Name commonly used for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Like the International Monetary Fund, it was established in 1944 at Bretton Woods (USA) and has its headquarters in Washington. Both institutions now have more than 180 member countries. Switzerland has been a member since May 1992. The World Bank's primary mission is to fight poverty. In particular, it grants long-term investment loans to developing countries and finances long-term projects aimed at improving the economic and ecological standard of living of the population. Website: www.worldbank.org.