On January 15, 2026, Wikipedia marks its historic 25th anniversary since its launch in 2001 by founders Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. What began as a simple side project to Nupedia—using open wiki software that allowed anyone to edit—has transformed into an unparalleled repository of human knowledge. The idea of collaborative, volunteer-driven content seemed ambitious, if not impossible, at the time, yet it quickly gained momentum as the internet embraced open sharing.

Over the past quarter-century, Wikipedia has grown exponentially. Starting with just a handful of pages, the English edition now boasts over 7 million articles, while the entire platform spans more than 66 million articles across 300+ languages. Millions of dedicated volunteers worldwide have contributed billions of edits, ensuring accuracy through strict policies on verifiability, neutrality, and reliable sourcing. This collective effort has made Wikipedia a trusted resource for students, journalists, researchers, and everyday curious minds, attracting billions of views monthly.

The journey has not been without challenges. Wikipedia has navigated issues like vandalism, edit wars, biases, and evolving debates over neutrality in a digital age dominated by misinformation and AI tools. Yet, its commitment to being human-powered and ad-free has endured, supported by the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation and generous donations. Recent initiatives, including new AI licensing partnerships, highlight its ongoing relevance even as technology advances.

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As celebrations unfold with virtual events, docuseries spotlighting editors, and global meetups, Wikipedia reflects on 25 years of collaboration at its best. It stands as a testament to what humanity can achieve when knowledge is freely shared, inviting everyone to contribute to the next chapter of this remarkable story. Here’s to many more years of open, accessible information for all.

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