The world in
What happened in 2013?
9 events across 7 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
- 2013 papal conclave
On 12–13 March 2013, the Catholic Church convened a papal conclave in Vatican City to elect a successor to Benedict XVI, who had resigned. After five ballots, the cardinal electors chose Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, who took the name Francis. It was the third conclave in history held while a previous pope was still living.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
On 11 February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy, citing advanced age and declining health; it took effect on 28 February. He became the first pope to voluntarily resign in nearly 600 years, a move that surprised observers.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
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 ↗
- Edward Snowden reveals global surveillance programs of the NSA
In June 2013, top secret documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden were first published, revealing systematic global surveillance of communication networks by the U.S. and its Five Eyes allies. The disclosures covered both foreign and domestic nationals and sparked widespread debate on privacy and security.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Sub-Saharan Africa
Establishment of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation AreaA transfrontier conservation area was established in 2001 across the Drakensberg mountains on the border of South Africa and Lesotho, linking South Africa's uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Lesotho's Sehlabathebe National Park. The area is known for its spectacular basaltic buttresses, golden sandstone ramparts, and a wealth of ancient rock paintings, harboring several endangered species and representing one of the largest concentrations of San rock art in sub-Saharan Africa.
SourcesUNESCO World Heritage listing ↗Wikipedia ↗Image: Francesco Bandarin / CC BY-SA 3.0 igo ↗
South Asia
Establishment of Murujuga National ParkMurujuga National Park was established on the Burrup Peninsula in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, covering an area of approximately 49 km². The surrounding Murujuga Cultural Landscape, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its dense concentration of archaeological and spiritual sites, with rock art that records the customary laws and beliefs of Aboriginal people over thousands of generations.
SourcesUNESCO World Heritage listing ↗Wikipedia ↗Image: Marius Fenger / CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗
West Asia
- Outbreak of the Syrian Civil War
In March 2011, large-scale anti-government protests demanding democratic reforms broke out in Syria as part of the Arab Spring. The Assad regime's lethal crackdown led to the formation of armed opposition groups, turning the uprising into a civil war. The conflict lasted nearly 14 years until the regime's fall in December 2024.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
North Africa
- 2013 Egyptian coup d'état
On July 3, 2013, the Egyptian military, led by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, overthrew President Mohamed Morsi, suspended the 2012 constitution, and appointed Adly Mansour as interim president. The coup occurred amid widespread national protests and was followed by clashes between supporters and opponents.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Central Asian steppe
- Launch of the Belt and Road Initiative
In 2013, the Chinese government launched the Belt and Road Initiative, an infrastructure and economic development strategy to connect Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. The initiative comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, evoking the historic trade routes. It has since involved agreements with numerous countries and organizations for global connectivity projects.
SourcesWikipedia ↗