The Factbook delivers authoritative insight into the historical, demographic, governmental, economic, geographic, communicative, transportational, military, and international dynamics of 267 global entities.
Recent highlights
6 April 2017
A Caribbean nation often refers to itself as the "Gems of the Antilles." Its national flag bears three diamond shapes symbolizing this nickname. Can you name this country?
30 March 2017
Which country currently holds the highest life expectancy at birth? Explore "References > Guide to Country Comparisons > People and Society > Life Expectancy at Birth" to uncover the answer.
23 March 2017
An exclave is a territory politically part of a country but not physically connected to it. Angola has one such region, bordered by both Congos. Locate this northern province on the Political Africa map.
16 March 2017
Which ocean contains the Laccadive Sea? Appendix F: Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names provides the answer. Cross-check with regional maps for precise location.
9 March 2017
The “World” entry offers unique global insights including a list of the ten tallest mountains—each in Asia, spread across only four countries. Discover their names under "World > Geography > Elevation," and read the note for a surprising comparative.
2 March 2017
Can you list all 21 sovereign nations with coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea? Use the Africa, Europe, and Middle East regional maps under the References tab. Remember to include island nations.
23 February 2017
This island nation in South Asia has previously been known as Serendib and Ceylon. Can you identify it today? Refer to Appendix F for help.
13 February 2017
Consisting of 1,190 coral islands organized into 26 atolls, this country is the smallest in Asia by both area and population. Find the answer under "Guide to Country Comparisons > Geography > Area."
2 February 2017
Nearly every country on Earth belongs to an organization abbreviated UPU. What does it stand for? Look in Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups.
26 January 2017
Though compact, Denmark includes two significant island territories. Use the Europe political map to determine their identities.
13 January 2017
All country entries have received updated economic and energy statistics based on the most recent available data.
6 January 2017
Despite Indonesia’s thousands of islands, another northern country surpasses it in total coastline. Identify this leader by consulting the Political World map.
24 June 2016
Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea, lies on Bioko Island—surrounded by which ocean? Refer to Appendix F to confirm its geographical placement.
17 June 2016
Where can the Line Islands be found? Appendix F in the Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names provides the answer.
10 June 2016
This week’s featured sea, the Andaman, belongs to which oceanic system? Consult Appendix F for guidance.
3 June 2016
Only six countries border the smallest ocean—the Arctic. Can you name them all? Find the answer in the Arctic Ocean entry and corresponding map.
27 May 2016
The National Geographic Society’s Geography Bee uses The Factbook as a primary resource. This year’s U.S. finals featured 54 regional champions.
19 May 2016
Africa’s smallest country by area includes 155 islands—one of which, Mahe, hosts both the capital and the vast majority of the population. Identify it on the Africa map.
12 May 2016
Three of the ten largest islands are in Canada, and another three in Indonesia. Visit the World entry under "Area – comparative" for the full list.
6 May 2016
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) standardizes administrative geography. Find out which Central European country has the world’s most first-order divisions—212 in total.
29 April 2016
Which Southern African country, once called Bechuanaland, is home to a large portion of the Kalahari Desert? Use the Africa physical map and Appendix F for clues.
22 April 2016
Canada’s name traces to the Iroquoian word "kanata." Learn more about national name origins under "Government > Country name."
15 April 2016
The Milwaukee Deep is the Atlantic’s deepest trench. Which major Caribbean island lies just south of it?
8 April 2016
This Pacific island nation’s flag shows four stars for its key island groups. Formerly known as the Caroline Islands, what is its name today?
1 April 2016
Only one flag depicts a real building. It belongs to a Southeast Asian nation—find it in "Flags of the World."
17 March 2016
Which country currently claims the highest proven oil reserves? See the "Energy > Crude oil – proved reserves" section for details.
10 March 2016
Which is the least populous sovereign nation? It's also the smallest in area—find it under "World > Population."
25 February 2016
All countries now include subfields for mean and extreme elevations under the Geography category.
19 February 2016
Energy statistics have been extended to include 2015 data.
12 February 2016
Economic indicators have been updated with figures from 2015.
5 February 2016
What are the Norman Isles called today, and where are they? Consult Appendix F for clarification.
