2008

2008 was a leap year in the Gregorian calendar, beginning on a Tuesday. It was marked by major political, economic, and cultural events across the globe. The year featured the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, seen as a showcase of China's rising status and development. Several geopolitical events also shaped the year, including Kosovo's declaration of independence and ongoing debates over sovereignty and recognition.

Global financial turmoil intensified in 2008 as the subprime mortgage crisis spread, leading to severe liquidity problems in many markets. On September 15, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, symbolizing the depth of the financial crisis. In response, governments and central banks implemented rescue measures such as the U.S. Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and coordinated monetary action to stabilize financial systems.

Natural disasters and humanitarian crises had a major impact. The Sichuan earthquake on May 12 devastated central China, leaving tens of thousands dead and many more injured or displaced. In Asia, Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in May, causing widespread loss of life and massive humanitarian needs.

Other notable events included the 2008 United States presidential election, in which Barack Obama was elected as the 44th president, defeating John McCain. The European football championship Euro 2008 was held in Austria and Switzerland, with Spain winning the tournament. In science and technology, the Large Hadron Collider began operations in September 2008, while NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander landed on the planet in May. The film The Dark Knight was released, receiving critical acclaim and strong commercial success.

On the security front, attacks in Mumbai in November killed and wounded many, highlighting ongoing concerns about terrorism. The year also saw continued conflicts, diplomacy, and efforts to address energy security, climate change, and international aid.