There are five fundamental principles that have guided the work of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation since its beginning. These pillars are more than words on a page; they are the guiding principles that have informed how and why Wikipedia grows and develops. Each one is a window into the ideals and inspiration that have made Wikipedia the largest source of shared knowledge in human history.

This Annual Report celebrates these pillars, which guide the Wikimedia movement and more than 125 language editions of Wikipedia. The pillars reflect the collaborative spirit that motivates people to contribute to the 13 Wikimedia free knowledge projects that bring information to millions of users every day.

We reflect on this year with pride and we think you will, too. Wikimedia’s global movement community — volunteer editors, generous donors, dedicated staff, and countless others who contribute their time and resources — went out of their way to support our mission. 

Our vision is that every single person on the planet has free access to the sum of all human knowledge. Wikipedia’s pillars are a practical guide to how we achieve that goal.

Help us unlock the world’s knowledge.

As a nonprofit, Wikipedia and our related free knowledge projects are powered primarily through donations.

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