Born 1994

Your life in history

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

1. 1994

   You were born

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

2. 1999

   You turned 5

3. 2004

   You turned 10

4. 2007

   You turned 13

5. 2010

   You turned 16

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

6. 2012

   You turned 18

7. 2015

   You turned 21

8. 2024

   You turned 30

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 1994 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 2012, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1994 with 1998 →

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