Two thousand two — palindrome year

The year 2002 is a rare palindrome year: it reads the same in both directions. Before it, such a year was 1001; the next will be 2112. Our century will give us only one palindrome year.

The 2002 World Cup was held in Japan and South Korea — for the first time in Asia and for the first time co-hosted by two countries. Brazil won a record fifth title. Senegal and South Korea's run to the semi-finals were sensations.

The song '2002' by British singer Anne-Marie (2018) recalls a carefree childhood soundtracked by early 2000s pop hits. It topped charts in dozens of countries and became a nostalgic anthem for millennials.