Wikipedia: A Free Encyclopedia for the Global Community

In today's digital age, accessing breaking news and information has become increasingly important. One of the most popular sources of frequently updated information is Wikipedia, a free-content online encyclopedia that has been widely praised for its reliability and vast coverage.

Launched in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, Wikipedia was initially available only in English but quickly expanded to include editions in other languages. Today, it boasts over 62 million articles across various languages, attracting more than 2 billion unique device visits per month and receiving an astonishing 14 million edits each month.

Wikipedia's reliability has undergone significant improvements over the years, with many praising its ability to democratize knowledge and provide a platform for fact-checking. However, it has also faced criticism for exhibiting systemic bias, particularly against women and geographical regions in the Global South (Eurocentrism).

Despite these challenges, Wikipedia remains an essential online resource, ranking consistently among the top 10 most popular websites worldwide. According to Semrush, as of 2023, it ranks fourth on the list of most viewed websites globally.

Wikipedia's success can be attributed to its community of dedicated volunteers, known as Wikipedians, who work together using MediaWiki, a wiki-based editing system. The site is also dual-licensed under GFDL and media licensing varies, ensuring that content remains freely accessible to users worldwide.

In conclusion, Wikipedia has become an indispensable online resource for accessing breaking news and information. Its vast coverage, reliability, and ability to democratize knowledge make it an essential tool for the global community. With its impressive statistics and dedicated community of volunteers, Wikipedia is set to continue its reign as one of the most popular websites in the world.

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