As a domain expert in international finance and economics, I have a deep understanding of the role and structure of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF is a pivotal institution in the global financial system, with a membership that reflects the diversity of the world's economic landscape. Its primary objectives are to ensure the stability of the international monetary system, and by doing so, it aims to facilitate the balanced growth of international trade and contribute to high levels of employment and sustainable economic development.

The membership of the IMF is a critical aspect of its operations. It is important to note that the number of members can change over time due to various factors such as the admission of new countries or changes in the geopolitical climate. However, as of my last update, the IMF has a membership of 189 countries. This number is significant as it represents nearly the entire global community, which underscores the Fund's broad reach and influence.

The List of Members for the IMF is a comprehensive compilation that includes both developed and developing nations. Each member country plays a role in the decision-making process of the Fund, although the influence of each country is weighted according to its economic size and contributions to the IMF's resources.

The IMF's membership is structured around a quota system, where each member's quota determines its financial commitment to the Fund, its voting power, and its access to potential financial resources. The quotas are periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect changes in the world economy.

The facilitation of international trade is one of the key functions of the IMF. It does this by providing a framework for the orderly exchange of currencies and by offering policy advice and technical assistance to its member countries. This helps to reduce trade imbalances and promote a stable environment for economic transactions across borders.

The **promotion of high employment and sustainable economic growth** is another central goal of the IMF. It works closely with its member countries to design and implement macroeconomic policies that can lead to these outcomes. This involves a focus on fiscal, monetary, and structural policies that can stimulate growth while maintaining price stability.

The reduction of poverty is a critical objective for the IMF. It seeks to achieve this by supporting policies that can lead to inclusive growth and by providing financial and technical assistance to the poorest countries. The Fund also plays a role in crisis prevention and management, helping countries to navigate through economic downturns and to recover more quickly from them.

In conclusion, the IMF's membership is a diverse and dynamic group of countries that are committed to working together to achieve the Fund's goals. The number of members, which is currently 189, reflects the global nature of the challenges that the Fund is designed to address. The IMF's work is essential for maintaining the stability of the international monetary system and for promoting economic growth and development worldwide.

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List of Members. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 189 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.Mar 7, 2017read more >>