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?
Discover 15 historical moments on December 31 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
sportspoliticsmusicentertainmenteconomicslawtechnologywar
Hero image inspired by: 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
Famous Birthdays on December 31(5)
Notable 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, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1998 to the present day.
Major Events on December 31
Among the most notable events on December 31: Euro Exchange Rates Frozen (1998), Putin Becomes Acting President (1999), Panama Assumes Control of Canal Zone (1999). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on December 31
Notable figures born on December 31 include Alycia Parks, Katie Volynets, Ryan Flamingo. View all birthdays →
Notable 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?
- December 31 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on December 31?
- One of the most notable events on December 31 is: Euro Exchange Rates Frozen.
- Who was born on December 31?
- Famous figures born on December 31 include Alycia Parks, Katie Volynets, Ryan Flamingo.
- How many historical events happened on December 31?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on December 31, spanning centuries of world history.
?
🎯 Test Your History Knowledge
Guess the year this event occurred.
History, Delivered Daily.
Join thousands of history buffs. Get a curated 1-minute read of the day's most fascinating historical events sent straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.