EN
The article is divided in to two parts. Its first part presents monographic information concerning principles and terms of participation of the socialist countries in the IMF, as we l l as experience gained in co-operation with this institution. The second part of the article analyzes economic determinants of the socialist countries' participation in the IMF. The problem of participation is analyzed in two dimensions, i.e. political and economic. The authoress compares here benefits resulting from membership in the IMF with obligations and duties imposed on its members. The analysis performed in the article is supported by statistical data about the credit activity of the IMF in relation to the socialist countries.