The Euro becomes the official currency in 11 countries. While the Euro was already valid for bank transfers, notes and coins were introduced on January 1, 2002.

Czechoslovakia is dissolved. The country was peacefully divided into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.

The Russian Federation is founded. The formation of the Russian Federation followed the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

The European Economic Community (EEC) is founded. The EEC was a predecessor of today's European Union (EU)

Republic of China is founded. It was succeeded by the People's Republic of China in 1949.