Central Intelligence Agency

The Central Intelligence Agency (abbreviated CIA) is an intelligence-gathering agency of the United States of America. As America's primary intelligence agency, it is responsible for keeping the government informed of foreign threats to national security or national interests. Charged with coordinating all U.S. intelligence activities by the National Security Council, the director and deputy director of the CIA are appointed by the president with the consent of the Senate.

In 1993, an elite branch called the Counter Terrorist Unit was created to investigate and prevent domestic and foreign terrorist attacks within American borders.

Langley is a term often used to refer to the CIA. This is in reference to the CIA's headquarters being located in Langley, Virginia.