2002

2002 was an ordinary year (without a leap day) in the Gregorian calendar, which is the system of dating used by most of the world. It was part of the twenty-first century and the third millennium, and was the third year of the 2000s.

The year began on a Tuesday and ended on a Tuesday. Since a regular year has 365 days—52 weeks and one day—ordinary years begin and end on the same day of the week.

Introduction of the Euro

On 1 January 2002, the Euro currency in both coin and banknote form entered general circulation in many countries that are members of the European Union. The Euro had existed since 1999 as an accounting currency in electronic form, but 2002 was when it replaced national currencies such as the Deutsche Mark, the French franc, and the Italian lira.

Sports and global events

The FIFA World Cup for football was held in South Korea and Japan—the first time two countries jointly hosted, and the first time the tournament took place in Asia. Brazil won the cup, achieving its sixth victory. Also that year, the Winter Olympic Games were held in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

Political situation

2002 came in the period following the attacks of 11 September 2001, when the United States and its allies conducted military operations in Afghanistan, while debate also began over Iraq. East Timor (Timor-Leste) achieved full independence that year and subsequently became a member of the United Nations. Switzerland likewise joined the United Nations following a referendum.