The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an intergovernmental organization of 38 member countries that have high income economies. It was founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. The member countries describe themselves as committed to democracy and the market economy. It is a forum and knowledge hub that informs and shapes public policy and policy debates by providing evidence-based analysis and standards, publishing over 500 major reports and around 600 books annually. It brings various stakeholders, such as representatives from governments, business, labor, non-governmental organizations, and academia together, setting international criteria for consumer protection, environmental issues, taxation, economics, health, and social policy.