Overview
The year 2004 (Roman numeral MMIV) was a leap year that began on a Thursday in the Gregorian calendar. It is numbered 2004 in the Common Era and Anno Domini systems, falls in the 4th year of the 3rd millennium and the 4th year of the 21st century. The year is also identified in the Chinese zodiac as the Year of the Wood Monkey.
Major events
2004 was marked by several events with long-lasting consequences. Natural disasters and acts of violence dominated headlines alongside political developments and international milestones. Notable occurrences included:
- The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in late December, which produced one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history and triggered a large-scale humanitarian response.
- The March 11 train bombings in Madrid, a major terrorist attack that influenced politics and security policy in Europe.
- The Beslan school siege in September, a tragic hostage crisis with heavy casualties and global attention on counterterrorism and security.
- Significant Atlantic hurricanes that caused widespread damage in parts of the Caribbean and the United States during the 2004 hurricane season.
Politics and international affairs
In 2004 several important political developments occurred: an enlargement of the European Union welcomed new member states in May, shifting the bloc's size and dynamics; key national elections and referendums in various countries reshaped governments and policy directions; and international counterterrorism efforts continued to be a major focus for many nations.
Science, technology and culture
Technological and cultural milestones left a clear imprint. Two robotic missions to Mars successfully landed and began extended exploration. The internet and social platforms saw rapid growth: a prominent social networking site was founded and a major webmail service launched, each influencing how people communicate online. In entertainment, several commercially successful films and influential albums were released, reflecting trends in cinema and popular music.
Sports and achievements
Sporting events of 2004 included a summer Olympic Games hosted in the country where the modern Games originated, and a continental football championship that produced an unexpected winner. These competitions drew global audiences and produced memorable athletic performances.
Calendar and notable facts
As a leap year the calendar included February 29. The year is often referenced in cultural and historical timelines for its combination of tragedy, technological change, and geopolitical shifts. For quick reference: it began on a Thursday (weekday) and is sometimes cited by its Roman form (MMIV). Additional context on historical placement can be found through standard chronological and millennium references (leap year overview, millennium, century).
For further reading and timelines related to 2004, consult specialized annual reviews, archives of major news organizations, and international agency reports that document the humanitarian, political, and scientific events of that year.