The World Factbook: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
imported>CitationCleanerBot
m cleaning up Category:CS1 errors: invisible characters, replaced: →
 
imported>Howardcorn33
→Reception: wikilink
 
(3 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Reference resource produced by the CIA}}
{{short description|Reference resource produced by the CIA}}
{{Distinguish|Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency}}
{{distinguish|Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency{{!}}''Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency''}}
{{primary sources|date=January 2022}}
{{use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox book
{{Infobox book
Line 7: Line 6:
| author            =  
| author            =  
| language          = [[American English]]
| language          = [[American English]]
| country          = [[United States]]
| country          = United States
| genre            = [[Almanac]] about the countries of the world
| genre            = [[Almanac]] about the countries of the world
| publisher        = [[Central Intelligence Agency]]
| publisher        = [[Central Intelligence Agency]]
Line 14: Line 13:
| translator        =  
| translator        =  
| image            = The World Factbook emblema.svg
| image            = The World Factbook emblema.svg
| caption          = Emblem of ''The World Factbook''
| caption          = Emblem
| illustrator      =  
| illustrator      =  
| cover_artist      =  
| cover_artist      =  
| series            =  
| series            =  
| subject          = [[General knowledge|General]]
| subject          = [[General knowledge|General]]
| pub_date          = See [[#Frequency of updates and availability|frequency of updates and availability]], no longer published in paper book form by the CIA
| pub_date          = See [[#Frequency of updates and availability|frequency of updates and availability]], discontinued February 2026
| english_pub_date  =  
| english_pub_date  =  
| media_type        =  
| media_type        =  
Line 28: Line 27:
| preceded_by      =  
| preceded_by      =  
| followed_by      =  
| followed_by      =  
| website          = {{official URL}}
| website          = ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20260131095511/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/ The World Factbook]'' at the [[Wayback Machine]] (archived January 31, 2026)
}}
}}


'''''The World Factbook''''', also known as the '''''CIA World Factbook''''',<ref name="featured">{{cite web | author = Central Intelligence Agency | title = Where in the World is Mt. Kilimanjaro? Visit the CIA World Factbook to Find Out | date= 2008-01-03 | url = https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2008-featured-story-archive/world-factbook.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090114015209/https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2008-featured-story-archive/world-factbook.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 14, 2009 | access-date = 2008-01-04 }}</ref> is a [[Reference work|reference resource]] produced by the [[United States]]' [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA) with [[almanac]]-style information about the [[countries of the world]]. The official print version is available from the [[Government Publishing Office]]. The ''Factbook'' is available in website and downloadable formats. It provides a two- to three-page summary of the [[demography|demographics]], [[geography]], communications, [[government]], [[economy]], and [[military]] of 266 international entities,<ref name="whatsnew">{{Cite web |title=The World Factbook |author= |website=CIA |date=5 January 2023 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/ |access-date=24 January 2021 |archive-date=4 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104183935/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/ |url-status=live }}</ref> including [[List of countries by date of recognition of the United States|U.S.-recognized countries]], dependencies, and other areas in the world.
'''''The World Factbook''''', also known as the '''''CIA World Factbook''''',<ref name="featured">{{cite web | author = Central Intelligence Agency | title = Where in the World is Mt. Kilimanjaro? Visit the CIA World Factbook to Find Out | date= 2008-01-03 | url = https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2008-featured-story-archive/world-factbook.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090114015209/https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2008-featured-story-archive/world-factbook.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 14, 2009 | access-date = 2008-01-04 }}</ref> was a reference resource produced by the US [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA) between 1962 and 2026 with [[almanac]]-style information about the [[countries of the world]]. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the [[Government Publishing Office]]. The ''Factbook'' was also available via a website, and could be downloaded. It provided a two- to three-page summary of the [[demography|demographics]], geography, communications, [[government]], [[economy]], and [[military]] of 258 international entities,<ref name="whatsnew">{{Cite web |title=The World Factbook |author= |website=CIA |date=5 January 2023 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/ |access-date=24 January 2021 |archive-date=4 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104183935/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> including [[List of countries by date of recognition of the United States|U.S.-recognized countries]], dependencies, and other areas in the world.


''The World Factbook'' is prepared by the CIA for the use of [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. government]] officials, and its style, format, coverage, and content are primarily designed to meet their requirements.<ref name="CCI">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = About The World Factbook—Copyright and Contributors | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/copyright-and-contributors/ | access-date = 30 December 2021 | quote = ''The World Factbook'' is prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency for the use of US Government officials, and the style, format, coverage, and content are designed to meet their specific requirements. Information is provided by other public and private sources. The ''Factbook'' is in the public domain. Accordingly, it may be copied freely without the permission of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). | archive-date = 30 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230131611/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/copyright-and-contributors/ | url-status = live }}</ref> It is also frequently used as a resource for academic research papers and news articles.<ref name="press">{{cite press release |title=CIA World Factbook 2006 Now Available |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |date= 2006-04-05 |url=https://www.cia.gov/news-information/press-releases-statements/press-release-archive-2006/pr04052006.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613001545/https://www.cia.gov/news-information/press-releases-statements/press-release-archive-2006/pr04052006.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 13, 2007 |access-date=2007-01-11 | quote =The World Factbook remains the CIA's most widely disseminated and most popular product, now averaging almost 6 million visits each month. In addition, tens of thousands of government, commercial, academic, and other Web sites link to or replicate the online version of the Factbook. * * * Included among the 271 geographic entries is one for the "World", which incorporates data and other information summarized where possible from the other 270 country listings. }}</ref> As a [[copyright status of works by the federal government of the United States|work of the U.S. government]], it is in the [[public domain in the United States]].<ref name="pd">{{Cite web |title=The World Factbook - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |author= |publisher=CIA |date= |access-date=11 January 2023 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/faqs/#general |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111164511/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/faqs/#general |url-status=live }}</ref>
''The World Factbook'' was prepared by the CIA for the use of [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. government]] officials, and its style, format, coverage, and content are primarily designed to meet their requirements.<ref name="cci"/> As a work of the U.S. government, it was in the public domain in the United States. It was frequently used as a resource for academic research papers and news articles.<ref name="press">{{cite press release |title=CIA World Factbook 2006 Now Available |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |date= 2006-04-05 |url=https://www.cia.gov/news-information/press-releases-statements/press-release-archive-2006/pr04052006.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613001545/https://www.cia.gov/news-information/press-releases-statements/press-release-archive-2006/pr04052006.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 13, 2007 |access-date=2007-01-11 | quote =The World Factbook remains the CIA's most widely disseminated and most popular product, now averaging almost 6 million visits each month. In addition, tens of thousands of government, commercial, academic, and other Web sites link to or replicate the online version of the Factbook. * * * Included among the 271 geographic entries is one for the "World", which incorporates data and other information summarized where possible from the other 270 country listings. }}</ref>


== Sources ==
On February 4, 2026, following the restriction and closure since 2024 of other government-funded information websites, the CIA announced,  with no warning and no explanation, that ''The World Factbook'' was discontinued. It has been archived by The Mozilla Data Collective and the Factbook Archive.<ref name=mozilla/><ref name="fbarchive" />
[[File:WFB 2023.webp|thumb|250px|Cover of the U.S. government print edition of ''The World Factbook'' (2023 edition)]]


In researching the ''Factbook'', the CIA uses the sources listed below, among other public and private sources.<ref name="cci">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = About The World Factbook—Copyright and Contributors | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/copyright-and-contributors/ | access-date = 30 December 2021 | quote = ''The World Factbook'' is prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency for the use of US Government officials, and the style, format, coverage, and content are designed to meet their specific requirements. Information is provided by other public and private sources. The ''Factbook'' is in the public domain. Accordingly, it may be copied freely without permission of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). | archive-date = 30 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230131611/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/copyright-and-contributors/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
== Data ==
[[File:WFB 2023.webp|thumb|upright|Cover of the U.S. government print edition of ''The World Factbook'' (2023 edition)]]
 
