Total aid: $13.3bn (donations)

Aid trend: Up 16% in 2002

The US gives only 0.13% of GNP in foreign aid, and aid allocations are often stalled in Congress. Egypt, Russia, and Israel are the major recipients. The US is keen to further its strategic aims with some high-profile pledges, including a $15 billion AIDS campaign and $5 billion to tackle poverty.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004