2005

2005 was a year in the Gregorian calendar, the timekeeping system most widely used worldwide. It was a common year of 365 days, beginning on a Saturday.

The year occurred while the world was still recovering from the effects of the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck at the end of 2004, and while wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were ongoing. It was also a period of rapid expansion of internet services among the general population.

Global events

In April 2005, Pope John Paul II died, and Pope Benedict XVI was elected. In August, Hurricane Katrina struck the coasts of southern United States, causing severe damage to the city of New Orleans. In July, the city of London experienced bombing attacks on public transport.

Somalia and the region

That year the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, which had been established through negotiations in Kenya in 2004, began to enter the country. Leadership of the government was divided over the location of the capital, resulting in government bodies being split between the cities of Jowhar and Baydhabo. Piracy increased during this period with attacks on ships off the Somali coast.

Technology and society

In 2005 the video service YouTube was founded, which significantly changed how people share videos on the internet. Mobile phone usage and early social media also expanded in many countries.