International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 187 nations that was created after World War II for the purpose of attempting to stabilize the world economy. Its focus in this regard was on providing a monetary system that could effectively manage exchange rates between nations. At the time of its formation, exchange rates were a particular problem in the world's economy and the IMF was instrumental in establishing an effective system that allowed money to be exchanged between nations. This purpose was largely obviated in the 1970s as the system designed by the IMF following the Second World War was abandoned but at such time the IMF became involved in other financial areas. Today, the IMF is involved in three main areas of concern: surveillance, money lending, and technical assistance.

As part of its surveillance responsibilities, the IMF facilitates the cooperation of its member nations so that the financial...
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