=== Sources ===
In researching the ''Factbook'', the CIA used the sources listed below, among other public and private sources.<ref name="cci">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = About The World Factbook—Copyright and Contributors | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/copyright-and-contributors/ | access-date = 30 December 2021 | quote = ''The World Factbook'' is prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency for the use of US Government officials, and the style, format, coverage, and content are designed to meet their specific requirements. Information is provided by other public and private sources. The ''Factbook'' is in the public domain. Accordingly, it may be copied freely without permission of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). | archive-date = 30 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230131611/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/copyright-and-contributors/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>


* Antarctic Information Program ([[National Science Foundation]])
* Antarctic Information Program ([[National Science Foundation]])
Line 57: Line 59:
* [[United States Board on Geographic Names]] (Department of the Interior)
* [[United States Board on Geographic Names]] (Department of the Interior)
* [[United States Transportation Command]] (Department of Defense)
* [[United States Transportation Command]] (Department of Defense)
=== Structure ===
Information on the listed entities was provided in the following categories: "introduction or background, geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues."<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Shuler |first=Jack |date=2003-07-01 |title=The CIA World Factbook: Marriage of Archive and Empire? |url=https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/reconstruction/vol3/iss3/10 |journal=Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture |volume=3 |issue=3 |pages=1–16 |issn=1547-4348}}</ref>


== Copyright ==
== Copyright ==
[[File:WFB Main Page.png|thumb|right|250px|''The World Factbook'' website as it appeared in January 2025]]
[[File:WFB Main Page.png|thumb|right|''The World Factbook'' website as it appeared in January 2025]]


The ''Factbook'' is in the [[public domain]] and may be redistributed in part or in whole without need for permission,<ref name=cci/> although the CIA requests that the ''Factbook'' be [[Citation|cited]] if used.<ref name=pd/> Copying the official seal of the CIA without permission is prohibited by the US federal [[Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949]] ({{UnitedStatesCode|50|403m}}).
As a work of the U.S. government, the ''Factbook'' was in the [[public domain]] and could be redistributed in part or in whole without need for permission,<ref name="pd">{{Cite web |title=The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |author= |publisher=CIA |date= |access-date=11 January 2023 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/faqs/#general |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111164511/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/faqs/#general |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=cci/> although the CIA requested that the ''Factbook'' be [[Citation|cited]] if used.<ref name=pd/> Copying the official seal of the CIA without permission is prohibited by the US federal [[Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949]] ({{UnitedStatesCode|50|403m}}).


== Frequency of updates and availability ==
== Frequency of updates and availability ==
Before November 2001, ''The World Factbook'' website was updated yearly;<ref name="faqs-u2d">{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How often is The World Factbook updated? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2009-01-26 | quote = Formerly our Web site (and the published Factbook) were only updated annually. Beginning in November 2001 we instituted a new system of more frequent online updates. The World Factbook is currently updated every two weeks. }}</ref> from 2004 to 2010 it was updated every two weeks;<ref name="faqs-u2d"/> since 2010 it has been updated weekly.<ref name="weekly">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = World Factbook Updates – October 22, 2010| date= 2010-11-24 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/world-factbook-updates-november-24-2010.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110514231843/https://www.cia.gov/library/world-factbook-updates-november-24-2010.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = May 14, 2011 | access-date = 2010-12-01 | quote = Since 2004, The World Factbook website has been updated on a bi-weekly schedule. Culminating a three-month trial effort, we are pleased to announce that the Factbook will now be updated on a weekly basis. }}</ref> Generally, information currently available as of January 1 of the current year<ref>{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Notes and Definitions: Date of information | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612212505/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = In general, information available as of 1 January 2007 was used in the preparation of this edition. }}</ref> is used in preparing the ''Factbook''.
Before November 2001, ''The World Factbook'' website was updated yearly;<ref name="faqs-u2d">{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How often is The World Factbook updated? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2009-01-26 | quote = Formerly our Web site (and the published Factbook) were only updated annually. Beginning in November 2001 we instituted a new system of more frequent online updates. The World Factbook is currently updated every two weeks. }}</ref> from 2004 to 2010 it was updated every two weeks;<ref name="faqs-u2d"/> From 2010 to 2026 it was updated weekly.<ref name="weekly">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = World Factbook Updates – October 22, 2010| date= 2010-11-24 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/world-factbook-updates-november-24-2010.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110514231843/https://www.cia.gov/library/world-factbook-updates-november-24-2010.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = May 14, 2011 | access-date = 2010-12-01 | quote = Since 2004, The World Factbook website has been updated on a bi-weekly schedule. Culminating a three-month trial effort, we are pleased to announce that the Factbook will now be updated on a weekly basis. }}</ref> Generally, information available as of January 1 of the current year was used in preparing the ''Factbook''.<ref>{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Notes and Definitions: Date of information | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612212505/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = In general, information available as of 1 January 2007 was used in the preparation of this edition. Effective 31 December 2025, The CIA has terminated the World Factbook program. Although it may continue to appear online, the information it contains is no longer updated. }}</ref> Following efforts by CIA director [[John Ratcliffe]] to "end programs that don't advance the agency's core missions", the ''Factbook'' was discontinued on February 4, 2026,<ref name="shutdown">{{Cite web |title=Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell |publisher=CIA |date=February 4, 2026 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |url=https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/spotlighting-the-world-factbook-as-we-bid-a-fond-farewell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204183216/https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/spotlighting-the-world-factbook-as-we-bid-a-fond-farewell/ |archive-date=February 4, 2026 }}</ref><ref name="Klepper">{{Cite web |last=Klepper |first=David |date=2026-02-04 |title=CIA ends publication of its popular World Factbook reference tool |url=https://apnews.com/article/cia-world-factbook-ratcliffe-trump-fbec61ce16c4b3db59db9cefce0da043 |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=AP News}}</ref> with all pages made inaccessible.<ref name="Kaur05">{{cite news |last=Kaur |first=Harmeet |title=CIA terminates its World Factbook, overthrowing reference regime |date=2026-02-05 |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/05/us/cia-world-factbook-countries-cec|url-status=live|access-date=2026-02-06 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205232151/https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/05/us/cia-world-factbook-countries-cec |archive-date=2026-02-05 |language=en}}</ref> No reason was given for the discontinuation.<ref name="Klepper"/>


