Today in 1527, 498 years ago: in the parliament of Cetin, Croatian aristocrats elect Ferdinand I of Habsburg as king.
Today in 2011, 14 years ago: Estonia officially adopts the Euro currency and becomes the 17th Eurozone country.
Today in 2008, 17 years ago: Slovenia assumes, for the first time in its history, the semi-annual presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Today in 1791, 234 years ago: the first issue of the Peruvian Mercury was published in Lima (Peru).
Today in 1722, 303 years ago: the Gaceta de México, the first newspaper in Latin America, is published.
Today in 1985, 40 years ago: The first British mobile phone call is made by Michael Harrison to his father Sir Ernest Harrison, chairman of Vodafone.
Today in 1739, 286 years ago: Bouvet Island, the world's remotest island, is discovered by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier.
Today in 1900, 125 years ago: in Spain a new article of the Criminal Code is approved to legally combat Catalan, Basque and other nationalisms that are beginning to break into the Spanish political scene.
Today in 2010, 15 years ago: A suicide car bomber detonates at a volleyball tournament in Lakki Marwat, Pakistan, killing 105 and injuring 100 more.
Today in 1997, 28 years ago: Pedro Roselló, governor of Puerto Rico, advocates for the full annexation of Puerto Rico to the United States.
Today in 2007, 18 years ago: Adam Air Flight 574 breaks apart in mid-air and crashes near the Makassar Strait, Indonesia, killing all 102 people on board.
Today in 1847, 178 years ago: The world's first "Mercy" Hospital is founded in Pittsburgh, United States, by a group of Sisters of Mercy from Ireland; the name will go on to grace over 30 major hospitals throughout the world.
Today in 1934, 91 years ago: A "Law for the Prevention of Genetically Diseased Offspring" comes into effect in Nazi Germany.
Today in 1899, 126 years ago: in Catalonia, the newspaper La Veu de Catalunya takes to the streets.
Today in 1952, 73 years ago: Javier de Borbón Parma proclaimed himself king before a group of Carlists.
Today in 1873, 152 years ago: in Venezuela, President Antonio Guzmán Blanco establishes civil marriage.
Today in 1990, 35 years ago: in Romania, the president of the National Salvation Council announces the legalization of multipartyism and other measures to end the communist regime of Ceaucescu.
Today in 2004, 21 years ago: In a vote of confidence, General Pervez Musharraf wins 658 out of 1,170 votes in the Electoral College of Pakistan, and according to Article 41(8) of the Constitution of Pakistan, is "deemed to be elected" to the office of President until October 2007.
Today in 1821, 204 years ago: the Junta de Belem was born, the first antecedent of the independence of Brazil
Today in 1945, 80 years ago: the British XIV Army launches an offensive in northern Burma.
*1739 – Bouvet Island is discovered by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier.
Today in 1872, 153 years ago: in the south of the province of Buenos Aires (Argentina), a group of dozens of Creoles murdered 36 immigrant peasants (Tandil massacre).
Today in 1979, 46 years ago: the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and Taiwan Relations Act enter into force. Through the Communiqué, the United States establishes normal diplomatic relations with China. Through the Act, the United States guarantees military support for Taiwan.
Today in 1995, 30 years ago: during the first war with Chechnya, Russian troops take Grozny.
Today in 2009, 16 years ago: in Bangkok (Thailand) a discotheque burns down, leaving 59 dead and 212 injured.
Today in 1826, 199 years ago: in the state of Estado de México, Naucalpan becomes a municipality.
Today in 1914, 111 years ago: the world's first scheduled airline enters service in the United States, between St. Peterburg and Tampa, both in the state of Florida.
Today in 1830, 195 years ago: William I, King of Württemberg establishes the Order of Frederick.
Today in 2007, 18 years ago: in Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva takes over as president for the second time.