1. Nagano Winter Olympics: The XVIII Olympic Winter Games were held in Nagano, Japan, from February 7 to 22. Norway topped the medal table with ten gold medals, while Germany finished second with nine golds.
2. Good Friday Agreement: The Good Friday Agreement, a political agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Northern Ireland, was signed on April 10. It led to the establishment of a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.
3. Kosovo War: The Kosovo War, an armed conflict between Yugoslav forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army, escalated in 1998. It eventually led to NATO military intervention in 1999.
4. Lewinsky scandal: The Lewinsky scandal, involving U.S. President Bill Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky, unfolded publicly in 1998. Clinton was later impeached by the House of Representatives, but acquitted by the Senate.
5. Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission STS-88: The Space Shuttle Endeavour mission STS-88, launched in December 1998, was the first Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew performed various tasks, including the assembly of the ISS.
6. Hugo Chavez elected in Venezuela: Hugo Chavez was elected President of Venezuela in December 1998. His election marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, leading to a period of profound social and economic changes.
7. The Euro is launched: The Euro, a common currency for the European Union, was officially launched on January 1, 1999, replacing several national currencies. However, the Euro notes and coins were only introduced on January 1, 2002.