what is PMI?

For me when i wanna do project management there was no institution i know that do project management in Srilanka. As usual i Google project management the name that pop is PMI.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is offering a range of services to the Project Management profession such as the development of standards, research, education, publication, networking-opportunities in local chapters, hosting conferences and training seminars, and maintaining multiple credentials in project management.
The PMI is a world wide recognized institution. A professional organization. The PMI was founded in 1969 and serves and focus on Project management. The organization is now forced with 285000+ members. The PMI is offering credentials, they are
* Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
* Project Management Professional (PMP)
* PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
* PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
* Program Management Professional (PgMP)