=== Government edition ===
=== Government edition ===
The first [[Classified information|classified]] edition of ''Factbook'' was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version in June 1971.<ref name="WBFhistory">{{cite web |author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – History |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612194809/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 12, 2007 |access-date = 2007-03-03 | quote= The first classified Factbook was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version was published in June 1971.  }}</ref> ''The World Factbook'' was first available to the public in print in 1975.<ref name="WBFhistory"/> Until 2008 the CIA printed the ''Factbook''; from then it has been printed by the Government Printing Office<ref name="printgpo">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook – About :: History: 2008  | date= 2009-06-08 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612194809/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2009-06-08 | quote =  Printing of the Factbook turned over to the Government Printing Office. }}</ref> following a CIA decision to "focus Factbook resources" on the online edition.<ref name="noprint">{{cite book | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook 2008: Purchasing Information | year = 2008 | publisher = Government Printing Office | isbn = 9780160873614 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5lc9jxSKfuEC&q=world%20factbook&pg=PP2 | access-date = 2015-04-19 | quote = The Government Printing Office has assumed production of The World Factbook print edition. The CIA has decided to focus Factbook resources exclusively on the World Wide Web online edition... | archive-date = 2021-04-27 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210427071729/https://books.google.com/books?id=5lc9jxSKfuEC&q=world%20factbook&pg=PP2 | url-status = live }}</ref> In 2017, the printed book was officially discontinued.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Gallery of Covers |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/gallery-of-covers/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=CIA.gov}}</ref> The ''Factbook'' has been available via the [[World Wide Web]] (The internet) since October 1994,<ref>Miller, Jill Young. "CIA puts data on the internet." ''Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel'' 12 December 1994.</ref> receiving about six million visits per month in 2006;<ref name=press/> it can also be downloaded.<ref>{{cite web | author = Central Intelligence Agency | title = The World Factbook Archives - The World Factbook | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/ | access-date = 2021-06-05 | archive-date = 2021-06-05 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210605141839/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The official printed version is sold<ref name="buy">{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Purchasing Information | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/purchase_info.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612211848/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/purchase_info.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = Other users may obtain sales information about printed copies from the following: Superintendent of Documents...National Technical Information Service }}</ref> by the [[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] and [[National Technical Information Service]]. In past years, the ''Factbook'' was available on [[CD-ROM]],<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook 1999 – Purchasing Information (mirror) | year = 1999 | url = http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/11.htm | access-date = 2006-09-24 | quote = The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) prepares The World Factbook in printed, CD-ROM, and Internet versions. | archive-date = 2021-12-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211222123438/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/11.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[microfiche]],<ref name=wfbems>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = Publication Information for The World Factbook 1995 (mirror) | year = 1995 | url = http://www.ems.psu.edu/~williams/states/pubinfo.htm | access-date = 2006-09-24 | quote = This publication is also available in microfiche, magnetic tape, or computer diskettes. | archive-date = 2012-03-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120317101742/http://www.ems.psu.edu/~williams/states/pubinfo.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[magnetic tape]],<ref name=wfbems/> and [[floppy disk]].<ref name=wfbems/>
The first [[Classified information|classified]] edition of ''Factbook'' was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version in June 1971.<ref name="WBFhistory">{{cite web |author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – History |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612194809/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 12, 2007 |access-date = 2007-03-03 | quote= The first classified Factbook was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version was published in June 1971.  }}</ref> ''The World Factbook'' was first available to the public in print in 1975.<ref name="WBFhistory"/> Until 2008 the CIA printed the ''Factbook''; from then until its discontinuation it was printed by the Government Printing Office<ref name="printgpo">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook – About :: History: 2008  | date= 2009-06-08 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612194809/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2009-06-08 | quote =  Printing of the Factbook turned over to the Government Printing Office. }}</ref> following a CIA decision to "focus Factbook resources" on the online edition.<ref name="noprint">{{cite book | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook 2008: Purchasing Information | year = 2008 | publisher = Government Printing Office | isbn = 9780160873614 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5lc9jxSKfuEC&q=world%20factbook&pg=PP2 | access-date = 2015-04-19 | quote = The Government Printing Office has assumed production of The World Factbook print edition. The CIA has decided to focus Factbook resources exclusively on the World Wide Web online edition... | archive-date = 2021-04-27 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210427071729/https://books.google.com/books?id=5lc9jxSKfuEC&q=world%20factbook&pg=PP2 | url-status = live }}</ref> In 2017, the printed book was officially discontinued.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Gallery of Covers |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/gallery-of-covers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226220202/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/gallery-of-covers/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=CIA.gov}}</ref> The ''Factbook'' was made available via the [[World Wide Web]] beginning October 1994,<ref>Miller, Jill Young. "CIA puts data on the internet." ''Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel'' 12 December 1994.</ref> receiving about six million visits per month in 2006;<ref name=press/> it was also available for download.<ref>{{cite web | author = Central Intelligence Agency | title = The World Factbook Archives – The World Factbook | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/ | access-date = 2021-06-05 | archive-date = 2021-06-05 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210605141839/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> The official printed version was sold<ref name="buy">{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Purchasing Information | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/purchase_info.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612211848/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/purchase_info.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = Other users may obtain sales information about printed copies from the following: Superintendent of Documents...National Technical Information Service }}</ref> by the [[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] and [[National Technical Information Service]]. In past years, the ''Factbook'' was available on [[CD-ROM]],<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook 1999 – Purchasing Information (mirror) | year = 1999 | url = http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/11.htm | access-date = 2006-09-24 | quote = The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) prepares The World Factbook in printed, CD-ROM, and Internet versions. | archive-date = 2021-12-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211222123438/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/11.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[microfiche]],<ref name=wfbems>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = Publication Information for The World Factbook 1995 (mirror) | year = 1995 | url = http://www.ems.psu.edu/~williams/states/pubinfo.htm | access-date = 2006-09-24 | quote = This publication is also available in microfiche, magnetic tape, or computer diskettes. | archive-date = 2012-03-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120317101742/http://www.ems.psu.edu/~williams/states/pubinfo.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[magnetic tape]],<ref name=wfbems/> and [[floppy disk]].<ref name=wfbems/>


=== Reprints and older editions online ===
=== Reprints and older editions online ===
Many Internet sites use information and images from the CIA ''World Factbook''.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): I am using the Factbook online and it is not working. What is wrong? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2006-09-24 | quote= Hundreds of "Factbook" look-alikes exist on the Internet. The Factbook site at: www.cia.gov is the only official site.  }}</ref> Several publishers, including Grand River Books,<ref>{{cite web | author =  Texas A&M University Libraries | title = Introduction to Comparative Politics POLS 329 | date = January 30, 2007 | url = http://library.tamu.edu/portal/site/Library/menuitem.95e060d328c5ba7869e19cf419008a0c/?vgnextoid=b6e4124698f60110VgnVCM1000007800a8c0RCRD | access-date = 2008-01-02 | quote = The world factbook (Handbook of the Nations). Detroit, Mich.: Grand River Books, 1981–.  |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011234640/http://library.tamu.edu/portal/site/Library/menuitem.95e060d328c5ba7869e19cf419008a0c/?vgnextoid=b6e4124698f60110VgnVCM1000007800a8c0RCRD |archive-date = October 11, 2007}}</ref> Potomac Books (formerly known as Brassey's Inc.),<ref>{{cite web | author = Potomac Books | title = The World Factbook 2008 CIA's 2007 Edition | url = http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=180790 | access-date = 2008-01-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090620061652/http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=180790 | archive-date = 2009-06-20 }}</ref> and [[Skyhorse Publishing]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Skyhorse Publishing |title=CIA World Factbook 2008, The |url=http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/details.php?TitleID=77 |access-date=2008-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030094818/http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/details.php?TitleID=77 |archive-date=30 October 2008 }}</ref> have published the ''Factbook'' in recent years. Older editions since 2000 may be downloaded (but not browsed) from the ''Factbook'' Web site.<ref name="pd"/>
Many Internet sites use information and images from the CIA ''World Factbook''.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=CIA | title = World Factbook - Frequently Asked Question (section) - I am using the Factbook online and it is not working. What is wrong? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | quote= Hundreds of "Factbook" look-alikes exist on the Internet. The Factbook site at: www.cia.gov is the only official site.  }}</ref> Several publishers, including Grand River Books,<ref>{{cite web | author =  Texas A&M University Libraries | title = Introduction to Comparative Politics POLS 329 | date = January 30, 2007 | url = http://library.tamu.edu/portal/site/Library/menuitem.95e060d328c5ba7869e19cf419008a0c/?vgnextoid=b6e4124698f60110VgnVCM1000007800a8c0RCRD | access-date = 2008-01-02 | quote = The world factbook (Handbook of the Nations). Detroit, Mich.: Grand River Books, 1981–.  |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011234640/http://library.tamu.edu/portal/site/Library/menuitem.95e060d328c5ba7869e19cf419008a0c/?vgnextoid=b6e4124698f60110VgnVCM1000007800a8c0RCRD |archive-date = October 11, 2007}}</ref> Potomac Books (formerly known as Brassey's Inc.),<ref>{{cite web | author = Potomac Books | title = The World Factbook 2008 CIA's 2007 Edition | url = http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=180790 | access-date = 2008-01-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090620061652/http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=180790 | archive-date = 2009-06-20 }}</ref> and [[Skyhorse Publishing]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Skyhorse Publishing |title=CIA World Factbook 2008, The |url=http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/details.php?TitleID=77 |access-date=2008-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030094818/http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/details.php?TitleID=77 |archive-date=30 October 2008 }}</ref> have published the ''Factbook'' in recent years. Older editions since 2000 were available for download (but not browsing) from the ''Factbook'' website until 2026.<ref name="pd"/><ref name="Kaur05"/>
 
