Bureau of International Information Programs

The US Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs (also called IIP) describes itself as follows:

Among other things, IIP operates the America.gov website to deliver "information about current U.S. foreign policy and about American life and culture.". America.gov is the successor to the USINFO website, although some languages are still available only on USINFO.

The Bureau prides itself on using cutting-edge technology and strategic alliances to improve its effectiveness. The Bureau's products and services--including web sites and other internet services, electronic journals, speaker programs, print publications, and CD-ROMs--uniquely are designed to support the State Department's initiatives, as well as those of other U.S. foreign policy organizations. It also manages Information Resource Centers overseas and offers reference specialists based in Washington, DC, to answer specialized information queries from abroad. The IIP was created from elements of the U.S. Information Agency when it merged with the Department of State on October 1, 1999. It is headed by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State For International Information Programs; Michael S. Doran has been nominated to fill the now-vacant office.