People and Events on December 31, 1999

No famous people were born on this date, but there may be notable events you would find interesting below.

The Night the Century Ended: December 31st, 1999

As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 1999, the world waved goodbye to the 20th century, embracing a new era of uncertainty and possibility. This day, marking the end of a millennium, was a time of transition, drama, and memorable events that would continue to shape the course of history.

A Changing of the Guard: Russia's New Era

Boris Yeltsin, the charismatic leader who had dominated Russian politics for nearly a decade, shocked the world by announcing his resignation as President of Russia, effective at midnight. Yeltsin's departure paved the way for Vladimir Putin, then the Prime Minister, to take the reins of power, marking the beginning of a new era in Russian politics.

A Canal's Return to its Rightful Owners

In a moment of great symbolism, the United States officially handed over the Panama Canal to Panama, ending nearly a century of American control over this vital waterway. The ceremony, attended by Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, marked a new chapter in Panama's history, as the country regained sovereignty over its most prized asset.

A Dramatic End to a Hijacking Ordeal

After seven harrowing days, the Indian Airlines hijacking crisis came to a close, with the safe release of 190 hostages. The ordeal, which began on Christmas Day, had captivated the world's attention, as Indian commandos stormed the plane, freeing the captives and ending the drama.

Birthday Greetings to...

Two notable figures shared a birthday on this day: American actor Val Kilmer, known for his iconic roles in Tombstone and Top Gun, and Italian fashion designer, Gianfranco Ferré, celebrated their special day amidst the global excitement and festivities.

As the Century Closed...

December 31st, 1999, was a day that would be etched in the memories of people across the globe. It was a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation, as the world looked forward to the dawn of a new era. As the clock struck midnight, people from all walks of life came together, united in their hopes and dreams for the future, bidding farewell to the 20th century and welcoming the unknown adventures of the 21st.

In the midst of all the excitement, the world paused to acknowledge the passing of an era, knowing that the events of this day would shape the course of history for generations to come.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
26 years ago
Boris Yeltsin Resigns, Putin Takes Over Russia (Moscow, Russia) 1999
In a stunning New Year's Eve shocker, Boris Yeltsin, the larger-than-life leader who piloted Russia out of communism, abruptly surrendered the reins of power, catapulting his trusted protégé, Vladimir Putin, into the presidency. The ailing 68-year-old Yeltsin, whose health had been in free fall, penned a farewell address to the nation, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him and apologizing for any mistakes. As the clock struck midnight, Putin, the 47-year-old former KGB officer, assumed the role of acting president, inheriting a nation in turmoil and a presidency still reeling from the Soviet collapse.
26 years ago
Indian Airlines Hijacking ends with 190 survivors released (Kandahar Airport, Kandahar, Afghanistan) 1999
In the midst of holiday celebrations, chaos erupted in the skies as Indian Airlines Flight 814, carrying 155 passengers and crew, took off from Nepal bound for New Delhi. Little did they know, a group of hijackers, later linked to the Pakistani terrorist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, had infiltrated the plane. Demanding the release of terrorist leaders and a hefty ransom, the hijackers orchestrated a seven-day standoff, navigating the plane to various locations, including Dubai and Afghanistan. After intense negotiations, the Indian government reluctantly acquiesced to some demands, and on December 31, 1999, the ordeal finally came to an end as the 190 survivors were freed at Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan.
26 years ago
U.S. Hands Over Panama Canal to Panama (Panama Canal Zone, Panama) 1999
As the clock struck midnight, Panama proudly claimed sovereignty over the Panama Canal, a 50-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, marking a historic transfer of power from the United States. This monumental handover was the culmination of the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed by General Omar Torrijos of Panama and U.S. President Jimmy Carter. For nearly a century, the U.S. had controlled the strategic canal, generating controversy and nationalist sentiment among Panamanians. As Panama's flag rose over the canal's administrative buildings, the nation rejoiced, witnessing a triumph of diplomacy and a new era of autonomy.