===Discontinuation===
 
On February 4, 2026, the CIA announced,  with no warning and no explanation<ref name="Kirk05">{{Cite news |last=Kirk |first=Rylee |last2=Walker |first2=Mark |date=5 February 2026 |title=C.I.A. World Factbook Ends Publication After 6 Decades |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/us/world-factbook-cia.html |access-date=9 February 2026 |work=[[The New York Times]] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Kaur05"/> and refusing to comment [[On-the-record|on the record]], that ''The World Factbook'' was discontinued.<ref name="Kaur05"/> All versions were removed from the CIA's website immediately, which was disruptive for academic users such as the [[Boston University Questrom School of Business]] which was using it for [[open-book test]]s.<ref name="Kirk05" /> The Mozilla Data Collective has since published a dataset that includes the 260 world entities listed in the ''Factbook'', capturing "the final state of the public data (Jan 23, 2026) before the official website was retired."<ref name=mozilla>{{Cite web |title=World Factbook (JSON) |url=https://datacollective.mozillafoundation.org/datasets/cmll4w0ln00nemn07axe7mj09 |website=Mozilla Data Collective |language=en-US |publication-date=February 13, 2026}}</ref> There is also another website called "Factbook Archive" that contains the information of ''The World Factbook'' from 1990 to 2025.<ref name="fbarchive">{{Cite web |title=CIA World Factbook Archive |url=https://worldfactbookarchive.org/ |access-date=March 11, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
 
The news channel [[CNN]] linked the closure to restriction and closure since 2024 of other government-funded information websites, including closure of health sites, and restrictions on the [[Smithsonian Institution]] and the [[National Park Service]].<ref name="Kaur05"/>


== Entities listed ==
== Entities listed ==
{{Main|List of entities and changes in The World Factbook}}
{{Main|List of entities and changes in The World Factbook}}
[[File:Map of the world by the US Gov as of 2016.svg|thumb|360px|Map of the world published by the ''CIA World Factbook'' in 2016]]
 
{{As of|July 2011}}, ''The World Factbook'' comprises 266 entities,<ref name="whatsnew"/> which can be divided into the following categories:<ref name="ents">{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Notes and Definitions: Entities | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612212505/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2011-07-12 | quote = "Independent state" refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. * * * There are a total of 266 separate geographic entities in The World Factbook that may be categorized as follows... }}</ref>
[[File:Map of the world by the US Gov as of 2016.svg|thumb|upright=1.4|Map of the world published by the ''CIA World Factbook'' in 2016]]
{{As of|July 2011}}, ''The World Factbook'' comprised 266 entities,<ref name="whatsnew"/> which can be divided into the following categories:<ref name="ents">{{cite web | author =  Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Notes and Definitions: Entities | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612212505/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2011-07-12 | quote = "Independent state" refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. * * * There are a total of 266 separate geographic entities in The World Factbook that may be categorized as follows... }}</ref>


; Independent countries: The CIA defines these as people "politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory."<ref name="ents"/> In this category, there are 195 entities.
; Independent countries: The CIA defines these as people "politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory."<ref name="ents"/> In this category, there are 195 entities.
; Others: Places set apart from the list of independent countries. Currently there are two: [[Taiwan]] and the [[European Union]].
; Others: Places set apart from the list of independent countries. There are two of these: [[Taiwan]] and the [[European Union]].
; Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty: Places affiliated with another country. They may be subcategorized by affiliated country:
; Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty: Places affiliated with another country. They may be subcategorized by affiliated country:
:*[[Australia]]: 6 entities
:*[[Australia]]: 6 entities
Line 92: Line 104:
; Other entities: The [[World]] and the [[ocean]]s. There are five oceans and the World (the World entry is intended as a summary of the other entries).<ref name=press/>
; Other entities: The [[World]] and the [[ocean]]s. There are five oceans and the World (the World entry is intended as a summary of the other entries).<ref name=press/>


== Territorial issues and controversies ==
== Reception ==
{{Original research|section|date=February 2024|reason=Most references point to specific sections in the fact book, rather than sources critical of it; i.e. the criticisms are from the editor.}}
''[[Reference Reviews]]'' reviewed the online edition of ''The World Factbook'' in 2016, praising its "up-to-date facts and figures" through its weekly updates while expressing concern over its usability due to difficult [[Web navigation|content navigation]] and inadequate [[font size]]s.{{Sfn|Shores|2016|pp=1-2}}
 
=== Political ===
{{list scope|date=July 2023}}
 
==== Areas not covered ====
Specific regions within a country or areas in dispute among countries, such as [[Kashmir]], are not covered,<ref name="notin">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Why don't you include information on entities such as Tibet or Kashmir? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2008-08-24 | quote= Also included in the Factbook are entries on parts of the world whose status has not yet been resolved (e.g., West Bank, Spratly Islands). Specific regions within a country or areas in dispute among countries are not covered. }}</ref> but other areas of the world whose status is disputed, such as the [[Spratly Islands]], have entries.<ref name="notin"/><ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Spratly Islands | date = 2006-09-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/spratly-islands/ | access-date = 2006-09-24 | archive-date = 2021-01-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210128085936/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/spratly-islands/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Subnational areas of countries (such as [[U.S. state]]s or the [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Canadian provinces and territories]]) are not included in the ''Factbook''. Instead, users looking for information about subnational areas are referred to "a comprehensive encyclopedia" for their reference needs.<ref name="subnat">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Why doesn't The World Factbook include information on states, departments, provinces, etc., in the country format? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2007-05-26 | quote = The World Factbook provides national-level information on countries, territories, and dependencies, but not subnational administrative units within a country. A comprehensive encyclopedia might be a source for state/province-level information. }}</ref> This criterion was invoked in the 2007<ref name="domrom">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Why has The World Factbook dropped the four French departments of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, and French Guiana? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2007-05-26 | quote = The reason the four entities are no longer in The World Factbook is because their status has changed. While they are overseas departments of France, they are also now recognized as French regions, having equal status to the 22 metropolitan regions that make up European France. }}</ref> and 2011<ref name="mayotte">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = World Factbook Updates – April 8, 2011 | date = 2011-04-08 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/rss-updates/world-factbook-updates-april-8-2011.html | access-date = 2011-04-11 | quote = The Indian Ocean island entity of Mayotte became an overseas department of France on 31 March. The change in status makes it an integral part of France and so its description is now included in the France country profile of The World Factbook. | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110409010101/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/rss%2Dupdates/world%2Dfactbook%2Dupdates%2Dapril%2D8%2D2011.html| archive-date = April 9, 2011 }} (Archived by WebCite at
)</ref> editions with the decision to drop the entries for [[French Guiana]], [[Guadeloupe]], [[Martinique]], [[Mayotte]], and [[Réunion|Reunion]]. They were dropped because besides being [[overseas department]]s, they were now [[overseas region]]s, and an integral part of France.<ref name="domrom"/><ref name="mayotte"/> Since the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]]'s [[Israel–Morocco normalization agreement|recognition]] of Morocco's sovereignty over [[Western Sahara]] in late 2020, most of its data has been merged into Morocco's page.<ref>{{cite web |title=US State Department, CIA Use Undivided Moroccan Map |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/03/336255/western-sahara-us-state-department-cia-use-undivided-moroccan-map/ |website=Morocco World News |date=March 2021 |access-date=2021-03-11 |archive-date=2021-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303091253/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/03/336255/western-sahara-us-state-department-cia-use-undivided-moroccan-map/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=CIA>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/morocco/ |title=Morocco |work=World Factbook |date=2 August 2022 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |access-date=11 March 2021 |archive-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202191738/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/morocco/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==== Chagos Archipelago ====
{{POV-section|date=February 2024}}
Some entries on the World Factbook are known to be in line with the political views and agenda of the [[United States]]. The United States is said to have been behind both the excision of the [[Chagos Archipelago]] from Mauritian territory and the [[Expulsion of the Chagossians|forcible expulsion]] of the [[Chagossians]] from their lands to establish a [[Camp Thunder Cove|military base]] on one of the island of the archipelago, namely [[Diego Garcia]].<ref name="Annex 26">{{Cite web |url=https://www.icj-cij.org/files/case-related/169/169-20180301-WRI-05-01-EN.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.icj-cij.org/files/case-related/169/169-20180301-WRI-05-01-EN.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Annex 26 - U.K. Foreign Office, Colonial Office and Ministry of Defence, U.S. Defence Interests in the Indian Ocean, D.O. (O)(64)23, FCO 31/3437 |date=1964-04-23 |publisher=[[International Court of Justice]] |access-date=2019-07-14}}</ref> The US [[Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute|does not recognise the sovereignty]] of [[Mauritius]] over the Chagos Archipelago and the archipelago is listed as the [[British Indian Ocean Territory]] on the CIA Website.<ref name="CIA - Chagos">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/british-indian-ocean-territory/ |title=Introduction :: BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY |access-date=2019-07-13 |archive-date=2021-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117034125/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/british-indian-ocean-territory/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The website further erroneously mentioned that the Chagos Archipelago is also claimed by the [[Seychelles]],<ref name="CIA - Chagos"/> while officially 116 countries including the Seychelles against only 6 countries including the United States voted in favor of a [[United Nations General Assembly resolution]] dated 24 May 2019 which called upon the [[UK]] to withdraw its colonial administration from the Chagos Archipelago unconditionally to enable Mauritius to complete the decolonization of its territory as rapidly as possible.<ref name="Resolution A/RES/73/295 Vote">{{Cite web |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3807805?ln=en |title=Resolution A/RES/73/295 Vote - Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965. |date=2019-05-22 |website=United Nations Digital Library |access-date=2019-07-13 |archive-date=2020-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624204300/https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3807805?ln=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Resolution A/RES/73/295">{{Cite web |url=https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/73/295 |title=Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965 |date=2019-05-24 |publisher=United Nations Digital Library |access-date=2019-07-13 |archive-date=2019-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713182344/https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/73/295 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==== Kashmir ====
Maps depicting [[Kashmir]] have the [[Indo-Pakistani border]] drawn at the [[Line of Control]], but the region of [[Aksai Chin|Kashmir administered by China]] drawn in hash marks.<ref name="chmap">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – China (map) |date= 2006-09-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/large/ch-map.gif | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090612211045/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/large/ch-map.gif | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2009 | access-date = 2009-12-27 }}</ref>
 
