Which professional association is recognized as the oldest and largest in the world?

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is recognized as the oldest and largest professional association for funeral service professionals worldwide. Founded in 1882, the NFDA has a long history of advocating for the needs of funeral directors and serving as a resource for education, legislative issues, and industry standards. Its extensive membership base includes thousands of funeral service professionals, making it a significant voice in the profession.

The importance of the NFDA lies in its commitment to promoting the highest standards in funeral service and providing support to its members through a variety of resources such as conferences, training programs, and publications. This established reputation and extensive reach contribute to its distinction as a leading authority in the funeral service industry.

Other associations, while important in their own right, either serve narrower segments of the industry or were established later than the NFDA. For instance, the other organizations focus on specific cultural or regional aspects of funeral service, which do not match the NFDA's broad reach and influence. Therefore, it is the NFDA that stands out as the oldest and largest professional association in this field.