World Events in 2002
Euro Banknotes and Coins Enter Circulation
On 1 January, euro notes and coins replaced national currencies in 12 European countries. It was the largest currency changeover in history, with 7.8 billion banknotes printed. Familiar currencies like the French franc, German mark, and Italian lira disappeared.
Bali Bombings
On 12 October, Islamist terrorists detonated bombs at two nightclubs in Kuta, Bali, killing 202 people — mostly young Australian tourists. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in Indonesian history and brought the War on Terror to Southeast Asia.
2002 FIFA World Cup
South Korea and Japan co-hosted the first World Cup held in Asia. Brazil won their record fifth title, led by Ronaldo who scored eight goals including two in the final against Germany. South Korea's surprise run to the semi-finals captivated the host nation.
Moscow Theatre Hostage Crisis
In October, Chechen militants seized a Moscow theatre and held over 800 people hostage for three days. Russian special forces pumped an unknown chemical agent into the building before storming it — the gas killed at least 130 hostages.
Bush Announces 'Axis of Evil'
In his January State of the Union address, President Bush labelled Iraq, Iran, and North Korea an 'axis of evil' that threatened world peace. The phrase crystallised the administration's expanding War on Terror and laid the rhetorical groundwork for the invasion of Iraq.
Music in 2002
"Anything Is Possible / Evergreen"
Will Young
The first ever Pop Idol winner's debut double A-side became the fastest-selling debut single in UK chart history, shifting over 1.1 million copies in its first week.
"How You Remind Me"
Nickelback
The Canadian rock band's signature anthem was Billboard's number one single of 2002, dominating radio across the US and making Nickelback one of the biggest rock acts of the decade.
#1 Film of 2002
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Box Office: $936 million worldwide
The second instalment of Peter Jackson's epic trilogy continued to build momentum for the franchise, featuring the landmark Battle of Helm's Deep and Gollum brought to life through groundbreaking motion capture by Andy Serkis.
Born in 2002
Gavi
Spanish footballer who became one of FC Barcelona's youngest-ever debutants and a World Cup winner at 18
Lamine Yamal
Born in 2007 — placeholder removed
Ice Spice
American rapper from the Bronx who became a breakout star with 'Munch' and 'Boy's a Liar Pt. 2'
Dixie D'Amelio
American social media personality and singer, sister of Charli D'Amelio
Lost in 2002
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Beloved mother of Queen Elizabeth II and symbol of British wartime resilience
Age 101
Princess Margaret
Younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, known for her glamorous but troubled life
Age 71
Dudley Moore
British comedian and actor known for Arthur and his partnership with Peter Cook
Age 66
Joe Strummer
Lead vocalist and co-founder of punk rock band The Clash
Age 50
Technology in 2002
Camera phones began arriving in Western markets. Broadband adoption accelerated. The BlackBerry found its corporate niche. Friendster launched as one of the first recognisable social networks, and the gaming world saw blockbuster releases on PS2 and Xbox.
- ● First camera phones widely sold in Europe and the US
- ● Friendster launched — one of the first major social networks
- ● Mozilla Firefox began development as Phoenix
- ● iRobot released the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner
Cost of Living in 2002
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £110,000 | $158,000 |
| Average salary | £21,000 | $41,500 |
| Pint of milk | £0.26 | $0.37 |
| Loaf of bread | £0.55 | $1.03 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.35 | $1.03 |
| Pint of beer | £2.00 | $3.15 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £3.45 | $1.36 |
| Cinema ticket | £4.80 | $5.81 |
Shop 2002 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 2002
A year of transition — the shock of 9/11 settled into a new normal of airport security and terror alerts. Pop Idol gripped the UK while American Idol launched in the US, creating a new era of talent shows. Brazil won a memorable World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Low-rise everything and crop tops were peak fashion, and Eminem dominated both music and cinema.
In the News in 2002
The Bali bombings killed 202 people including 88 Australians. Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee was celebrated across the UK. The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret both died within weeks of each other. The Moscow theatre hostage crisis ended with 130 hostages dead.