By the Numbers in 1979
World Population
—
UK Life Expectancy
57.1 years
US Life Expectancy
57.4 years
Gold Price (per oz)
$554.94
Dow Jones Index
951
US National Debt
—
Sovereign Nations
151
How Much Did Things Cost in 1979?
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £19,925 | $58,500 |
| Average salary | £5,400 | $16,500 |
| Pint of milk | 13p | $0.48 |
| Loaf of bread | 30p | $0.40 |
| Dozen eggs | 50p | $0.85 |
| Pint of beer | 36p | $1.20 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | 90p | $0.86 |
| Cinema ticket | 95p | $2.51 |
Technology and Inventions in 1979
The Sony Walkman launched in July, revolutionising personal music listening and changing the way people experienced their daily commute. VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, appeared on the Apple II and gave businesses a reason to buy personal computers. Usenet was created, foreshadowing internet forums.
- ● Sony Walkman (TPS-L2) goes on sale in Japan on 1 July
- ● VisiCalc spreadsheet software released for Apple II
- ● Usenet is established, a precursor to internet forums
- ● Pac-Man developed by Namco (released in Japan May 1980)
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