Political Science

The IMF Annual Report is a report of the IMF's Executive Board to the IMF's Board of Governors provided ahead of the Joint Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the IMF and the World Bank. The report reviews the IMF's activities and policies during the preceding financial year, ended April 30, and includes an audited statement of the IMF's accounts, as required by the IMF's Articles of Agreement.

Article IV consultations usually take place once a year. IMF economists visit the member country to gather information and hold discussions with government and central bank officials, and often private investors and labor representatives, members of parliament, and civil society organizations. Upon its return, the mission submits a report to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion. The Board’s views are subsequently summarized and transmitted to the country’s authorities. Currently, nine out of ten member countries agree to publication of a Press Release, which summarizes the staff’s and the Board’s views, and four out of five countries agree to publication of the staff report itself.

Prepared by the respective countries for the purpose of setting forth policy intentions in respect of use of Fund resources or staff-monitored programs.

Survey by the IMF staff usually published twice a year. It presents IMF staff economists' analyses of global economic developments during the near and medium term. Chapters give an overview as well as more detailed analysis of the world economy; consider issues affecting industrial countries, developing countries, and economies in transition to market; and address topics of pressing current interest. Annexes, boxes, charts, and an extensive statistical appendix augment the text.