The CIA World Factbook is an excellent starting point for basic information in a wide variety of fields: history, demographics, geography (both physical & human), economy, & many more. The Factbook covers not just countries, but transnational issues as well. The site is clearly organized; a user can click into large categories such as Countries, Maps, & References, & by scrolling down the home page, a user will find quick links to one-page country summaries & country comparisons. The Factbook is freely available and in the public domain. Finally, the site is regularly updated, so that the information is current.
The Factbook is listed on our A-Z Databases: https://libguides.geneseo.edu/az.php?a=w
Full link to the CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
