World Bank

World Bank is an international financial institution which provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes such as investment in education, infrastructure, financial and private sector administration, agriculture, natural resource management etc. The World Bank, established in 1944, headquarter in Washington DC. The bank has more than 10,000 employees in 100 offices worldwide. 

Robert B. Zeollick is the current President of World Bank. As per 2010 revised percentage United States has highest voting power of (15.85%) Japan (6.84%), China (4.42%), Germany (4.00%), United Kingdon (3.75%), France (3.75%), and India (2.91%)

The World Bank differs from World Bank Group. The World Bank comprises of two institutions:

• International Bank for Reconstruction & Development (IBRD): Established in 1944, aims to reduce poverty in middle income and creditworthy poorer countries by promoting sustainable development through loans, guarantees, risk management products and analytical and advisory services. This institution is owned and operated for its 187 member countries. 
• International Development Association (IDA): Established in 1960, aims to reduce poverty by providing interest free credits and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve people's living conditions. Since inception, IDA credits and grants have totaled US$238 billion and approx. 50% share directed to Africa. Currently institution consists of 170 member countries.

The World Bank Group includes IBRD, IDA and three more institutions.

• International Financial Corporation (IFC)
• Multilateral Investment guarantee Agency (MIGA)
• International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)

Last year World Bank released, World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and development book which shows that greater gender equality can enhance productivity, improve development outcomes for the next generation and make institutions more representative.

In 2010, bank launched new Open Data Website, which provides free access to a comprehensive set of data about the development in countries around the globe. The data is categorized by country, topic and indicator which can be use for analysis.