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The nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation provides the essential infrastructure for free knowledge. We host Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, created, edited, and verified by volunteers around the world, as well as many other vital community projects. All of which is made possible thanks to donations from individuals like you. We welcome anyone who shares our vision to join us in collecting and sharing knowledge that fully represents human diversity.

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Wikimedia projects belong to everyone

You made it. It is yours to use. For free. That means you can use it, adapt it, or share what you find on Wikimedia sites. Just do not write your own bio, or copy/paste it into your homework.

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We respect your data and privacy

We do not sell your email address or any of your personal information to third parties. More information about our privacy practices are available at the Wikimedia Foundation privacy policy, donor privacy policy, and data retention guidelines.

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People like you keep Wikipedia accurate

Readers verify the facts. Articles are collaboratively created and edited by a community of volunteers using reliable sources, so no single person or company owns a Wikipedia article. The Wikimedia Foundation does not write or edit, but you and everyone you know can help.

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Not all wikis are Wikimedia

The word “wiki” refers to a website built using collaborative editing software. Projects with no past or existing affiliation with Wikipedia or the Wikimedia Foundation, such as Wikileaks and wikiHow, also use the term. Although these sites also use “wiki” in their name, they have nothing to do with Wikimedia.

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We conduct our own research and partner with researchers worldwide to address change in society and technology.

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From site reliability to machine learning, our open-source technology makes Wikipedia faster, more reliable, and more accessible worldwide.

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We fight to protect everyone’s right to access free and open knowledge.

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Our volunteers build tools, share photos, write articles, and are working to connect all the knowledge that exists.

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Free encyclopedia written in 300 languages by volunteers around the world.

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See what we have been up to

2022 as you saw it on Wikipedia

It has been a long year dominated by news headline after news headline. The Russian government invaded Ukraine. Queen Elizabeth II died. Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. The World Cup. Everything surrounding Elon Musk. Wikipedia isn’t immune to that phenomenon. But in 2022, one particular English Wikipedia article captivated readers like you more than any….

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Experience some of the world’s most beautiful places with Wiki Loves Earth 2022

Think about that feeling you get when you are walking through pristine nature. Do you think it can be captured in a single photo?  The Wiki Loves Earth photography competition celebrates the world’s natural heritage, encompassing everything from small parks to massive nature reserves. It asks photographers to dive into those areas to pick out….

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Wikimedians are heroes of free knowledge.

Emily Temple-Wood at Wikimania 2014
Emily Temple-Wood
Editor since 2007, Wikimedia community
Sam Oye - Wiki Indaba 2017
Sam Oyeyele
Editor since 2011, Wikimedia community
Vitor Mazuco
Vitor Mazuco
Editor since 2009, Wikimedia community

Throughout history, knowledge has been controlled by a powerful few. Wikipedia needs knowledge from all languages and cultures. The internet has become the default for accessing information—women, people of color, and the global south remain underrepresented. We invite you to help correct history.

Help us unlock the world’s knowledge.

As a nonprofit, Wikipedia and our related free knowledge projects are powered primarily through donations.

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Photo credits

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Emily Temple-Wood at Wikimania 2014

Emily Temple-Wood at Wikimania 2014

Victor Grigas/Wikimedia Foundation

CC BY-SA 3.0

Sam Oye - Wiki Indaba 2017

Sam Oye - Wiki Indaba 2017

Zachary McCune/Wikimedia Foundation

CC BY-SA 4.0

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Wikimedia Conference 2017

Wikimedia Conference 2017

Jason Krüger/Wikimedia Deutschland e.V.

CC BY-SA 4.0