The World Factbook

The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook, was a book that contained the Central Intelligence Agency's information about the world's countries.  A new book was published every year.  The Factbook provided a two- to three-page summary of the demographics, geography, communications, government, economy, and military of 272 countries, dependencies, and other areas in the world. Originally a print document, it went online in 1997. On 5 February 2026, the site closed down without prior notice.  The CIA noted the closing on its Internet page. 

The World Factbook was designed to be used by people that work for the United States government, but it was also used by students, on websites, and in other publications that are not made by governments.  Because the U.S. Government made it, it was in the public domain.

 References 

 Other websites 
 Official website 

Category:Reference works
Category:Central Intelligence Agency