Mahmoud Ahmadinejad takes office in Iran. An engineer and teacher by professional, Ahmadinejad became the 6th president of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Coup in Mauritania. A military coup replaced long-time president Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall took over the transitional government until elections were held in 2005.

Niger gains its independence from France. The West African country became a French colony in the early 20th century. Hamani Diori became the first president of the country.

World's first theme park opens its doors in in Santa Claus, Indiana, USA. Santa Claus Land is now known as Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is founded. The American tire company was founded by Harvey Samuel Firestone in Akron, Ohio. In 1988, the company was taken over by Japan's Bridgestone Corporation.