Each year, the United States provides billions in foreign aid to support global stability, national security, and its own economic interests. To get a closer look at where this money goes, Visual Capitalist’s Marcus Lu created a visualization of the top 10 countries that received U.S. foreign aid in fiscal year 2022 (FY2022). The data for this visualization comes from https://www.foreignassistance.gov and is accurate as of May 2024. It’s important to note that full reporting for FY2023 is not yet available, as the U.S. fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.
Ukraine emerged as the largest recipient of foreign aid, with a total of $11.2 billion disbursed in FY2022. This significant increase from the $419 million sent in FY2021 can be attributed to the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. As of incomplete reporting for FY2023, foreign aid to Ukraine has already reached $16.7 billion.
Following Ukraine, Israel stands as the second largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, with $3.3 billion disbursed in FY2022. Notably, this amount has remained consistent over the years, with around $3.3 billion sent annually since FY2019. The majority of aid to Israel, over 99%, is allocated to “Conflict, Peace, and Security” efforts, with disbursements managed by the U.S. Department of Defense.
For those who are interested in visual representations like this one, be sure to explore “Charted: How Americans Feel About Federal Government Agencies.”
Foreign aid plays a crucial role in shaping international relations and promoting global stability. While the top recipients of U.S. foreign aid may change over time based on evolving geopolitical circumstances, the commitment to supporting key allies and fostering peace and security remains a core aspect of U.S. foreign policy. By understanding where U.S. foreign aid goes and how it is utilized, we gain valuable insights into the priorities and strategies of American diplomacy on the world stage.
