CIA World Factbook

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   The World Factbook
Author Central Intelligence Agency
Language English
Publisher Central Intelligence Agency
Publication Date Annually


The CIA World Factbook is a comprehensive resource published annually by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States. It provides detailed information on the geography, population, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.

History[edit | edit source]

The World Factbook was first published in August 1962, and it has been updated annually since 1975. Originally intended for use by government officials, it has become a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and the general public.

Content[edit | edit source]

The Factbook provides a snapshot of each country's geopolitical status, including:

  • Geography: Information on location, climate, terrain, natural resources, and environmental issues.
  • Demographics: Data on population, age structure, birth and death rates, and migration.
  • Economy: Details on GDP, industries, labor force, and trade.
  • Government: Information on political structure, legal system, and international relations.
  • Military: Data on military expenditures, branches, and manpower.
  • Transnational issues: Information on international disputes, refugees, and trafficking.

Accessibility[edit | edit source]

The World Factbook is available online and can be accessed freely by the public. It is also available in print format, although the online version is updated more frequently.

Usage[edit | edit source]

The Factbook is widely used by students, educators, journalists, and researchers for its reliable and up-to-date information. It is often cited in academic papers, news articles, and reports.

Updates[edit | edit source]

The CIA updates the Factbook regularly to reflect changes in world events, political shifts, and new data. The online version is typically updated weekly.

External Links[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • Central Intelligence Agency. "The World Factbook." CIA.gov.
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