2002
Key events from 2002
2002
- The euro becomes the official currency in 12 European Union countries, creating the world’s largest currency union and reshaping global finance.
- East Timor gains independence from Indonesia after decades of occupation, becoming the world’s newest nation at the time.
- The Moscow theater siege by Chechen rebels ends tragically when Russian forces use gas to end the standoff, killing over 170 people including hostages.