The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Its mission is to overcome poverty by supporting an inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing growth with care for the environment, and creating individual opportunity and hope. Through its five institutions and in partnership with more than 100 developing countries, the Bank Group strives to improve health and education, fight corruption, boost agricultural support, build roads and ports, and protect the environment. Other projects are aimed at rebuilding war-torn countries or regions, providing basic services such as access to clean water, and encouraging investments that create jobs. In addition to this critical groundwork around the world, various parts of the World Bank Group are involved in activities ranging from conducting economic research and analysis to providing financial and advisory services to governments and private enterprises.

This new, updated third edition of A Guide to the World Bank provides readers with an accessible and comprehensive overview of the Bank Group’s history, organization, mission, and work. It highlights the numerous activities and organizational challenges faced by the institution, and explains how the Bank Group is reforming itself to meet the needs of a multipolar, post financial crisis world. The book then chronicles the Bank Group's work in such areas as climate change, infrastructure, financial and food crises, rural and urban development, remittances and migration, and debt relief. For those wishing to delve further into areas of particular interest, the book guides readers to sources containing more detailed information, including publications, Web sites, electronic products, and even mobile phone applications.