A Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, leaks the lethal gas, killing more than 3,500 and injuring 200,000

A severe famine strikes sub-Saharan Africa.

Brian Mulroney is sworn in as Canada's 18th Prime Minister, succeeding John Turner.

Over 1,000 are killed when India's Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, sends troops to the Sikh Golden Temple.

Shimon Peres Becomes Prime Minister of Isreal

Great Britain and the People's Republic of China agree on terms for the return of Hong Kong to China. Under the agreement, Hong Kong is to maintain its capitalist system after its return to Chinese control.