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Trump administration shutters CIA World Factbook

newsApr 5, 2026

The Trump administration has taken the CIA World Factbook offline, ending free public access to the agency's country reference. The Factbook offered country profiles, maps, and vetted demographic and economic data for decades, used by students, journalists, and researchers. Its removal eliminates a centralized, authoritative source for basic country facts. Users must now rely on scattered alternatives, complicating research, reporting, and education.

Key Highlights

Trump administration took the CIA World Factbook offline, ending free public access.
The World Factbook provided vetted country profiles, maps, and demographic and economic data.
Students, journalists, and researchers lose a centralized, authoritative source for country facts.
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