The International Atomic Energy Agency was set up by the United Nations in 1957 as the so-called "Atoms for Peace" program, to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Since 1970, its tasks have included verifying compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. With headquarters in Vienna, Austria, the agency employs a staff of more than 2,200 people from 90 countries.
The IAEA's main decisions are made by two policy-making bodies - the General Conference of all 138 member states; and an elected board of governors, whose 35 members serve a one-year term.
The agency not only deals with current issues such as Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs, but it also helps countries with their nuclear safety arrangements and offers assistance to countries wishing to upgrade civilian nuclear safety.
