The CIA has announced the discontinuation of The World Factbook, a widely used resource for global information. This reference guide, which has been available since its unclassified release in 1971, has served as a vital tool for understanding countries and communities around the world.
Initially published in 1962 as The National Basic Intelligence Factbook, the publication transitioned to a digital format on the CIA's website in 1997. The agency's recent decision comes amid significant job cuts and buyouts affecting the federal workforce as of 2025, suggesting that public-facing resources may no longer align with its priorities.
Details regarding the reasons for the closure have not been disclosed in the announcement. The end of this service marks a notable change in the availability of governmental informational resources.