The **International Monetary Fund (IMF)** is ==a global intergovernmental organization of **191 member countries**==. Established in **1944** at the Bretton Woods Conference, it serves as a central pillar of the international monetary system.  **Core Missions** The IMF focuses on maintaining global economic stability through three primary activities:  - **Surveillance:** Monitoring the economic and financial policies of its 191 member countries and providing regular health checks on the global economy. - **Financial Assistance:** Acting as a **"lender of last resort,"** providing temporary loans to countries experiencing balance-of-payments difficulties to help them restore stability. - **Capacity Development:** Offering technical assistance and training to help governments modernize their economic institutions and implement sound policies.  **Key Statistics (as of 2025/2026)** - **Lending Capacity:** Approximately **$1 trillion**. - **Outstanding Debt:** As of late 2025, the total amount owed to the IMF was roughly **$162 billion (SDR 118.9 billion)**. - **Top Borrowers:** The largest debtors are **Argentina** (~$57 billion), followed by **Ukraine**and **Egypt**. - **Leadership:** **Kristalina Georgieva** has served as the Managing Director since 2019.  **Governance and Funding** - **Quotas:** Each member country is assigned a "quota" based on its relative position in the world economy. These quotas determine a country's financial commitment, voting power, and access to IMF financing. - **Voting Power:** The **United States** is the largest shareholder and holds the most significant voting power. - **Headquarters:** Located in **Washington, D.C.**.  **Ongoing Initiatives in 2026** - **AI Preparedness:** The IMF is actively tracking global readiness for artificial intelligence through its **AI Preparedness Index (AIPI)** and warning of potential job market disruptions. - **Climate & Resilience:** Through the **Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST)**, the IMF provides long-term financing to help vulnerable countries address climate change and pandemic preparedness. - **Economic Outlook:** The next major **World Economic Outlook Update** is scheduled for release on **January 19, 2026**. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`