The Highlights of 1978: A Year That Shaped the Future
1978 (MCMLXXVIII in Roman Numerals) was the year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1978th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations.
Is 1978 a year special to you? Discover what 1978 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1978, 1978 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1978, how old is someone born in 1978 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1978.
On this page we will address all your questions and curiosities about 1978 to help you enjoy your trip down memory lane.
Table of contents
- What was 1978 known for ?
- Born in 1978? Get Your Birth Year Poster!
- Key World Leaders of 1978
- Who was the U.S. President in 1978?
- Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1978?
- Who was the Pope in 1978?
- 1978: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
- What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1978?
- What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1978?
- What was the most popular movie in 1978?
- What was the best selling book in 1978?
- How old is someone born in 1978?
- What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1978?
What was 1978 known for ?
- Near the end of the “Disco Decade,” 1978 gave the world many important cultural developments.
- In April of this year, the 50th Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Bob Hope, Annie Hall won Best Picture, with Star Wars winning Best Original Score and winning many other technical awards. This was also the year that Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, was released in theatres. 1978 was also the year that another important film, Superman, starring Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel, made its debut in theatres.
- In a curious development, the remains of Charlie Chaplin were stolen from Chaplin’s resting place in Coster-sur-Vevey, Switzerland in March of 1978. The body was held for ransom, extorting Chaplin’s widow, Oona Chaplin. Police caught the thieves in May and the body of Charlie Chaplin was returned to the original resting place, although the grave was obviously reinforced for security purposes.
- There were some major scientific advances made this year as well. In June, Charon, a satellite of the dwarf planet, Pluto, was discovered. The following month, the first “test tube” baby was born in the United Kingdom. The impact of this reproductive technology gave humanity an unprecedented means of manipulating the natural world and would affect millions of lives around the world.
- In two notable political developments, the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt were signed at the U.S. presidential retreat in Maryland. This laid the groundwork for the 1970 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, a significant step towards peace in the region. In Europe, the newly approved Spanish Constitution of 1978 restored democratic government to the Spanish people.
- This was also the year that Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla succeeded Pope John Paul I, taking the name John Paul II. Pope John Paul II would minister for many years until his passing in 2005.
- The world population in 1978 was 4,304,533,501 people according to data by United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. This figure includes both urban and rural populations. The urban population at that time accounted for 39.0% of the total population, which is roughly 1.7 billion individuals.The annual population change in 1978 was an increase of +74.9 million people, representing a percentage increase of +1.77% over the previous year.The average population density in 1978 was 18 persons per square mile (or 29 persons per square kilometer).
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Key World Leaders of 1978
Who was the U.S. President in 1978?
In 1978, Jimmy Carter (Democrat) was the President of the United States. His term spanned from January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981. His administration brokered the Camp David Accords, achieving a historic peace between Egypt and Israel.
Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1978?
In 1978 the UK Prime Minister was James Callaghan (Labour). His administration faced economic difficulties, strikes, and the 'Winter of Discontent,' leading to the fall of Labour in 1979.
Who was the Pope in 1978?
1978: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
Deng Xiaoping
In 1978, Deng Xiaoping was named by TIME magazine as Person of the Year. China's Vice Premier. Deng overthrew Hua Guofeng to assume de facto control over China in 1978, as Paramount Leader.
What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1978?
The number 1 song in the USA in 1978, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees
What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1978?
The number 1 song in the UK in 1978, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was Rivers Of Babylon / Brown Girl In The Ring by Boney M
What was the most popular movie in 1978?
The most popular movie and box office hit was The Deer Hunter by Michael Cimino
What was the best selling book in 1978?
How old is someone born in 1978?
Someone born in 1978 is 48 years old this year.
Try out our age, time and generation calculators:
What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1978?
According to the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology 1978 was the Year of the Horse.
Discover Zodiac Sign Characteristics and Personality Traits of people born under the Horse sign.