Feb 6, 2026, 10:51 amFeb 6, 2026, 10:52 am
The CIA has discontinued its popular World Factbook after more than 60 years. The reference work that was last available online is no longer available on the Internet.
The US foreign intelligence service did not provide an explanation for this. The page simply says: “Although the World Fact Book no longer exists, in the spirit of its global reach and legacy, we hope you will remain curious about the world and find ways to explore it… in person or virtually.”
US media speculate that the hiring has to do with the austerity measures announced by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The work, first published in 1962 – at that time only intended for members of the government, secret service agents and military personnel – was considered a reliable source of information on countries, history, geography and statistical data. In 1971, a version accessible to all was published, and in 1997 the Factbook went online and has since been used by millions of people on the Internet. It was also an important reference work for pupils, students and lecturers.
Journalists also used the factbook. Lizzie Jury, head of the research team at US broadcaster CNN, said the work was “the gold standard for country statistics”. “This makes something that was easily and quickly accessible more difficult for everyone.” (hkl/sda/dpa)