The Highlights of 1984: A Year That Shaped the Future

1984

1984 (MCMLXXXIV in Roman Numerals) was the year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1984th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations.

Is 1984 a year special to you? Discover what 1984 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1984, 1984 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1984, how old is someone born in 1984 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1984.

On this page we will address all your questions and curiosities about 1984 to help you enjoy your trip down memory lane.

history

What was 1984 known for ?

  • 1984 marks the year the world became aware of the famine in Ethiopia, prompting the European Economic Community to make £1.8 million available for humanitarian aid, and leading Irish musician Bob Geldof to form the Band Aid group, which would donate its profits to help fight the famine.
  • On October 31st, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, sparking murderous Anti-Sikh riots throughout the country. That same year, the Bhopal disaster occurs in the Madhya Pradesh region of India when a gas leak causes the death of over 8000 people in history’s worst industrial accident.
  • In Latin America, over a million people, led by politician Tancredo Neves, march in the streets of Sao Paulo to demand democratic elections in the largest demonstration in Brazilian history.
  • On November 6th, Ronal Reagan re-elected, a few months after calling for a ban on chemical weapons following Iran’s denunciation of Iraq’s use of such weapons.
  • In sports, the 1984 Summer Olympics are held in Los Angeles with the notable absence of the Soviet Union, who had announced their boycott of the event a few months before. On May 8th, the Chicago White Sox defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in the longest game in the history of Major League baseball, clocking in at eight hours.
  • In the arts, Bruce Springsteen released Born in the USA on June 4th and Terms of Endearment won five Oscars, including Best Picture.
  • In science and technology, Apple Computers released the Macintosh Personal Computer on January 4th, a day after airing the famous advertisement inspired by George Orwell’s 1984 and, later that year, U.S. scientists announce the discovery of the AIDS virus. Notable births in 1984 include American actress and comedian Kate McKinnon, American entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg and South African comedian and television host Trevor Noah.
  • The world population in 1984 was 4,784,011,621 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 41.0% of the total population, which is roughly 2.0 billion individuals.The annual population change in 1984 was an increase of +84.6 million people, representing a percentage increase of +1.8% over the previous year.The average population density in 1984 was 20 persons per square mile (or 32 persons per square kilometer).

1984 historical events  Famous people born in 1984  Famous deaths in 1984Popular Baby Names in 1984

Your place in the Universe on 1984

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Key World Leaders of 1984

Who was the U.S. President in 1984?

In 1984, Ronald Reagan (Republican) was the President of the United States. His term spanned from January 20, 1981 to January 20, 1989. During his presidency, he revitalized the economy through supply-side economics and helped end the Cold War through diplomacy with the Soviet Union.

Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1984?

In 1984 the UK Prime Minister was Margaret Thatcher (Conservative). During her premiership, she pursued free-market reforms, privatization, and was known for her firm leadership during the Falklands War.

Who was the Pope in 1984?

The leader of the Catholic Church in 1984 was Pope St John Paul II who had held the papacy since 1978. During his long pontificate, he played a key role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, expanded interfaith dialogue, and was a strong advocate for human rights.

world population

1984: Who was Time's Person of the Year?


Peter Ueberroth
In 1984, Peter Ueberroth was named by TIME magazine as Person of the Year. Ueberroth orchestrated the organization of the 1984 Summer Olympics, which involved a Soviet-led boycott.
vinyl songs

What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1984?

The number 1 song in the USA in 1984, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was When Doves Cry by Prince

What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1984?

The number 1 song in the UK in 1984, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

cinema movies

What was the most popular movie in 1984?

The most popular movie and box office hit was Marlene by Joseph Vilsmaier

Marlene
cinema movies

What was the best selling book in 1984?

Winter'S Tale
cinema movies

How old is someone born in 1984?

Someone born in 1984 is 41 years old this year.

Discover 1984 calendar

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Rat chinese zodiac sign

What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1984?


According to the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology 1984 was the Year of the Rat.

Discover Zodiac Sign Characteristics and Personality Traits of people born under the Rat sign.