Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is sworn in as Liberia's new president. She becomes Africa's first female elected head of state.

A woman in Romania gave birth at age 66, becoming the oldest woman in the world to do so.

Congo's president was shot by one of his own bodyguards. His death was announced two days later.

Greek actor and producer, Dimitris Horn, died at the age of 77. He is widely considered as the greatest Greek actor of modern times.

Operation Desert Storm officially began. The aim of the operation was to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

The Shah of Iran was forced to flee Iran along with his family in fear of the Iranian Revolution which had began. Iranian revolution ended the Shah's rule in February of the same year.

British fashion model, Kate Moss, was born in Addiscombe, England.

King Fuad II of Egypt was born in Cairo. He was Egypt's last monarch, although he was king for only one year at the age of one.

American film director, John Carpenter, was born in Kentucky. He is considered one of the most influential horror and science fiction directors of the 20th century.

French businessman, Andre Michelin, was born in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Along with his brother they were the founders of the Michelin tyre company.

Vermont declared its independence. It remained an independent nation until 1791 when it joined the United States as the 14th state.

Ivan IV Vasilyevich was crowned Tsar of Russia. He is known in history as Ivan the Terrible.