Open access repository for official World Bank publications & working papers
- Content from prior to 2009 will be added gradually
- See listing of collections

World Bank Documents & Reports
- Contains all publically available World Bank board documents & project documents
- Can be browsed by country or topic
World Bank Data
- Over 8000 downloadable data series including the World Development Indicators
Policy Research Working Papers
- Other working papers available in Open Knowledge Repository

Key World Bank publications

World Development Report
Issues also available online
World Development Indicators
Newer issues available online.
World Bank Annual Reports
Also available online

Learn more

A Guide to the World Bank
Also available online