[macinjosh]

The irony of an intelligence agency publishing a "fact book" in the first place is thick.

[stochtastic]

Why? It's an excellent recruiting tool. I used to read it as a kid (along with every other paper or digital encyclopedia I could get my hands on), and it certainly made me interested in the CIA.

[quietsegfault]

Why?

[regenschutz]

Because intelligence agencies generally have a vested interest in spreading subtle propaganda, such as by distorting facts.

Now, I have yet to see any cases of the CIA doing this to the World Factbook, since that would tank its credibility, but I also don't browse the Factbook too often.