The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. The World Bank is not a bank in the common sense. The World Bank is made up of two unique development institutions owned by 185 member countries: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

The World Bank Main Complex is located on the corner of 18th Street and H Street NW in Washington, D.C. The nearest metro stations are Farragut West (orange and blue lines, about 2 blocks from the main WB building) and Farragut North (red line, about 3-4 blocks from the main building).