The world in
What happened in 1996?
13 events across 7 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
- First Chechen War
From 1994 to 1996, war broke out in Chechnya between the Russian Federation and the separatist Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. It ended with a ceasefire agreement in 1996, after which Russian forces withdrew from Chechnya. About three years later, Russia invaded again, triggering the Second Chechen War.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Adoption of the WIPO Copyright Treaty
In 1996, the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization adopted the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) in Geneva. The treaty provides additional protections for copyright to address challenges posed by digital technology and information networks. It entered into force in 2002 and had 115 contracting parties by August 2023.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Siege of Sarajevo
From 5 April 1992 to 29 February 1996, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, endured a prolonged siege. The blockade began under the Yugoslav People's Army and was later maintained by the Army of Republika Srpska. It remains the longest siege of a capital in modern warfare.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
South Asia
- Founding of the National University of Laos
The National University of Laos was established in Vientiane between 1995 and 1996, consolidating departments from several existing colleges. It became the sole national university and the country's primary institution of higher education, serving both domestic and international students.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Establishment of Ta Phraya National Park
In 1996, Thailand established Ta Phraya National Park in the eastern border region of Sa Kaeo and Buriram provinces. Covering about 594 square kilometres, it lies where the Sankamphaeng and Dangrek ranges meet, becoming the 82nd national park. It later formed part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Central Asian steppe
- L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is a Kazakh national research university, the largest higher education institution in Astana.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Volcanoes of Kamchatka Designated as World Heritage Site
The Volcanoes of Kamchatka were inscribed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, the property includes a number of volcanoes and is noted for its outstanding volcanic and geological features.
Sub-Saharan Africa
- African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Opened for Signature
On April 11, 1996, the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba) was opened for signature in Cairo, aiming to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Africa. It entered into force on July 15, 2009, after the 28th ratification, marking a significant step toward denuclearization of the continent with lasting implications for regional security.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- First Congo War
From 1996 to 1997, a civil war in Zaire resulted in the overthrow of President Mobutu by rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda, with rebel leader Kabila declaring himself president and restoring the country's name to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Oceania
- Establishment of Willi Willi National Park
Willi Willi National Park was established in 1996 in the North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. Covering about 29,000 hectares, the park is situated roughly 325 kilometres northeast of Sydney and serves to protect the local natural environment.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Establishment of Mole Creek Karst National Park
Australia established Mole Creek Karst National Park in northern Tasmania, on the slopes of the Great Western Tiers east of the town of Mole Creek, about 168 km northwest of Hobart. It is the only Tasmanian national park created specifically to protect karst landforms. The park later became part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Site.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
West Asia
- South Lebanon conflict erupts
The South Lebanon conflict erupted in 1985, with Israel and its allied South Lebanon Army fighting Hezbollah-led forces in Israeli-occupied southern Lebanon. Seen as an extension of the Lebanese Civil War, the conflict persisted until Israel's withdrawal in 2000.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Central & South America
- Niterói Contemporary Art Museum Completed
The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum was completed in 1996 in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, becoming one of the city's main landmarks.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Around 1996
These are known only to the century, not to the year. They are listed separately so a rough date is never mistaken for an exact one.
- Beginning of the Digital Revolution
- Establishment of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
- Construction of Grimeton Longwave Radio Station
- Construction of the Trans-Iranian Railway begins
- Construction of the 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright Begins
- Construction of the Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in 'The Centre of Heaven and Earth'
- Establishment of the Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
- Designation of the Maotianshan Shales member and type section