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1996–2000 denotes the five-year span from 1996 through 2000. It was a period of rapid change at the close of the 20th century, with significant political events, technological advances, and economic realignments that influenced the subsequent decade.

In politics and international affairs, 1997 saw the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China. The Kosovo War of 1999 led to NATO intervention in the Yugoslav conflict. Russia experienced a severe financial crisis in 1998, and the period also included ongoing peace and political developments in various regions around the world.

Technological and economic developments dominated the era. The dot-com boom saw rapid growth of internet-based businesses and startups. Google was founded in 1998, helping redefine search and online services. In 1999, the euro was introduced for electronic transfers, with cash later issued in 2002. The late 1990s also witnessed the rise of home video formats with DVDs becoming widely used, and Netflix began operations in 1997 as a DVD rental service.

Science and culture saw notable milestones. Dolly the sheep was cloned in 1996, highlighting advances in genetics. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997, establishing international climate-change commitments. The period also featured global sporting events, including the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, reflecting broader cultural trends.

The period ended with the dot-com crash around 2000, marking a turning point that affected technology investment and market expectations into the early 2000s.

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