CIA ends publication of its popular World Factbook reference tool
February 4, 2026
The CIA is ending the publication of its popular World Factbook reference manual. The agency announced the decision Wednesday but gave no reason for it. It comes as CIA Director John Ratcliffe has promised to return the agency’s focus to its core missions. First launched more than 60 years ago as a classified reference manual for CIA officers, the Factbook went on to be a reference manual cited by journalists, trivia experts and college essayists alike. A message seeking comment from the CIA about the decision to end publication of the Factbook was not immediately returned.