2012

Overview

The year 2012 was a leap year of the Gregorian calendar, which began on Sunday. It was the 2012th year AD, the 12th year of the 21st century and the 3rd millennium.

Events

### Arab Spring and Conflicts

Like the previous year, 2012 was marked by the Arab Spring. In Syria, the civil war continued throughout the year; in Egypt, an Islamic constitution was introduced. The Syrian conflict had a significant impact on the region, leading to widespread human rights abuses and displacement.

### International Year of Sustainable Energy

The United Nations declared 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy, with the aim of promoting sustainable energy practices worldwide.

### Climate and Weather

According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2012 turned out to be one of the hottest years in more than a century and a half of observations. It was also the twenty-seventh consecutive year with temperatures above average on record. The abnormal heat and drought caused unprecedented scale phenomena in Russia, leading to significant economic losses.

### Other Events

* January 1: A single economic space has been created on the territory of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.
* January 1: Denmark took over the presidency of the European Union.
* January 6: The first general of the Syrian army defected from the government.
* In Russia, the transformation of the police into a more modern force was completed.

Calendar

The year 2012 began on Sunday, according to the Gregorian calendar. It was also declared as the "Year of Russian History in Russia", the "Year of Russia" in Germany, and the "Year of Russian Tourism in China". Additionally, it was designated as the "International Year of Eat" by UNESCO.

References

* World Meteorological Organization
* United Nations General Assembly
* UNESCO