This year saw political turmoil - not only in the UK but further afield. One of the most significant moments of 2022 was the start of the Ukraine war, a crisis which has seen the deaths of tens of thousands since Russia invaded the sovereign nation on 24 February.
Amid the backdrop of soaring bills and energy costs workers from a range of industries have taken strike action calling for pay increases.
Strikes or ballots for industrial action have become a regular occurrence as workers across the country join the growing campaign for pay rises to match soaring inflation during the cost-of-living crisis.
Postal workers, rail workers, dock workers and barristers were among those who took industrial action. While in June 50,000 rail workers went on a 24-hour strike, crippling train services, a trend which continued . Teachers, nurses and ambulance workers have also staged walkouts.
The situation has been dubbed a new “winter of discontent” and comes amid worsening industrial relations and accusations by union officials that the government is doing little or nothing to help workers struggling with mounting bills.
14. Iran protests
Nationwide protests in Iran first erupted over the 16 September death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country’s morality police.
She was detained for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.
Although the protests first focused on Iran’s mandatory headscarf, or hijab, they have since transformed into one of the greatest challenges to the ruling clerics since the chaotic years following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian authorities announced in October that they will hold public trials for 1,000 people in the capital, Tehran, over the protests that have hit the country.
Demonstrations and protests against the situation in Iran have taken place across the world, pictured is the One Law for All dance protest at Piccadilly Circus on 17 December in London. The group were dancing for women’s revolution and against executions in Iran.
15. Argentina wins the world cup
The World Cup kicked off in Qatar in November, with England soaring through the group stages without a loss.
However, there was heartbreak for England when the team got knocked out at the quarter final stage losing 2-1 to France.
France ultimately faced Argentina in the final. With Argentina lifting the trophy.
Lionel Messi cemented his place in the football pantheon as he led his side to a dramatic World Cup final victory.
Messi scored twice either of Angel Di Maria’s strike and converted from the spot in a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win at the Lusail Stadium to ensure Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick counted for little.
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.