Your place in the Universe on 1966
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Get your map!The Highlights of 1966: A Year That Shaped the Future
1966 (MCMLXVI in Roman Numerals) was the year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1966th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations.
Is 1966 a year special to you? Discover what 1966 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1966, 1966 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1966, how old is someone born in 1966 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1966.
On this page we will address all your questions and curiosities about 1966 to help you enjoy your trip down memory lane.
Table of contents
- What was 1966 known for ?
- Key World Leaders of 1966
- Who was the U.S. President in 1966?
- Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1966?
- Who was the Pope in 1966?
- 1966: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
- What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1966?
- What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1966?
- What was the most popular movie in 1966?
- What was the best selling book in 1966?
- How old is someone born in 1966?
- What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1966?
What was 1966 known for ?
- 1966 was a hugely significant year in terms of scientific and cultural developments.
- In the midst of the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States, some significant “firsts” were accomplished this year. The Soviet’s Luna 9 gave the world the first unmanned, controlled, rocket-assisted Moon landing. The United States responded with NASA’s Gemini 8 accomplishing the first docking in space. The Soviets came back with Luna 10, which was the first space probe to enter orbit around the Moon.
- In television history, the first episode of Star Trek aired on NBC this year. The first episode was titled “The Man Trap.” In Britain, the careers of three prominent entertainers were introduced to television with The Frost Report. John Cleese, Ronnie Barker, and Ronnie Corbett all launched their careers with this show. 1966 was also the year that the animated classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, narrated by Boris Karloff, made its debut on CBS.
- In addition to the great careers and franchises that were being built, other cultural icons were coming up as well. This was the year that the It’s a Small World attraction opened at Disneyland, Caesar’s Palace opened in Las Vegas, and construction began on the World Trade Center in New York City.
- In a notable development in literature, Hunter S. Thompson’s Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs was published this year. The success of this book launched the career of one of the most prominent writer’s of the 20th Century. Thompson would become most well known for his invention of an entirely new genre of literature: Gonzo Journalism.
- Just as some icons were coming up in the world, others were on the way down. At Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, the Beatles ended their US tour. This would be their last performance as a live, touring band. 1966 was also the year that Walt Disney passed away. He was still helping with Disney productions and The Jungle Book happened to be in production at the time. The Jungle Book, then, is the last animated film that Walt Disney himself had a hand in creating.
- The world population in 1966 was 3,407,922,630 people according to data by United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. This figure includes both urban and rural populations. The urban population at that time accounted for 36.0% of the total population, which is roughly 1.2 billion individuals.The annual population change in 1966 was an increase of +68.5 million people, representing a percentage increase of +2.05% over the previous year.The average population density in 1966 was 14 persons per square mile (or 23 persons per square kilometer).
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Key World Leaders of 1966
Who was the U.S. President in 1966?
In 1966, Lyndon B. Johnson (Democrat) was the President of the United States. His term spanned from November 22, 1963 to January 20, 1969. During his presidency, he passed landmark civil rights legislation and launched the Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty.
Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1966?
In 1966 the UK Prime Minister was Harold Wilson (Labour). His administration brought about major social reforms, including the legalization of abortion and homosexuality, and led Britain through economic challenges.
Who was the Pope in 1966?
The leader of the Catholic Church in 1966 was Pope St Paul VI who had held the papacy since 1963. During his papacy, he concluded the Second Vatican Council and issued *Humanae Vitae*, reaffirming the Church's stance on birth control.
1966: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
The Inheritor
In 1966, The Inheritor was named by TIME magazine as Person of the Year. Representing a generation of American men and women, aged 25 and under.
What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1966?
The number 1 song in the USA in 1966, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was Last Train To Clarksville by The Monkees
What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1966?
The number 1 song in the UK in 1966, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
What was the most popular movie in 1966?
The most popular movie and box office hit was Fahrenheit 451 by Ramin Bahrani
What was the best selling book in 1966?
How old is someone born in 1966?
Someone born in 1966 is 59 years old this year.
Try out our age, time and generation calculators:
What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1966?
According to the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology 1966 was the Year of the Horse.
Discover Zodiac Sign Characteristics and Personality Traits of people born under the Horse sign.