SPICA (Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics) is an astronomical mission optimized for mid- and far-infrared astronomy with a cryogenically cooled 3.5 m telescope. Its high spatial resolution and unprecedented sensitivity will enable us to address a number of key problems in present-day astronomy, ranging from the star-formation history of the universe to the formation of planets. To reduce the mass of the whole mission, SPICA will be launched at ambient temperature and cooled down on orbit by mechanical coolers on board with an efficient radiative cooling system, a combination of which allows us to have a 3.5-m class cooled (5 K) telescope in space with moderate total weight (3t). SPICA is proposed as a Japanese-led mission together with an extensive international collaboration. The assessment of the European participation to the SPICA project has started under the frame work of the ESA Cosmic Vision. US and Korean participations are also being discussed. The target year of the launch of SPICA is 2017. The details of the mission including the current status of the project and expected scientific outcomes will be presented.