The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs promotes U.S. interests in the region by developing and promoting partnerships with countries, people, the private sector, civil society, and others actors throughout the Americas to expand economic prosperity, increase citizen security, and strengthen democratic institutions. Supporting these efforts are the Bureau’s 2,700 employees (U.S. citizens and foreign nationals) working in Washington and at our 29 Embassies and 23 Consulates General in 30 countries throughout the hemisphere.