Politics & World • Intelligence

Central Intelligence Agency

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the United States federal government.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the United States federal government. Created in 1947, it collects, analyzes, and disseminates foreign intelligence and may conduct covert action when authorized by the president and consistent with law.

History

The CIA was created in 1947 from the wartime Office of Strategic Services. Its establishment followed the National Security Act and reflected the post-World War II reorganization of U.S. intelligence.

Mission and functions

The CIA’s core role is to collect, evaluate, analyze, and disseminate foreign intelligence for U.S. national security decision-making. It also supports counterintelligence and may conduct covert action when authorized.

Organization and oversight

The CIA is a civilian agency within the U.S. executive branch and reports to the Director of National Intelligence. Its director leads the agency and coordinates with other elements of the intelligence community.

Headquarters and identity

The CIA is headquartered in Langley, an area of McLean, Virginia, at the George Bush Center for Intelligence. “Langley” is commonly used as a metonym for the agency.

Key facts

The CIA is the principal U.S. foreign intelligence and counterintelligence agency.
It is responsible for collecting and analyzing intelligence from outside the United States.
The agency does not have general law-enforcement powers or domestic policing authority.
It was established in 1947 under the National Security Act.
The CIA may carry out covert action at the direction of the president and in accordance with law.

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Canadian context

The CIA is relevant to Canada because it is a major U.S. intelligence agency that works on foreign intelligence issues affecting North American and global security, often alongside allied intelligence services.

Frequently asked questions

What does CIA stand for?

CIA stands for the Central Intelligence Agency.

When was the CIA created?

The CIA was created in 1947 under the National Security Act.

What does the CIA do?

It collects, analyzes, and disseminates foreign intelligence to support U.S. national security decisions.

Does the CIA work inside the United States?

The CIA’s mission is primarily foreign intelligence; it does not have general law-enforcement or domestic policing powers.

Where is CIA headquarters?

Its headquarters are in Langley, McLean, Virginia, in the George Bush Center for Intelligence.

Can the CIA conduct covert operations?

Yes. It may conduct covert action when authorized by the president and in accordance with applicable law.

References

Central Intelligence Agency — https://www.cia.gov/about/
Supports: Agency description, mission, and public role.
U.S. Intelligence Community — https://www.intelligence.gov/how-the-ic-works/our-organizations/cia
Supports: Creation date, reporting structure, and core responsibilities.
U.S. National Archives — https://www.archives.gov/research/intelligence/cia
Supports: Mission, independence from policymaking, and covert action authority.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Central-Intelligence-Agency
Supports: Historical context, origin from OSS, and general agency description.
Central Intelligence Agency — https://www.cia.gov/faqs/
Supports: Headquarters location, mission wording, and “Langley” usage.