==== Northern Cyprus ====
{{See|Cyprus problem}}
[[Northern Cyprus]], which the U.S. considers part of the [[Cyprus|Republic of Cyprus]], is not given a separate entry because "territorial occupations/annexations not recognized by the United States Government are not shown on U.S. Government maps."<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Why are the Golan Heights not shown as part of Israel or Northern Cyprus with Turkey? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = Territorial occupations/annexations not recognized by the United States Government are not shown on US Government maps. }}</ref>
 
==== Taiwan/Republic of China ====
{{further|Political status of Taiwan}}
The name "Republic of China" is not listed as [[Taiwan]]'s official name under the "Government" section,<ref name = "jjwyiz">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Taiwan | date = 2006-09-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/taiwan/ | access-date = 2006-09-23 | archive-date = 2021-01-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210109223447/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/taiwan/ | url-status = live }}</ref> due to U.S. acknowledgement of [[Beijing]]'s [[One-China policy]] according to which there is one China and Taiwan is a part of it.<ref name="roceu">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Why are Taiwan and the European Union listed out of alphabetical order at the end of the Factbook entries? | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070612214339/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 12, 2007 | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = Taiwan is listed after the regular entries because even though the mainland People's Republic of China claims Taiwan, elected Taiwanese authorities de facto administer the island and reject mainland sovereignty claims. * * * The European Union (EU) is not a country, but it has taken on many nation-like attributes and these are likely to be expanded in the future. }}</ref> The name "Republic of China" was briefly added on January 27, 2005,<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Taiwan | date = 2005-01-27 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/taiwan/ | access-date = 2010-10-17 | archive-date = 2021-01-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210109223447/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/taiwan/ | url-status = live }}</ref> but has since been changed back to "none".<ref name = "jjwyiz"/> Of the ''Factbook''{{'}}s two maps of [[China]], one highlights the [[island of Taiwan]] as part of the country<ref name="chmap"/> while the other does not.<ref name="Chinapage">{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/china/ | title=China | publisher=CIA | work=CIA World Factbook | access-date=February 2, 2013 | archive-date=February 13, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213122152/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/china/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==== Disputed South China Sea Islands ====
The [[Paracel Islands]] and [[Spratly Islands]], subjects of territorial disputes, have entries in the ''Factbook'' where they are not listed as the territory of any one nation. The disputed claims to the islands are discussed in the entries.<ref name="Factbook-Paracel">{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/paracel-islands/ | title=Paracel Islands | publisher=CIA | work=CIA World Factbook | access-date=February 2, 2013 | archive-date=June 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617234116/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/paracel-islands/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Factbook-Spratley">{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/spratly-islands/ | title=Spratly Islands | publisher=CIA | work=CIA World Factbook | access-date=February 2, 2013 | archive-date=January 28, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128085936/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/spratly-islands/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==== Burma/Myanmar ====
The U.S. does not recognize the renaming of [[Burma]] by its [[State Peace and Development Council|ruling military junta]] to ''Myanmar'' and thus keeps its entry for the country under the ''Burma'' name.<ref>{{cite web |author=Directorate of Intelligence |title=The World Factbook – Burma |date=2006-09-19 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/burma/ |access-date=2006-09-23 |quote=since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; this decision was not approved by any sitting legislature in Burma, and the US Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw |archive-date=2021-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210200835/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/burma/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==== North Macedonia ====
The country was first entered as ''Macedonia'' in the ''Factbook'' upon independence in 1992.<ref name="yugo">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | year = 1992 | title = The World Factbook 1992 – Notes, Definitions, and Abbreviations | url = http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/wf930000.txt | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Slovenia have replaced Yugoslavia. | archive-date = 2006-09-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060909005408/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/wf930000.txt | url-status = dead }}</ref> In the 1994 edition, the name of the entry was changed to the ''Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia'', as it is recognised by the United Nations (pending resolution of the [[Macedonia naming dispute]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/members/ |title=Official site of the U.N., List of UN Member States |publisher=Un.org |access-date=2013-03-29 |archive-date=2011-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207190946/http://www.un.org/en/members/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | year = 1994 | title = The World Factbook 1994 – Notes, Definitions, and Abbreviations | url = http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact94/wf950000.txt | access-date = 2006-09-23 | quote = The name of Macedonia was changed to The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). | archive-date = 2006-09-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060909043218/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact94/wf950000.txt | url-status = dead }}</ref> For the next decade, this was the name the nation was listed under. In the 2004 edition of the ''Factbook'', the name of the entry was changed back to ''Macedonia'', following a November 2004 U.S. decision to refer to the country using this name.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Macedonia | date = 2004-11-30 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/north-macedonia/ | access-date = 2010-10-17 | archive-date = 2021-01-21 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210121024841/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/north-macedonia/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|author = Staff reporter
|title = US snubs Greece over Macedonia
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3981499.stm
|work = BBC News
|date = 2004-11-04
|access-date = 2006-09-23
|quote = Greece has protested strongly at a decision by the US to refer to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) simply as "Macedonia".
|archive-date = 2006-11-12
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061112192927/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3981499.stm
|url-status = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Macedonia | date = 2006-09-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/north-macedonia/ | access-date = 2006-09-23 | archive-date = 2021-01-21 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210121024841/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/north-macedonia/ | url-status = live }}</ref> On February 19, 2019, the entry was renamed to ''North Macedonia'' following the country's name change to the [[North Macedonia|Republic of North Macedonia]].
 
