Born 1959

Your life in history

Every milestone of your life happened in a historical year. Here they are, side by side.

1. 1959

   You were born

2. 1964

   You turned 5

3. 1969

   You turned 10

4. 1972

   You turned 13

5. 1975

   You turned 16

   The Vietnam War ended — On 30 April 1975, Saigon fell and the long war in Vietnam came to an end.

6. 1977

   You turned 18

7. 1980

   You turned 21

8. 1989

   You turned 30

9. 1999

   You turned 40

10. 2009

    You turned 50

11. 2019

    You turned 60

Historical notes appear for years we've filled in so far — more are being added all the time.

Keep exploring

• See the world you were born into →

  The full picture for 1959 — music, movies, technology and more.

• What was the world like when you turned 18? →

  The year 1977, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

  From the NHS to the iPhone — how much arrived after you did?

• Compare 1959 with 1998 →

  Two birth years, side by side. Try it with family.