19981999

19981999 refers to the consecutive calendar years 1998 and 1999, and is used as a compact label for a two-year period in various contexts such as sports seasons, fiscal years, media releases, or historical summaries. As a time span, it encompasses a number of global political, cultural, and technological developments that shaped the late 1990s.

In 1998, several events stood out across different domains. The FIFA World Cup was held in France, drawing wide international attention. The Good Friday Agreement was reached between the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland, addressing decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. In technology, Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, a development that would influence search engines and online services for decades. Microsoft released Windows 98, an operating system that refined core features for home and business users. That year also marked ongoing expansion of digital media and telecommunications, setting the stage for broader internet adoption.

The year 1999 saw further acceleration of digital and political change. The euro began to operate as an accounting currency on January 1, integrating financial markets in participating European Union states, with physical euro coins and notes entering circulation in 2002. NATO conducted an air campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in March–June, amid the Kosovo War. In popular culture, The Matrix was released, alongside Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, contributing to shifts in film storytelling and visual effects. The year also witnessed the emergence of online music sharing with Napster, signaling changes in media distribution. The period ended on the cusp of the new millennium’s late-1990s innovations and challenges.

Overall, 19981999 describes a transitional two-year window marked by rapid technological growth, geopolitical shifts, and cultural milestones that influenced subsequent developments.