2009

2009 was an ordinary year (not a leap year) that began on Thursday according to the Gregorian calendar. It was the ninth year of the 2000s decade and is counted as part of the 21st century.

The year was marked by the world's continued experience of the economic impact of the financial crisis that began in 2007–2008. Major governments implemented economic stimulus programmes, while G20 summits became venues for coordinating responses. Unemployment rose in many countries and global trade declined.

Global politics

In January 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 40th President of the United States, becoming the first African American president. That same year was marked by recognition for the Nobel Peace Prize. In Europe, the Lisbon Treaty of the European Union entered into force during the year, changing the governance and decision-making procedures of the organisation.

Other events

The H1N1 influenza virus spread throughout the year, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global pandemic. The Copenhagen climate conference (COP15) also took place, though it did not produce a binding agreement on new legislation. Piracy off Somalia and in the Indian Ocean increased, leading to the deployment of international naval forces to conduct protective operations.

Technology and society

Social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Twitter, grew rapidly and were used to report on demonstrations in Iran following the presidential election in June. Bitcoin software for digital currency was also released this year.