2022 in numbers

One year ago, as 2021 was ending and 2022 about to begin, there was a generalized optimism towards the new year, as it was expected to be the first of the “back to normal” ones after the pandemic. Indeed, especially in its second half, 2022 did bring the gradual easing of most restrictions previously imposed to contain the spread of COVID 19. However, the event that shaped the year the most was, beyond doubt, the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Army began on February 24th. Ever since that day, the Russian and Ukrainian armies have been fighting on Ukrainian soil, causing sizable material distruction in the country and over 7 million refugees leaving the country. Furthermore, the sudden war had a deep impact on the global economy, triggering sharp increases of energy and food prices and a generalized increase of inflation rates worldwide.
By evaluating global media coverage of the main topics of 2022, this report shows data insights on what happened this year, with focuses on the war in Ukraine, the global economic situation as of 2022 and its outlook for 2023, the state of the pandemic, and the major social events of the year - as the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign in Great Britain and the results of elctions held in various G20 countries, among other.