[ID:0764]Over the past few decades non-governmental organizations have proliferated throughout the world. This article offers a glimpse of the types of NGOs operating in Europe and throughout the rest of the world. It includes profiles of some of the world's largest and most respected organizations in Europe, as well as a few smaller organizations doing important work in Africa and Asia.

NGOs can now be found in virtually every country of the world, picking up the slack for governments that are unable to deliver basic services to their people, or undertaking research that is designed to shape public policy.

European NGOs

There are thousands of NGOs operating throughout Europe, including some of the world's largest and most respected NGOs. Most are concentrated in England, France, Switzerland and Northern Europe, although there are numerous smaller NGOs operating throughout the continent, including in the transitional countries of Eastern Europe.

Many North Americans are drawn to European NGOs because of their innovation and thoroughly...