Wikipedia, the largest and most popular online encyclopedia, is known for providing its readers with an extensive range of articles on a vast array of topics. With hundreds of thousands of articles written by contributors from around the world, Wikipedia’s collection of articles is truly diverse, and experts estimate that the total number of articles is continually growing every day. But, how many articles are there on Wikipedia? In this article, we will answer this question once and for all!
What is Wikipedia?
Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that allows anyone to edit and contribute content. The website was launched on January 15, 2001, by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. Since then, it has grown to become the largest and most comprehensive online encyclopedia, providing information on almost every topic under the sun.
The History of Wikipedia
The history of Wikipedia dates back to 2001 when the site was launched by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. Initially, the site was launched as an English-language encyclopedia, which offered a limited number of articles. However, since then, several other language versions of the site have been launched, and Wikipedia has become a global phenomenon.
The Growth of Wikipedia
With over 20 years of history, Wikipedia has grown to become an enormous online encyclopedia, and it continues to grow at a rapid rate. In 2001, Wikipedia had only a few thousand articles, but as of 2021, it features over 6 million articles across various languages. In addition to the main encyclopedia, Wikipedia also hosts several sister projects, including Wiktionary, Wikibooks, Wikinews, and Wikiquote.
How Many Articles Are There on Wikipedia?
Although there is no definitive answer to this question, according to the latest estimates, Wikipedia features over 6 million articles across various languages. However, it is important to note that the exact number of articles is constantly changing. New articles are added every day, while older articles may be deleted or merged with other articles. So, it is difficult to determine the exact number of articles that are available on Wikipedia at any given time.
The Most Popular Articles on Wikipedia
Although there are millions of articles on Wikipedia, some are more popular than others. According to a study conducted by the Wikimedia Foundation, some of the most popular articles on Wikipedia are:
- List of deaths by year
- United States
- India
- World War II
- COVID-19 pandemic
List of Deaths by Year
The list of deaths by year is one of the most popular articles on Wikipedia, with over 50 million pageviews per year. The article lists notable deaths that occurred in various years and includes information about the person’s profession, cause of death, and other relevant details.
United States
The article on the United States is another popular article on Wikipedia, with over 35 million pageviews per year. The article provides comprehensive information about the United States, including its history, government, geography, and culture.
India
The article on India is also popular on Wikipedia, with over 26 million pageviews per year. The article provides information about India’s history, geography, culture, and religion.
World War II
The article on World War II is one of the most popular articles on Wikipedia, with over 25 million pageviews per year. The article provides information about the events leading up to the war, the key battles, and the aftermath of the war.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The article on the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most popular articles on Wikipedia, with over 17 million pageviews per year. The article provides comprehensive information about the pandemic, including its origins, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
The Most Comprehensive Wikipedia Sites
While we’ve already established that Wikipedia has millions of articles on its website, did you know that some language versions have more articles than others? Here is a quick overview of some of the most comprehensive Wikipedia sites:
| Language | Number of Articles |
|---|---|
| English | 6,279,124 |
| Cebuano | 5,682,612 |
| Swedish | 3,769,697 |
| German | 2,578,161 |
| French | 2,272,750 |
English Language
The English-language version of Wikipedia is the largest version of Wikipedia, boasting over 6 million articles. It is the most comprehensive version of the site and caters to a global audience.
Cebuano Language
The Cebuano-language version of Wikipedia is the second-largest version of Wikipedia, with over 5 million articles. Cebuano is a language spoken in the Philippines, and the version of Wikipedia in this language covers a vast range of topics.
The Future of Wikipedia: Where is it Heading?
Wikipedia has come a long way since its inception in 2001. In the twenty years since its launch, it has grown to become the largest online encyclopedia in the world, with millions of articles on countless topics. But what does the future hold?
AI and Machine Learning
One of the ways in which Wikipedia is likely to evolve in the future is through the use of AI and machine learning. This technology could help to improve article quality and make it easier for contributors to create and edit content.
Increased Focus on Verifiability
Another area where Wikipedia is likely to evolve is in its focus on verifiability. With the rise of fake news and misinformation, Wikipedia is likely to place greater emphasis on ensuring that all information provided on the site is accurate and verifiable.
The Continued Growth of Wikipedia
Finally, Wikipedia is likely to continue to grow in the years to come. With millions of new articles being added every year and new language versions being launched, Wikipedia is an ever-expanding encyclopedia that shows no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
So, how many articles are there on Wikipedia? The answer is around 6 million, a number that is growing every day. Whether you are looking for information on a specific topic or just browsing for something new, Wikipedia has something for everyone. And, with the site continuing to grow and evolve, it is sure to remain the go-to source for information for years to come!
FAQs
- Q: What is the most popular article on Wikipedia?
A: The most popular article on Wikipedia is the list of deaths by year, with over 50 million pageviews per year. - Q: What is the second-largest version of Wikipedia?
A: The second-largest version of Wikipedia is the Cebuano-language version, with over 5 million articles. - Q: How many articles are there in the English version of Wikipedia?
A: There are over 6 million articles in the English version of Wikipedia. - Q: Will Wikipedia continue to grow?
A: Yes, Wikipedia is likely to continue to grow in the years to come.
References
1. “List of Wikipedias”. Wikimedia Foundation. https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wikipedias.
2. “Wikipedia”. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia.
3. “List of most-viewed online encyclopedias”. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most-viewed_online_encyclopedias.