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.

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