The information on Wikipedia is created and curated by hundreds of thousands of volunteers around the world. Together, they compile and share information on notable subjects — citing reliable sources such as newspaper articles and peer-reviewed journals — according to the encyclopedia’s editorial policies and guidelines, which are also developed by volunteers.

Volunteers will discuss, debate, and often disagree until a shared consensus can be reached on what content to include on Wikipedia. A Universal Code of Conduct provides constructive guidelines and shared standards for these conversations.

The Wikimedia Foundation does not have an editorial role on Wikipedia.

Yes, anyone can edit and improve Wikipedia, as long as they learn how and uphold its policies. In fact, the more humans take part in Wikipedia, the better the internet’s knowledge becomes. We encourage Wikipedia readers to engage as editors and contribute to the mission of making free, reliable knowledge available for all. Visit this page to learn more and get started.  

Wikipedia has long-standing policies to ensure information is presented as accurately and impartially as possible. One of the oldest and most fundamental pillars of Wikipedia is that it must be written from a neutral point of view. This means that all encyclopedic content on Wikipedia must be attributed to a reliable source and presented fairly; proportionately; and, as far as possible, without editorial bias. Additionally, only encyclopedic content is allowed on Wikipedia. Personal experiences, opinions, or original research are not permitted.

Wikipedia is the only top 10 most-visited website that is run by a nonprofit, the Wikimedia Foundation. The majority of its funding comes from donations, averaging $11, from readers. It does not rely on advertising, subscription fees, or selling users’ personal data for funding. This helps protect its independence by limiting the influence of any single organization or individual on Wikipedia’s content. Learn more in our donations-focused FAQ.