What happend on 1st January

31.12
02.01
2004

Pervez Musharraf receives a vote of confidence to continue as the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from Parliament and the provincial assemblies.

2003

Luís Inácio Lula da Silva becomes president of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

2002

The Open Skies mutual surveillance treaty, initially signed in 1992, officially enters into force.

2002

The Republic of China officially joins the World Trade Organization, as Chinese Taipei.

2002

Euro banknotes and coins become legal tender in twelve of the European Union's member states.

2001

First Day of the Third Millennium.

1999

The Euro currency is introduced.

1998

Smoking is banned in all bars and restaurants in the State of California.

1997

The Republic of Zaïre officially joins the World Trade Organization, as Zaïre.

1996

Curaçao gains limited self-government, though it remains within free association with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.