The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a key agency of the United States government responsible for gathering and analyzing information about foreign governments, organizations, and individuals. Its main goal is to help protect national security by providing intelligence to policymakers. The CIA operates both openly and covertly, using various methods to collect data, including human sources and advanced technology. Founded in 1947, the CIA plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. It works closely with other agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Security Agency (NSA), to ensure a comprehensive approach to national security and intelligence.