The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) announced that it will no longer publish a public intelligence resource.
The resource, called The World Factbook, garnered millions of views each year.” The original classified publication, titled The National Basic Intelligence Factbook, launched in 1962,” the CIA said in an announcement on the development. “The first unclassified companion version was issued in 1971. A decade later it was renamed The World Factbook.” The Factbook became digital in 1997.
Many of the Factbook’s photographs came from CIA agents during their travels.
“Though the World Factbook is gone, in the spirit of its global reach and legacy, we hope you will stay curious about the world and find ways to explore it … in person or virtually,” the CIA stated.
While the CIA did not offer a specific reason for shuttering the Factbook, reports speculate that it may stem from cutting staff.
In February 2025, the CIA extended buyout offers to its staff in an effort to realign the agency with President Trump’s national security priorities and agenda. The agency also implemented a hiring freeze at the time, reviewing job offers to ensure they aligned with the Trump administration.
“Director [John] Ratcliffe is moving swiftly to ensure the CIA workforce is responsive to the Administration’s national security priorities,” a spokesperson told NBC News last year. “These moves are part of a holistic strategy to infuse the Agency with renewed energy, provide opportunities for rising leaders to emerge, and better position the CIA to deliver on its mission.”
