The world in
What happened in 2002?
13 events across 5 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
- Introduction of the euro currency
In 2002, the euro was officially introduced as the common currency of the European Union, becoming legal tender in 21 member states. This marked the culmination of the Economic and Monetary Union, replacing national currencies to foster economic integration and financial stability. The launch of the euro area was a milestone in post-war European integration with far-reaching implications for the global monetary system.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Founding of the International Criminal Court
In 2002, the International Criminal Court was established under the Rome Statute in The Hague, Netherlands. It is the first permanent international court empowered to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression, complementing national justice systems.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Second Chechen War
The Second Chechen War was an armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Chechen separatists, lasting from August 1999 to April 2009. Following its defeat in the first war, Russia regained control over Chechnya. The conflict involved major combat and prolonged counterinsurgency operations.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape FormationThe Salzkammergut is a resort and cultural landscape area in Austria, spanning Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria, stretching from near Salzburg eastward to the Dachstein Mountains. Its history is closely tied to salt mining, with its German name meaning 'Estate of the Salt Chamber', reflecting the administration of imperial salt mines under the Habsburg Empire. The main river is the Traun, a tributary of the Danube, and the region is known for its Alpine lakes and scenic beauty. It was designated a World Heritage site at a later date.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Michael Gredenberg (= User Mike@inode.at ) / CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗
Establishment of Slovak Karst National ParkSlovak Karst National Park was established on 1 March 2002 in the Slovak Karst mountain range in southeastern Slovakia, covering parts of districts such as Rožňava. The park covers an area of about 346 km² with a buffer zone. Some caves within the park were later designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Martin Hlauka (Pescan) 18:09, 2 August 2005 (UTC) / Attribution ↗
Sub-Saharan Africa
- Outbreak of the Second Congo War
On 2 August 1998, the Second Congo War began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo when President Laurent-Désiré Kabila turned against his former allies, Rwanda and Uganda. The conflict expanded as Kabila rallied a coalition of other countries to his defense, eventually drawing in nine African nations and approximately 25 armed groups, making it one of Africa's largest wars.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Establishment of the African Union
In 2002, the African Union was launched in Durban, South Africa, replacing the Organisation of African Unity, with the aim of promoting democracy, human rights, and economic integration across the continent.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Establishment of Ivindo National ParkIn 2002, Gabonese President Omar Bongo announced the creation of Ivindo National Park at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg. Located in east-central Gabon, straddling the Ogooué-Ivindo and Ogooué-Lolo provinces, the park covers about 3,000 km². It is renowned for the Kongou and Mingouli waterfalls on the Ivindo River and includes the Ipassa Makokou Biosphere Reserve.
SourcesUNESCO World Heritage listing ↗Wikipedia ↗Image: Jefe Le Gran / CC BY 2.0 ↗
Establishment of Lopé National ParkLopé National Park was established in 2002 in central Gabon, covering approximately 4,912 km² between the Ogooué River and the Chaillu Massif, renowned for its forest and cultural heritage.
North America
- War on Terror begins
The United States launched the global War on Terror in 2001, following the September 11 attacks, a military campaign spanning multiple theaters.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Founding of SpaceX
American entrepreneur Elon Musk founded Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) in 2002, aiming to reduce space transportation costs and eventually colonize Mars.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
West Asia
House-Museum of Leopold and Mstislav Rostropovich Established in BakuA memorial museum in Baku, Azerbaijan, dedicated to the Rostropovich family, who lived there from 1925 to 1931. It is housed in their former residence and commemorates the cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and his father Leopold.
South Asia
- 2002 Bali bombings
On 12 October 2002, a series of terrorist attacks struck the tourist district of Kuta in Bali, Indonesia, killing 202 people and injuring 209. It became the deadliest terrorist act in Indonesian history, profoundly impacting local tourism and international counterterrorism efforts.
SourcesWikipedia ↗