The World Factbook

The World Factbook provides basic intelligence on the history, people, government, economy, energy, geography, environment, communications, transportation, military, terrorism, and transnational issues for 266 world entities.

Travel the globe with CIA’s World Factbook.

Edition: June 8, 2023

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What's New

The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan recently announced that Japan included some 100,000 islands and islets, 14,125 of which had a circumference of at least 100 m (330 ft) and were officially counted. This number was more than twice the 6,852 that were announced by the Japan Coast Guard in 1987. Advances in surveying technology and the detailed representation of topographic features through digital mapping allowed for the greater accuracy. Only about 260 of the islands are actually inhabited.

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Explore Countries

Explore All Countries

Part of a flag display in one of the buildings of the UN Office in Vienna.

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The World & Its Regions

World

Africa

Antarctica

Australia and Oceania

Central America and the Caribbean

Central Asia

East and Southeast Asia

Europe

Middle East

North America

South America

South Asia

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Oceans

Arctic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

Indian Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Southern Ocean

Travel more intelligently with The World Factbook Travel Facts. Here’s what you should know about each country before you go.

Pressed for time? Check out our one-page summaries for essential information on each country.

Every flag has a story. View flags of all the world’s countries and territories to learn the symbolism behind each design.