The year 2020 was marked by several monumental events, most notably the global COVID-19 pandemic that caused widespread social and economic disruption, lockdowns, and the largest economic recession since the Great Depression. Key highlights of the year include:
- The COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide, leading to millions of infections and significant death tolls, with health systems challenged globally and the cancellation or postponement of major events.
- The murder of George Floyd by police in the United States sparked massive protests and the global Black Lives Matter movement, raising awareness about racial injustice and police brutality.
- The United Kingdom officially withdrew from the European Union (Brexit).
- The year witnessed major climate disasters including bushfires in Australia and the western United States, and extreme tropical cyclone activity.
- The 2020 United States presidential election occurred, resulting in Joe Biden being elected president.
- Numerous geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkish military operations in Syria, and the Tigray War in Ethiopia.
- Economic impacts seen in a major stock market crash with historic point drops.
- A significant cyberattack penetrated U.S. government networks, attributed to Russian intelligence.
- Cancellation or postponement of major cultural and sporting events like the Eurovision Song Contest and UEFA Euro 2020.
2020 was widely regarded as a year of unprecedented global challenges and upheaval, deeply impacting public health, politics, social movements, and the economy worldwide.