29 January 2016
WHO is a specialized UN agency. Discover its full name, founding date,
21 January 2016
Only two Western Hemisphere nations feature a diamond shape on their flags. Can you identify them via "Flags of the World"?
15 January 2016
A "Citizenship" field has been introduced to describe legal frameworks and dual nationality policies globally.
8 January 2016
How many nations claim portions of Antarctica? Find answers in the "Government > Government type" section of the Antarctica entry.
30 December 2015
Identify the African country with 96% desert terrain yet one of the highest continental populations. See "People and Society > Population."
17 December 2015
The youth unemployment field for ages 15–24 has been revised with updated figures.
10 December 2015
What is the length of one cable in fathoms? See Appendix G: Weights and Measures.
20 November 2015
Constitutional updates have been made to applicable countries in the Factbook.
13 November 2015
Estimates for displaced persons and migrants are now included for key European transit countries under "Transnational Issues."
6 November 2015
The Energy section reflects the latest figures across all entries.
30 October 2015
A chart on religious affiliations in the Middle East and North Africa is now accessible under "Religions" for 20 countries.
22 October 2015
Maritime piracy remains a concern, especially off West Africa, the Straits of Malacca, and the South China Sea. Relevant updates can be found under "Transportation note."
16 October 2015
Which Polynesian country uses ".tv" as its domain? Check Appendix D under countries beginning with "T."
9 October 2015
The Standard Time Zones map has been revised. View it under "Regional and World Maps."
2 October 2015
Identify the brackish water body in northern South America often referred to as a lake. It is the largest of its kind on the continent.
25 September 2015
Area comparison maps are now available for around half the world’s countries. Find them in "Geography > Area – comparative."
18 September 2015
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) marks its 125th anniversary. All geographic names in the Factbook follow BGN standards.
11 September 2015
Updated fields include HIV/AIDS, clean water access, and sanitation coverage.
2 September 2015
Expanded entries in the Executive Branch now include detailed descriptions of election and appointment processes, as well as political affiliations.
27 August 2015
On 15 August 2015, North Korea adjusted its time zone. Compare this with South Korea’s by reviewing their respective "Capital" entries.
20 August 2015
The "Railways" entry now includes data by gauge and total track length for applicable countries.
13 August 2015
Urban population statistics have been refreshed, including major city demographics.
7 August 2015
Communication statistics—fixed lines, cellular phones, and internet usage—have been updated with the latest figures.
31 July 2015
Besides the U.S., which three Pacific Island nations use the U.S. dollar as their official currency? They were once UN Trust Territories.
24 July 2015
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprises four countries operating closely with the EU single market. Find the list in Appendix B.
17 July 2015
Demographic fields—life expectancy, fertility, growth rate, and migration—have all been updated.
10 July 2015
How many emirates make up the United Arab Emirates? Find the answer under "Government > Administrative divisions."
2 July 2015
Which nation is the northernmost on Earth—Denmark, Canada, Russia, or Norway? The Arctic Region map has the answer.
26 June 2015
Identify the seven Central American countries located between Mexico and Colombia. Most border both the Pacific and Caribbean.
19 June 2015
Several education and health indicators have received fresh data.
12 June 2015
"Land use" entries have been refined to detail agricultural, forested, and miscellaneous land, with deeper categorization for croplands and pastures.
29 May 2015
Three nations beginning with "T" feature red and white in their flags. Can you name them?
22 May 2015
Economic and energy data reflect recent updates. As of 2014, China overtook the U.S. as the largest economy by PPP.
15 May 2015
"National symbols" now includes each country’s national colors, some of which differ from those on the flag.
8 May 2015
Refugee and internally displaced persons statistics have been significantly revised to reflect recent crises.
30 April 2015
A comprehensive update to the "Legislative branch" field introduces a new subentry: structure, name, member terms, and voting systems.
21 April 2015
The Factbook relaunched with a redesigned logo featuring an eagle with a monocle—emphasizing scholarship and global awareness.
13 April 2015
Border length data have been revised globally, listing both total and bilateral border metrics.
15 August 2014 – 3 April 2014
Various entries covering country names, major rivers, flags, Top Ten lists, national anthems, former country names, major islands, and map expansions were updated or adde