What Happened in 2021 — Major World Events
COVID-19 vaccines distributed globally
Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines rolled out worldwide. Some nations achieved high vaccination rates while others struggled. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation hampered efforts in parts of the West.
Taliban retakes Afghanistan
After 20 years of US-led occupation, the Taliban swept back to power in August. Chaotic evacuations from Kabul saw desperate scenes at the airport. The rapid collapse shocked the world.
Ever Given blocks Suez Canal
A massive cargo ship ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal for 6 days in March, holding up $9.6 billion in cargo per day. The incident exposed fragility in global supply chains.
Supply chain crisis deepens
Global supply chains were already strained from COVID. The blockage worsened shortages of semiconductors, furniture, and consumer goods, fuelling inflation worldwide.
Number 1 Songs in 2021 — UK and US Charts
"drivers license"
Olivia Rodrigo
A heartbreak ballad that dominated charts globally and launched a teenager to superstardom. Rodrigo's debut album Sour became the best-selling debut by a female artist in a decade.
"drivers license"
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo's debut single became a worldwide phenomenon, breaking streaming records. The song's viral success and drama with fellow artists captivated TikTok.
Biggest Films of 2021 — Box Office Hits
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Box Office: $1.9 billion
The multiverse spectacle became the 6th highest-grossing film of all time. The return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield broke the internet. It was a pandemic-era blockbuster that proved superhero films still dominated.
Famous People Born in 2021
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis
Children of Prince William and Kate Middleton
North West, Chicago, Saint, Psalm
Children of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian
Blue Ivy Carter
Daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z
Notable Deaths in 2021
Prince Philip
Husband of Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years
Age 99
Desmond Tutu
South African anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner
Age 90
Sean Connery
Scottish actor and original James Bond
Age 90
Technology and Inventions in 2021
The metaverse hype began after Facebook rebranded to Meta. 5G networks expanded globally. Apple released the M1 Pro and Max chips. ChatGPT did not yet exist. Cryptocurrency mining and NFTs peaked in mania. Chip shortages crippled car manufacturing.
- ● Apple M1 Pro and M1 Max chips launched
- ● Microsoft Xbox Series X gains momentum
- ● Tesla's market cap exceeded $1 trillion
- ● Instagram Reels launched to compete with TikTok
- ● Crypto bull run peaked in November
By the Numbers in 2021
World Population
7.9B
UK Life Expectancy
60.3 years
US Life Expectancy
60.5 years
Gold Price (per oz)
$1,799.56
Dow Jones Index
36,338
US National Debt
28.4T
Sovereign Nations
195
How Much Did Things Cost in 2021?
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £290,000 | $428,700 |
| Average salary | £33,000 | $60,575 |
| Pint of milk | £0.49 | $0.39 |
| Loaf of bread | £1.25 | $2.50 |
| Cinema ticket | £9.00 | $11.50 |
| Petrol per litre | £1.31 | $3.02 |
Shop 2021 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 2021
A year of hope and anxiety. Lockdowns eased but COVID variants spread fear. NFTs and cryptocurrency mania gripped investors. TikTok dominated youth culture. The mood was cautiously optimistic but tinged with concern about inflation and the climate.
What Was in the News in 2021
COVID-19 vaccines rolled out globally but hesitancy slowed uptake. The Taliban retook Afghanistan after US withdrawal. The Suez Canal was blocked by the Ever Given cargo ship, disrupting global trade. Cryptocurrency surged then crashed. Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson took suborbital space flights.