The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to policymakers and the president. The CIA has provided intelligence since its inception in 1947 and undertakes international covert operations. Because the CIA is restricted from acting domestically, it has an inherent international intelligence focus and is one of the most recognized intelligence agencies in the world. This entry describes the background and creation of the CIA as well as providing an outline of operations in which the agency has been involved. The entry also looks at the CIA’s current strategic operations.