Born 1980

Your life in history

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

1. 1980

   You were born

2. 1985

   You turned 5

   Live Aid united the world — On 13 July 1985, concerts in London and Philadelphia raised millions for famine relief — and Queen stole the show.

3. 1990

   You turned 10

   Margaret Thatcher resigned — After eleven years in power, the Prime Minister stood down on 22 November 1990.

4. 1993

   You turned 13

5. 1996

   You turned 16

6. 1998

   You turned 18

   Google was founded — Larry Page and Sergey Brin registered their company in September 1998. The internet changed forever.

7. 2001

   You turned 21

8. 2010

   You turned 30

   The iPad was announced — Apple’s tablet arrived in April 2010 and created a category overnight.

9. 2020

   You turned 40

   The COVID-19 pandemic — In March 2020, the WHO declared a pandemic and life changed across the globe within weeks.

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 1980 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1998, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1980 with 1998 →

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