USAID is an independent agency of the US government that administers foreign aid and development assistance. With a budget of over $27 billion, it is one of the largest aid agencies in the world. USAID operates in over 100 countries, primarily in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Its programs are authorized by Congress and guided by the President and Secretary of State. The agency focuses on long-term socioeconomic development and aims to end global poverty and promote democratic societies.