==== European Union ====
On December 16, 2004, the CIA added an entry for the [[European Union]] (EU) for the first time.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – European Union | date = 2006-09-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/european-union/ | access-date = 2006-09-23 | archive-date = 2021-01-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210122190105/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/european-union/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="noEU">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Why doesn't The World Factbook include information on states, departments, provinces, the European Union, etc., in the country format? (mirror) | url = http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2003/docs/faqs.html | access-date = 2007-06-02 | quote = The World Factbook provides national-level information on countries, territories, and dependencies, but not on subnational administrative units within a country or supranational entities like the European Union. | archive-date = 2021-12-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211222123435/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2003/docs/faqs.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> The "What's New" section of the 2005 ''Factbook'' states: "The European Union continues to accrue [[European integration|more nation-like characteristics]] for itself and so a separate listing was deemed appropriate."<ref name="roceu"/>


==== United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges and Iles Eparses ====
The Factbook has been criticized for serving the interests of the United States by controlling how other countries are represented and for taking, at least in some cases, an ahistorical perspective.<ref name=":1" />
In the 2006 edition of ''The World Factbook'', the entries for [[Baker Island]], [[Howland Island]], [[Jarvis Island]], [[Kingman Reef]], [[Johnston Atoll]], [[Palmyra Atoll]] and the [[Midway Atoll|Midway Islands]] were merged into a new [[United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges]] entry.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges | date = 2006-09-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states-pacific-island-wildlife-refuges/ | access-date = 2006-09-23 | archive-date = 2022-04-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220408014336/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states-pacific-island-wildlife-refuges/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The old entries for each individual insular area remain as redirects on the ''Factbook'' website.<ref>For an example of a redirect, see what happens with the [https://web.archive.org/web/20060407074318/http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/kq.html profile] for Kingman Reef.</ref> On September 7, 2006, the CIA also merged the entries for [[Bassas da India]], [[Europa Island]], the [[Glorioso Islands]], [[Juan de Nova Island]], and [[Tromelin Island]] into a new [[Iles Eparses]] entry.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Iles Eparses (mirror) | date = 2006-09-19 | url = http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/geos/zz.html | access-date = 2007-11-10 | archive-date = 2011-06-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110606091424/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/geos/zz.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> As with the new United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges entry, the old entries for these five islands remained as redirects on the website.<ref>For an example of a redirect, see what happens with the [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/geos/ju.html profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126102418/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/geos/ju.html |date=2022-01-26 }} for Juan de Nova Island (mirror).</ref> On July 19, 2007, the Iles Eparses entry and redirects for each island were dropped due to the group becoming a district of the [[French Southern and Antarctic Lands]] in February.<ref name="taaf">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook 2007: What's New | date= 2007-07-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070607060922/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 7, 2007 | access-date = 2007-07-20 | quote = The five former entities of Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island, previously grouped as Iles Eparses (Scattered Islands), now constitute a district of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. }}</ref>
 
==== Serbia and Montenegro/Yugoslavia ====
{{further|Breakup of Yugoslavia|Succession of Yugoslavia}}
The [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] (SFRY) broke apart in 1991. The following year, it was replaced in the ''Factbook'' with entries for each of its former constituent republics.<ref name=yugo/> In doing this, the CIA listed the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] (FRY), proclaimed in 1992, as ''Serbia and Montenegro'', as the U.S. did not recognize the union between the two republics.<ref name="FRY2">{{cite web | author = Department of State | title = Serbia and Montenegro (08/99) (See Yugoslavia) | date = August 1999 | url = https://2001-2009.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/s/12685.htm | access-date = 2007-02-03 | quote = (Serbia and Montenegro have asserted the formation of a joint independent state, but this entity has not been recognized as a state by the United States.) | archive-date = 2020-06-14 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200614084919/https://2001-2009.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/s/12685.htm | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = 1992 CIA World Factbook: Serbia and Montenegro (mirror) | year = 1992 | url = http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/wf930216.txt | access-date = 2006-10-29 | archive-date = 2021-12-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211222123430/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/wf930216.txt | url-status = dead }}</ref> This was done in accordance with a May 21, 1992, decision by the U.S. not to recognize any of the former Yugoslav republics<ref name="FRY">{{cite web | author = Department of State | title = A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Kingdom of Serbia/Yugoslavia | url = https://history.state.gov/countries/kingdom-of-yugoslavia/recognition | access-date = 2019-04-29 | quote = On May 21, 1992, the U.S. announced that it would not recognize the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) as a successor state of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). The FRY was composed of the Republics of Serbia and Montenegro. | archive-date = 2020-04-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200422221019/https://history.state.gov/countries/kingdom-of-yugoslavia/recognition | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="law">{{cite web | author = White, Mary Jo | author-link = Mary Jo White | title = 767 Third Avenue Associates v. United States: Brief For Amicus Curiae United States of America Supporting Appellees and Supporting Affirmance in Part and Reversal in Part | date = 2000-01-31 | url = https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/6649.doc | format = MS Word | access-date = 2010-10-17 | quote = Since 1992, the United States has taken the position that the SFRY has ceased to exist, that there is no state representing the continuation of the SFRY, and that five successors have arisen—the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) ("FRY(S&M)"), the Republic of Slovenia ("Slovenia"), the Republic of Croatia ("Croatia"), the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina ("Bosnia-Herzegovina"), and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ("FYROM") | archive-date = 2020-06-14 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200614095714/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/6649.doc | url-status = live }}</ref> as [[successor state]]s to the recently dissolved SFRY.
[[File:FRYugoMap2k.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|right|A map of [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Serbia and Montenegro]] from the 2000 edition of ''The World Factbook''.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA World Factbook 2000 – Country Maps (mirror) |year= 2000 | url = http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/cia00/serbia_montenegro_sm00.jpg | access-date = 2007-02-06 }}</ref> Notice how the disclaimer is printed in the upper right hand corner. One can see how the capital cities of both republics are individually labeled on the map.]]
 
These views were made clear in a disclaimer printed in the ''Factbook'': "Serbia and Montenegro have asserted the formation of a joint independent state, but this entity has not been recognized as a state by the United States."<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook 1999 – Serbia and Montenegro |year= 1999 | url = http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/sr.html#intro | access-date = 2010-10-17 | quote = Serbia and Montenegro have asserted the formation of a joint independent state, but this entity has not been formally recognized as a state by the US. The US view is that the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) has dissolved and that none of the successor republics represents its continuation. |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19991109042835/http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/sr.html#intro |archive-date = 1999-11-09}}</ref> Montenegro and Serbia were treated separately in the ''Factbook'' data, as can be seen on the map.<ref>For an example, see the profile for the FRY in the [https://web.archive.org/web/19991109042835/http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/sr.html 1999 World Factbook].</ref> In October 2000, [[Slobodan Milošević]] was [[5th October (Serbia)|forced out of office]] after a disputed election.<ref>{{cite news
|author = Staff reporter
|title = Kostunica sworn in as president of Yugoslavia
|url = http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2000/yugoslavia/story/overview/
|publisher = CNN
|date = 2000-10-07
|access-date = 2006-10-30
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060922181312/http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2000/yugoslavia/story/overview/ |archive-date = September 22, 2006}}</ref> This event led to democratic elections and U.S. diplomatic recognition. The 2001 edition of the ''Factbook'' thus referred to the state as ''Yugoslavia''.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook – Notes and Definitions |year= 2001 | url = http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/docs/notes.html | access-date = 2010-10-17 | quote = The entity of Serbia and Montenegro is now officially known as Yugoslavia. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803221944/http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/docs/notes.html |archive-date=2002-08-03}}</ref> On March 14, 2002, an agreement was signed to transform the FRY into a loose state union called [[Serbia and Montenegro]];<ref>{{cite news
|author = Staff reporter
|title = Yugoslav partners sign historic deal
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1872070.stm
|work = BBC News
|date = 2002-03-14
|access-date = 2006-10-30
|quote = Serbia and Montenegro have signed an accord which will consign the name Yugoslavia to history and shelve any immediate plans for Montenegrin independence.
|archive-date = 2009-01-07
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090107000017/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1872070.stm
|url-status = live
}}</ref> it took effect on February 4, 2003.<ref>{{cite news
|author = Staff reporter
|title = Yugoslavia consigned to history
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2724047.stm
|work = BBC News
|date = 2003-02-04
|access-date = 2006-11-17
|quote = From now on it will be called just Serbia and Montenegro—the two remaining republics joined in a loose union.
|archive-date = 2022-11-08
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221108060047/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2724047.stm
|url-status = live
}}</ref> The name of the Yugoslavia entity was altered in the ''Factbook'' the month after the change.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook 2002: What's new |date= 2003-03-19 | url = http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html | access-date = 2010-10-17 | quote = Yugoslavia has been renamed Serbia and Montenegro as of 4 February 2003. |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030408232850/http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html |archive-date = 2003-04-08}}</ref>
 
