Britannica is built from the rich knowledge of experts and innovators from around the world.
For over 250 years Encyclopædia Britannica has reimagined how the world discovers. Today, Britannica Group Inc. continues to be a global leader at the forefront of reference and education publishing. We have empowered the way the world teaches and learns, and we continue to pave the way for revolutionising knowledge and inquiry.
Introducing Britannica Beyond
A new question and answer discovery platform where our readers can learn, explore and wonder freely.
Learn moreProCon.org Joins Britannica
America’s leading source for nonpartisan information and research on today’s controversial issues.
Learn moreBritannica First Big Book of Why
A lavishly illustrated question and answer book providing explanations for over 100 questions.
Learn moreBritannica Children’s Encyclopedia
An amazing 424-page compendium of knowledge to satisfy all curious minds!
Learn moreMeet Merriam-Webster’s Puku!
Other pets eat your homework. This one helps you ace it. Puku is the award-winning app that makes words fun!
Learn more
Our Brands
Britannica is proud to house some of the original pioneers of knowledge, including Encyclopædia Britannica, Britannica Kids, Britannica Education and Merriam Webster.
Our Story
We have been the historians throughout the generations, documenting human potential in every discovery and innovation. We are proud of our history, from our origins in print to the trailblazing ideas that shaped us into who we are today.
Join us on our journey.
1768
1768
Founded in Edinburgh, Scotland
Created by two entrepreneurs, Colin Macfarquhar and Andrew Bell, and an editor, William Smellie.
1936
1936
A new Library Research Service engaged readers like never before
The Library Research Service was an all-female department created during the Depression.
The department received queries on every imaginable topic—from sex to the stock market. Each reader received a personalised report consisting of the latest research from the leading authorities of the day.
The service was so phenomenally popular that Britannica had to start limiting the questions per customer.
1964
1964
Britannica acquires G. & C. Merriam Company
Today, Merriam-Webster.com serves nearly 40 Million unique visitors per month.
1999
1999
Britannica’s consumer site Britannica.com is launched
Today, Britannica.com is our flagship consumer destination drawing more than 20 Million unique visitors monthly.
2001
2001
Britannica introduces dedicated websites for schools, universities and libraries
Today, Britannica Digital Learning is global provider of educational tools, serving more than 150 Million students worldwide.
2006
2006
Britannica launches subscription services for home users, schools and libraries
Digital revenue surpassed print revenue for the first time in our 200+ year history.
2010
2010
Last printing of 15th edition published
The 15th edition spanned 32 volumes 32,640 pages, 8,500 photographs, maps, flags, and illustrations in smaller “compact” volumes. It contained more than 65,000 articles written by scholars from across the world, including Nobel Prize winners.
In total, 7+ million sets of Encyclopaedia Britannica have been printed and sold in our 250 year history.
2016
2016
Encyclopaedia Britannica Kids launches branded children’s books at retail
2018
2018
YouTube joins forces with Britannica to provide easier access to credible and authoritative information
Encyclopaedia Britannica will provide custom, fact-checked information on certain historical and scientific topics that have been subject to misinformation, and YouTube will link to this information from Britannica in searches and below videos about these topics.
2019
2019
Named #1 Company to Watch
Britannica is named the #1 EdTech company to watch by EdTech Digest in March, 2019.
2019
2019
The UK’s first curriculum-focused content collaboration between a UK MAT and a trusted global publisher to support UK teachers
Curated by UK curriculum experts and instructional leaders around thematic units, LaunchPacks provides a structured framework for tenured, new and non-specialist teachers alike. With thoughtful curriculum resources, mapped to the new Inspection Framework, LaunchPacks reduces teacher workload, ensures every student has access to a progressive and balanced curriculum, and allows each teacher to meet requirements.
2020
2020
Britannica Books launches innovative and inspiring nonfiction books for kids
Britannica launches books designed to engage children’s natural curiosity and passion for learning.
2020
2020
Britannica partners with the Japanese ministry to create STEAM curriculum
Over the past 25 years, Ministries of Education (MOEs) around the world have turned to Encyclopædia Britannica to help them shape their country’s education vision and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
2020
2020
Britannica for Parents makes its debut
Britannica’s new website, just for parents, provides information, resources, and advice from trusted experts in child development and early education.