2022 (year)

A concise encyclopedia overview of 2022, covering calendar placement, major global events—including the Russia–Ukraine war and COVID-19 impacts—political and cultural developments, and notable deaths.

Overview

2022 was a common year that began on a Saturday in the Gregorian calendar. It is counted as the 2022nd year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 22nd year of the 3rd millennium and of the 21st century, and the third year of the 2020s decade. The year continued to be shaped by consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and by geopolitical, economic and environmental developments that produced broad effects on daily life around the world.

Major events and global context

Early in the year, the Winter Olympic Games were held in Beijing, drawing international attention to sports and diplomatic relations. In February 2022 a large-scale armed invasion of Ukraine by Russia provoked widespread international condemnation, led to sanctions and disrupted global energy and food markets. The conflict caused a mass movement of people and created a refugee situation across Europe and beyond. Energy prices and supply chains were affected, contributing to a rise in inflation in many countries that already faced pandemic-related economic strain.

Politics, law and society

Across 2022, governments grappled with pandemic management, vaccination programs and the social consequences of prolonged disruption. Several countries held national elections or leadership contests, and in the United States a significant Supreme Court ruling altered federal abortion law, prompting national debate and protests. International summits addressed climate, development and security concerns, while humanitarian crises and migration continued to be prominent policy challenges.

Science, environment and culture

Scientific institutions continued work on public-health responses and on longer-term research projects. Climate-related events and extreme weather, including major floods and heatwaves in several regions, underscored concerns about adaptation and resilience. Major cultural and sporting highlights included the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, held late in the year, which attracted global viewership and conversation about sports, labor and diplomacy.

Notable deaths and transitions

2022 saw the passing of several prominent figures from politics and public life, prompting national and international reflection. Among these were long-serving and widely recognized leaders whose deaths marked transitions in symbol or policy in their countries. Ceremonial and constitutional processes followed in places where heads of state changed.