==== Kosovo ====
On February 28, 2008, the CIA added an entry for [[Kosovo]], which [[2008 Kosovo declaration of independence|declared independence]] on February 17 of the same year.<ref>{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = The World Factbook – Kosovo | date = 2008-02-28 | url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kosovo/ | access-date = 2008-02-29 | archive-date = 2021-02-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210204144331/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kosovo/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Before this, Kosovo was excluded in the ''Factbook'' as it is [[Political status of Kosovo|the subject of a territorial dispute]].<ref name="notin"/>
 
==== East Timor/Timor-Leste ====
On July 19, 2007, the entry for [[East Timor]] was renamed ''Timor-Leste'' following a decision of the [[United States Board on Geographic Names]] (BGN).<ref name="bgn">{{cite web | author = Directorate of Intelligence | title = CIA – The World Factbook 2007: What's New | date= 2007-07-19 | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070607060922/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 7, 2007 | access-date = 2007-07-20 | quote = The US Board on Geographic Names (BGN) now recognizes Timor-Leste as the short form name for East Timor* * * }}</ref>
 
=== Factual ===
In June 2009, US [[National Public Radio]] (NPR), relying on information obtained from ''The World Factbook'', put the number of [[Israeli Jews]] living in [[Israeli settlement|settlements]] in the [[West Bank]] and [[Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem|Israeli-annexed]] [[East Jerusalem]] at 250,000. However, a better estimate, based on the [[United States Department of State|State Department]] and Israeli sources put the figure at about 500,000. NPR then issued a correction. Chuck Holmes, foreign editor for NPR Digital, said, "I'm surprised and displeased, and it makes me wonder what other information is out-of-date or incorrect in the CIA ''World Factbook''."<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/ombudsman/2010/06/01/127349281/cia-gets-the-numbers-wrong
|title=NPR Ombudsman CIA get numbers wrong on Jewish Settlers
|author=Alicia Shepard
|date=2 June 2010
|publisher=National Public Radio
|access-date=30 October 2010
|archive-date=13 November 2010
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113141920/http://www.npr.org/blogs/ombudsman/2010/06/01/127349281/cia-gets-the-numbers-wrong
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
 
The Factbook currently states that only four percent of [[Botswana]] are practitioners of the indigenous [[Badimo]] religion,<ref>{{Citation |title=Botswana |date=2023-01-19 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/botswana/ |work=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |language=en |access-date=2023-01-26 |archive-date=2021-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412232755/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/botswana |url-status=live }}</ref> in reality a great majority of Botswana follow at least some of the traditions deemed ''Badimo.''<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dube |first=Musa W. |date=July 1999 |title=Consuming a Colonial Cultural Bomb: Translating Badimo Into 'Demons' in the Setswana Bible (Matthew 8.28–34; 15.22; 10.8) |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0142064X9902107303 |journal=[[Journal for the Study of the New Testament]] |language=en |volume=21 |issue=73 |pages=33–58 |doi=10.1177/0142064X9902107303 |s2cid=162928204 |issn=0142-064X |access-date=2023-01-26 |archive-date=2023-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126222235/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0142064X9902107303 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
 
[[Scholars]] have acknowledged that some entries in the ''Factbook'' are out of date.<ref>Richard Collin & Pamela L. Martin. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=-vSlx-_Z408C&pg=PA41 An Introduction to World Politics: Conflict and Consensus on a Small Planet]'' (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013), p. 41.</ref>
 
==== Inclusion of metric countries ====
 
The government's own [[National Institute of Standards and Technology]] (NIST) contradicts the CIA's Factbook website, stating that three countries have "not adopted" the [[metric system]] is incorrect.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Weights and Measures - The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/references/weights-and-measures/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.cia.gov}}</ref> At the time a better term would have been "not committed", however this is not the case anymore as of 2023 all countries listed are committed to adopting the metric system including the US.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-28 |title=U.S. Metrication Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |url=https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-si/us-metrication-frequently-asked-questions-faqs |publisher=NIST |language=en |quote=The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Factbook is one of the often cited sources of the U.S./Liberia/Burma metric myth. The first unclassified version of the CIA Factbook was published around the same time the U.S. Metric Study. It's likely that the original list of “uncommitted” countries was incorporated, then edited as countries adopted mandatory metric laws. Over the years, many web resources have quoted the CIA Factbook, perpetuating the metric myth and elevating the map to a pop culture meme. }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Benham |first=Elizabeth |date=2020-10-06 |title=Busting Myths about the Metric System |url=https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/busting-myths-about-metric-system |publisher=NIST |language=en}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 225: Line 128:
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{CIA World Factbook}}
* {{CIA World Factbook}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Shores |first=Mark |date=2016-05-16 |title=Countries of the world: free and subscription information sources |url=http://www.emerald.com/rr/article/30/4/1-5/339570 |journal=[[Reference Reviews]] |language=en |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=1–5 |doi=10.1108/RR-06-2015-0162 |issn=0950-4125 |url-access=subscription}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


Line 240: Line 144:


=== The ''Factbook'' by year ===
=== The ''Factbook'' by year ===
*https://web.archive.org/web/20070612212614/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/xx.html
*[[Wayback Machine]] archives of the [https://web.archive.org/web/20070612212614/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/xx.html CIA-hosted ''Factbook''] (2007{{en-dash}}2017)
* [http://www.theodora.com/wfb Countries of the World – 36 years of the ''CIA World Factbook'']: (1982–2019)
* [http://www.theodora.com/wfb Countries of the World – 36 years of the ''CIA World Factbook''] (1982–2019)
* Previous editions of ''The World Factbook'' from the [[University of Missouri–St. Louis]] archive:
 
:[http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/index.html 1992] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611065638/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/index.html |date=June 11, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact93/index.html 1993] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705202935/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact93/index.html |date=July 5, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact94/index.html 1994] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709010349/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact94/index.html |date=July 9, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact95/index.html 1995] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620021514/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact95/index.html |date=June 20, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact96/index.html 1996] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001000410/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact96/index.html |date=October 1, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact97/index.html 1997] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719162227/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact97/index.html |date=July 19, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact98/index.html 1998] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001000420/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact98/index.html |date=October 1, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/index.html 1999] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001000430/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/index.html |date=October 1, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2000/index.html 2000], [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2001/index.html 2001] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615214401/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2001/index.html |date=June 15, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2002/index.html 2002] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526104901/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2002/index.html |date=May 26, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2003/index.html 2003] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615214416/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2003/index.html |date=June 15, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2004/index.html 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615214426/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2004/index.html |date=June 15, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2005/index.html 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513112327/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2005/index.html |date=May 13, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2006/index.html 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323101955/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2006/index.html |date=March 23, 2022 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/index.html 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612084300/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/index.html |date=June 12, 2008 }}, [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2008/index.html 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120805191139/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2008/index.html |date=August 5, 2012 }}
{| class="wikitable"
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110511092520/http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/1991/world91b.txt 1991 ''CIA World Factbook'']
! Original (Year) !! Archive (Date)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110511092539/http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/1990/world12.txt 1990 ''CIA World Factbook'']
|-
* [http://www.theodora.com/wfb1989/ 1989 ''CIA World Factbook'']
! colspan="2" | [[University of Missouri–St. Louis]]
* [http://www.geographic.org/wfb1987/ 1987 ''CIA World Factbook'']
|-
* [http://www.allcountries.org/wfb1986/ 1986 ''CIA World Factbook'']
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/index.html 1992] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080611065638/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact92/index.html June 11, 2008]
* [http://www.geographic.org/wfb1985/ 1985 ''CIA World Factbook'']
|-
* [http://www.workmall.com/wfb1984/ 1984 ''CIA World Factbook'']
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact93/index.html 1993] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080705202935/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact93/index.html July 5, 2008]
* [http://www.geographic.org/wfb1982/ 1982 ''CIA World Factbook'']
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact94/index.html 1994] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080709010349/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact94/index.html July 9, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact95/index.html 1995] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080620021514/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact95/index.html June 20, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact96/index.html 1996] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20081001000410/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact96/index.html October 1, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact97/index.html 1997] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080719162227/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact97/index.html July 19, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact98/index.html 1998] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20081001000420/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact98/index.html October 1, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/index.html 1999] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20081001000430/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/index.html October 1, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2000/index.html 2000] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080627160805/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2000/index.html June 27, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2001/index.html 2001] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080615214401/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2001/index.html June 15, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2002/index.html 2002] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080526104901/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2002/index.html May 26, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2003/index.html 2003] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080615214416/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2003/index.html June 15, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2004/index.html 2004] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080615214426/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2004/index.html June 15, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2005/index.html 2005] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080513112327/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2005/index.html May 13, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2006/index.html 2006] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20220323101955/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2006/index.html March 23, 2022]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/index.html 2007] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20080612084300/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2007/index.html June 12, 2008]
|-
| [http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2008/index.html 2008] || [https://archive.today/20120805191139/http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2008/index.html August 5, 2012]
|-
! colspan="2" | GPO Permanent Access
|-
| [http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/1991/world91b.txt 1991] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20110511092520/http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/1991/world91b.txt May 11, 2011]
|-
| [http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/1990/world12.txt 1990] || [https://web.archive.org/web/20110511092539/http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/1990/world12.txt May 11, 2011]
|-
! colspan="2" | Theodora.com
|-
| [http://www.theodora.com/wfb1989/ 1989] || —
|-
! colspan="2" | Geographic.org
|-
| [http://www.geographic.org/wfb1987/ 1987] || —
|-
| [http://www.geographic.org/wfb1985/ 1985] || —
|-
| [http://www.geographic.org/wfb1982/ 1982] || —
|-
! colspan="2" | AllCountries.org
|-
| [http://www.allcountries.org/wfb1986/ 1986] || —
|-
! colspan="2" | WorkMall.com
|-
| [http://www.workmall.com/wfb1984/ 1984] || —
|}


