Born 1984

Your life in history

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

1. 1984

   You were born

2. 1989

   You turned 5

3. 1994

   You turned 10

   Nelson Mandela became President — On 10 May 1994, South Africa’s first fully democratic elections made Mandela president.

4. 1997

   You turned 13

5. 2000

   You turned 16

6. 2002

   You turned 18

7. 2005

   You turned 21

   YouTube was founded — Three former PayPal employees registered the domain in February 2005. The first video was 19 seconds long.

8. 2014

   You turned 30

9. 2024

   You turned 40

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 1984 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 2002, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1984 with 1998 →

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