Definition: The IMF is the International Monetary Fund, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It's a global organization made up of 185 member countries, founded in 1944 with the purpose to oversee global financial health and provide assistance when needed to its members. Today, the IMf states its goals as "to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment." Criticism of the IMF is a cornerstone of the anti-globalization movement.

Also Known As: International Monetary Fund