The United States is notorious for having its fingers in many pies. One of the ways Uncle Sam tries to coerce other states to get in line with his preferred policies is by doling out foreign aid -- lots of it.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) states that its function is to provide "economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States." While the effectiveness of foreign aid remains up for debate, the United States recently has continued to pump around $50 billion in aid to other countries each year.
In terms of the absolute value of aid given, the United States is the world's top donor by far. So where is all that money going?


1. Israel ($3,075 million)
Israel's special relationship with the United States pays off when it comes to foreign aid. The Jewish state has long been a top recipient of foreign aid, receiving nearly $3.1 billion in 2012. 
2. Afghanistan ($2,327 million)
After over a decade at war and ahead of the United States' planned withdrawal in 2014, Afghanistan remains a top recipient of U.S. foreign affairs spending. 
3. Pakistan ($2,102 million)
Surprised the Pakistan comes in ahead of Iraq? U.S.-Pakistan relations may be rocky, but the country is considered one of three "frontline states" on the war on terror. Security assistance and aid "designed to limit the appeal of extremist organizations" have contributed to an increase in funding. 
4. Iraq ($1,683 million)
With many reconstruction efforts completed, assistance to Iraq has declined recently. The AP reports billions of U.S. dollars have been wasted since 2003, with much of the money going into corrupt contracts. 

See where U.S. dollars flow below. If you want more, the government's website has a handy, interactive map.
Data from July 2012 Congressional Research Service report.
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