January 25, 2011 – February 11, 2011★★★★★
Egyptian Revolution of 2011
Mass protests centred on Tahrir Square force President Hosni Mubarak to resign after nearly 30 years in power.
Revolution· Egypt
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Events this year
February 2011 – October 2011★★★★★
Libyan Civil War (2011)
An uprising, backed by NATO military intervention, overthrows Muammar Gaddafi, who is killed in October 2011.
WarRevolution· Libya
March 11, 2011★★★★★
Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
A magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan kill nearly 20,000 people and trigger the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Disaster· Japan
March 15, 2011★★★★★
Syrian civil war
Protests against Bashar al-Assad's government are suppressed and escalate into a multi-sided civil war, causing a major refugee crisis.
War· Syria
July 9, 2011★★★★★
South Sudan becomes independent
Following a 2011 referendum, South Sudan seceded from Sudan and became the newest UN-recognised country.
Politics· South Sudan, Sudan
Ongoing
March 20, 2003 – December 2011★★★★★
Iraq War
A US-led coalition invades Iraq and topples Saddam Hussein, beginning a long period of occupation and conflict.
War· Iraq, United States, United Kingdom
December 17, 2010 – January 14, 2011★★★★★
Tunisian Revolution begins the Arab Spring
The self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi sparks protests that force President Ben Ali to flee, spreading into the Arab Spring.
Revolution· Tunisia