1998

1998 was a common year (not a leap year) in the Gregorian calendar, beginning on a Thursday. It was the 1998th year in common reckoning, the third year of the 1990s decade, and the year before the end of the twentieth century.

The year was marked by significant economic, political and technological events across the world. Asia experienced a financial crisis that had begun in 1997, while major political changes took place in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.

Global economics

The Asian financial crisis, which started in Thailand in 1997, affected many countries during 1998. Indonesia faced severe economic decline and widespread protests, leading to the resignation of long-serving President Suharto. Russia also encountered financial difficulties and a sharp fall in the price of oil that year.

Politics and conflict

In April 1998, the Belfast Agreement (Good Friday Agreement) was signed in Northern Ireland, establishing a new framework for the administration of the region. In August 1998, bomb attacks struck the United States embassies in Nairobi (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), resulting in significant loss of life. The year also saw intensification of the Kosovo crisis and the outbreak of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which began in 1998.

Technology

In 1998, the internet search company Google was founded, and ICANN was established to manage domain names. That same year saw the release of Windows 98, and Apple launched the iMac computer.

Sports

The 1998 FIFA World Cup was hosted by France, which won the tournament. This was the first World Cup in which 32 teams participated. The 1998 Winter Olympic Games were held in Nagano, Japan.