{{Serial almanacs, factbooks, and yearbooks about world and country news, facts, and statistics}}
{{Serial almanacs, factbooks, and yearbooks about world and country news, facts, and statistics}}
Line 263: Line 223:
[[Category:Publications established in 1962]]
[[Category:Publications established in 1962]]
[[Category:Reference works in the public domain]]
[[Category:Reference works in the public domain]]
[[Category:Internet properties disestablished in 2026]]
[[Category:Publications disestablished in 2026]]
[[Category:2026 disestablishments in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 18:44, 25 March 2026

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Distinguish". Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Wikidata image

The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook,[1] was a reference resource produced by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the Government Publishing Office. The Factbook was also available via a website, and could be downloaded. It provided a two- to three-page summary of the demographics, geography, communications, government, economy, and military of 258 international entities,[2] including U.S.-recognized countries, dependencies, and other areas in the world.

The World Factbook was prepared by the CIA for the use of U.S. government officials, and its style, format, coverage, and content are primarily designed to meet their requirements.[3] As a work of the U.S. government, it was in the public domain in the United States. It was frequently used as a resource for academic research papers and news articles.[4]

On February 4, 2026, following the restriction and closure since 2024 of other government-funded information websites, the CIA announced, with no warning and no explanation, that The World Factbook was discontinued. It has been archived by The Mozilla Data Collective and the Factbook Archive.[5][6]

Data

File:WFB 2023.webp
Cover of the U.S. government print edition of The World Factbook (2023 edition)

Sources

In researching the Factbook, the CIA used the sources listed below, among other public and private sources.[3]

Structure

Information on the listed entities was provided in the following categories: "introduction or background, geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues."[7]

Copyright

File:WFB Main Page.png
The World Factbook website as it appeared in January 2025

As a work of the U.S. government, the Factbook was in the public domain and could be redistributed in part or in whole without need for permission,[8][3] although the CIA requested that the Factbook be cited if used.[8] Copying the official seal of the CIA without permission is prohibited by the US federal Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 (Template:UnitedStatesCode).

Frequency of updates and availability

Before November 2001, The World Factbook website was updated yearly;[9] from 2004 to 2010 it was updated every two weeks;[9] From 2010 to 2026 it was updated weekly.[10] Generally, information available as of January 1 of the current year was used in preparing the Factbook.[11] Following efforts by CIA director John Ratcliffe to "end programs that don't advance the agency's core missions", the Factbook was discontinued on February 4, 2026,[12][13] with all pages made inaccessible.[14] No reason was given for the discontinuation.[13]

Government edition

The first classified edition of Factbook was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version in June 1971.[15] The World Factbook was first available to the public in print in 1975.[15] Until 2008 the CIA printed the Factbook; from then until its discontinuation it was printed by the Government Printing Office[16] following a CIA decision to "focus Factbook resources" on the online edition.[17] In 2017, the printed book was officially discontinued.[18] The Factbook was made available via the World Wide Web beginning October 1994,[19] receiving about six million visits per month in 2006;[4] it was also available for download.[20] The official printed version was sold[21] by the Government Printing Office and National Technical Information Service. In past years, the Factbook was available on CD-ROM,[22] microfiche,[23] magnetic tape,[23] and floppy disk.[23]

Reprints and older editions online

Many Internet sites use information and images from the CIA World Factbook.[24] Several publishers, including Grand River Books,[25] Potomac Books (formerly known as Brassey's Inc.),[26] and Skyhorse Publishing[27] have published the Factbook in recent years. Older editions since 2000 were available for download (but not browsing) from the Factbook website until 2026.[8][14]

Discontinuation

On February 4, 2026, the CIA announced, with no warning and no explanation[28][14] and refusing to comment on the record, that The World Factbook was discontinued.[14] All versions were removed from the CIA's website immediately, which was disruptive for academic users such as the Boston University Questrom School of Business which was using it for open-book tests.[28] The Mozilla Data Collective has since published a dataset that includes the 260 world entities listed in the Factbook, capturing "the final state of the public data (Jan 23, 2026) before the official website was retired."[5] There is also another website called "Factbook Archive" that contains the information of The World Factbook from 1990 to 2025.[6]

The news channel CNN linked the closure to restriction and closure since 2024 of other government-funded information websites, including closure of health sites, and restrictions on the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service.[14]

Entities listed

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

File:Map of the world by the US Gov as of 2016.svg
Map of the world published by the CIA World Factbook in 2016

since July 2011Template:Dated maintenance category (articles)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., The World Factbook comprised 266 entities,[2] which can be divided into the following categories:[29]

Independent countries
The CIA defines these as people "politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory."[29] In this category, there are 195 entities.
Others
Places set apart from the list of independent countries. There are two of these: Taiwan and the European Union.
Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty
Places affiliated with another country. They may be subcategorized by affiliated country:
Miscellaneous
Antarctica and places in dispute. There are six such entities.
Other entities
The World and the oceans. There are five oceans and the World (the World entry is intended as a summary of the other entries).[4]

Reception

Reference Reviews reviewed the online edition of The World Factbook in 2016, praising its "up-to-date facts and figures" through its weekly updates while expressing concern over its usability due to difficult content navigation and inadequate font sizes.Template:Sfn

The Factbook has been criticized for serving the interests of the United States by controlling how other countries are represented and for taking, at least in some cases, an ahistorical perspective.[7]

See also

Script error: No such module "Portal".

Alternative publications

References

Citations

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Miller, Jill Young. "CIA puts data on the internet." Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel 12 December 1994.
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

General and cited sources

<templatestyles src="Refbegin/styles.css" />

External links

Template:Sister project Template:Wikisource/outer coreScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Mobile versions of the Factbook

The Factbook by year

Original (Year) Archive (Date)
University of Missouri–St. Louis
1992 June 11, 2008
1993 July 5, 2008
1994 July 9, 2008
1995 June 20, 2008
1996 October 1, 2008
1997 July 19, 2008
1998 October 1, 2008
1999 October 1, 2008
2000 June 27, 2008
2001 June 15, 2008
2002 May 26, 2008
2003 June 15, 2008
2004 June 15, 2008
2005 May 13, 2008
2006 March 23, 2022
2007 June 12, 2008
2008 August 5, 2012
GPO Permanent Access
1991 May 11, 2011
1990 May 11, 2011
Theodora.com
1989 —
Geographic.org
1987 —
1985 —
1982 —
AllCountries.org
1986 —
WorkMall.com
1984 —

Template:Serial almanacs, factbooks, and yearbooks about world and country news, facts, and statistics Template:Authority control

Retrieved from "http://debianws.lexgopc.com/wiki143/index.php?title=The_World_Factbook&oldid=7509416"