2008

What Was Happening in 2008

The global financial system collapses, banks are bailed out, and Barack Obama makes history as America's first Black president.

Born in

By the Numbers in 2008

World Population

UK Life Expectancy

59.4 years

US Life Expectancy

59.7 years

Gold Price (per oz)

$1,178.61

Dow Jones Index

11,419

US National Debt

Sovereign Nations

192

How Much Did Things Cost in 2008?

ItemUKUS
Average house price£163,000$198,000
Average salary£24,500$47,000
Pint of milk£0.34$0.44
Loaf of bread£0.80$1.37
Dozen eggs£1.70$1.96
Pint of beer£2.55$3.55
Gallon of petrol/gas£4.70$3.27
Cinema ticket£5.70$7.18

Technology and Inventions in 2008

Apple launched the App Store alongside the iPhone 3G, creating the app economy. Google Chrome browser launched. Spotify began in Sweden, offering legal streaming music. Android phones arrived with the HTC Dream. Blu-ray won the format war as HD DVD was discontinued.

  • Apple App Store launched with 500 apps — creating the app economy
  • Google Chrome browser released
  • Spotify launched in Sweden as a legal music streaming service
  • First Android phone (HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1) released

Shop 2008 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon

More About 2008

What Was Happening — A journey through the years