1998⚡ Event
Euro Exchange Rates Frozen
The European Exchange Rate Mechanism froze the exchange rates of the legacy currencies in the eurozone, establishing the value of the euro.
economicspolitics
What Happened on December 31?
Browse 15 historical entries recorded for December 31 — 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
sportspoliticsmusicentertainmenteconomicslawtechnologywar
Image retrieved via Wikipedia: European Exchange Rate Mechanism
Historical Events on December 31(5)
1999⚡ Event
Putin Becomes Acting President
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin became acting president upon President Boris Yeltsin's unexpected resignation.
politics
1999⚡ Event
Panama Assumes Control of Canal Zone
In accordance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States.
lawpolitics
2004⚡ Event
Taipei 101 opens
Taipei 101 in Taiwan opened to the public as the world's tallest building.
technology
2006⚡ Event
War in Somalia
Transitional Federal Government forces attacked the last stronghold of the Islamic Courts Union in Jilib.
war
Birthdays on December 31(5)
2002🎂 Birth
Sophia Laforteza
Filipino-American singer Sophia Laforteza was born.
musicentertainment
Deaths on December 31(5)
2022🕊️ Death
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI, a German cardinal and theologian, has died. He served as Pope from 2005 to 2013.
religion
2022🕊️ Death
Barry Lane
English golfer Barry Lane has passed away. He was known for his career in professional golf.
sports
2023🕊️ Death
Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough, a NASCAR Cup Series champion three times, passed away. He was also the founder of Cale Yarborough Motorsports.
sports
2024🕊️ Death
Arnold Rüütel
Estonian politician and 3rd President of Estonia Arnold Rüütel died.
politics
December 31 in History
December 31 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths. These counts describe the current collection, not every historical occurrence associated with this date.
Events on December 31
Examples currently recorded for December 31 include Euro Exchange Rates Frozen (1998), Putin Becomes Acting President (1999), Panama Assumes Control of Canal Zone (1999). View all events →
Birthdays on December 31
People recorded as born on December 31 include Alycia Parks, Katie Volynets, Ryan Flamingo. View all birthdays →
Deaths on December 31
Remembered figures who died on December 31 include Pope Benedict XVI, Barry Lane, Cale Yarborough. View all →
Browse what happened on December 30 or January 1, explore the full month of December, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 31?
- The DayFacts collection currently has 15 entries for December 31: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
- Which historical event is included for December 31?
- One event currently recorded for December 31 is: Euro Exchange Rates Frozen.
- Who was born on December 31?
- People recorded as born on December 31 include Alycia Parks, Katie Volynets, Ryan Flamingo.
- How many historical events are recorded for December 31?
- The current DayFacts collection records 5 historical events for December 31.
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