View source for 2015

{{See also|2010s political history}}
{{Redirect|Summer 2015|the song|Summer 2015 (song)}}
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{{Events by month|2015|prefix=Portal:Current events/}}
[[File:2015 Events Collage new.png|Clockwise from top-left: civil service in remembrance of the [[November 2015 Paris attacks|November Paris attacks]]; [[Germanwings Flight 9525]] was purposely crashed into the [[French Alps]] by suicidal co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, killing all 150 people on board; an [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake|earthquake]] in [[Nepal]] kills 8,964 people; world leaders pose for a picture during the [[Paris Agreement]], an international agreement on [[climate change]]; an airstrike in [[Sana'a]] during the [[Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen]]; [[refugees of the Syrian civil war]] come ashore in [[Greece]] amidst a [[2015 European migrant crisis|migrant crisis in Europe]]; [[FIFA]] president [[Sepp Blatter]] is forced to resign in disgrace in the wake of the [[2015 FIFA corruption case|FIFA corruption case]]; ''[[New Horizons]]'' makes a flyby and takes the first images of [[Pluto]].|300x300px|thumb|right]]
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{About year|2015|the American video game development company|2015 (company)}}
{{Year nav|2015}}
{{Year in various calendars|year=2015}}

{{Year article header|2015}}
{{C21 year in topic}}
2015 was designated by the [[United Nations]] as:
* [[International Year of Light]]
* [[International Year of Soil]]<ref>{{cite web|title=United Nations Observances: International Years|url=https://www.un.org/en/sections/observances/international-years/index.html|publisher=[[United Nations]]|access-date=April 29, 2015|ref=United Nations Observances: International Years|archive-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508170503/http://www.un.org/en/sections/observances/international-years/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> __TOC__

==Events==

===January===
* [[January 1]] – [[Lithuania]] officially [[Lithuanian euro coins|adopts]] the [[euro]] as its currency, replacing the [[Lithuanian litas|litas]], and [[Enlargement of the eurozone|becomes]] the nineteenth [[Eurozone]] country.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30635826 |title=Lithuania joins Baltic neighbours in euro club |last=Kropaitas |first=Zivile |date=2015-01-01 |work=BBC News |access-date=2015-01-01 |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703111641/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30635826 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 3]]–[[January 7|7]] – A [[2015 Baga massacre|series of massacres in Baga]], Nigeria and surrounding villages by [[Boko Haram]] kills more than 2,000 people.<ref name=AFP_BI>{{cite news |title=Boko Haram destroys at least 16 villages in NE Nigeria: officials |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-boko-haram-destroys-at-least-16-villages-in-ne-nigeria-officials-2015-1 |access-date=January 8, 2015 |work=Business Insider|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |date=January 8, 2015 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401115140/http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-boko-haram-destroys-at-least-16-villages-in-ne-nigeria-officials-2015-1 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=BBC_1>{{cite news |title=Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria's Baga town hit by new assault |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30728158 |access-date=January 8, 2015 |work=[[BBC World News]] |agency=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=January 8, 2015 |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617161931/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30728158 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=NBC_News>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Alexander |title=Boko Haram Torches Nigerian Town of Baga; 2,000 Missing: Senator |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/missing-nigeria-schoolgirls/boko-haram-torches-nigerian-town-baga-2-000-missing-senator-n282291 |work=[[NBC News]] |agency=[[National Broadcasting Company]] |date=January 8, 2015 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612221258/https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/missing-nigeria-schoolgirls/boko-haram-torches-nigerian-town-baga-2-000-missing-senator-n282291 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Reuters_1>{{cite news |title=Boko Haram kills dozens in fresh raids in Nigerian town |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-violence-toll-idUKKBN0KH1QD20150108 |work=[[Reuters]] |publisher=[[Thomson Reuters]] |date=January 8, 2015 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730145459/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-violence-toll-idUKKBN0KH1QD20150108 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[January 7]] – Two gunmen belonging to [[Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula|Al-Qaeda]]'s [[Yemen]] branch [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|kill 12 people and injure 11 more]] at the [[Paris]] headquarters of satirical newspaper ''[[Charlie Hebdo]]'', prompting an anti-terrorism demonstration attended by over a million people and more than 40 world leaders.<ref name="BreedenCharlieHebdo">{{cite news |last1=Breeden |first1=Aurelien |title=Charlie Hebdo, Known for Its Satire, Commemorates Attack Accordingly |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/world/europe/charlie-hebdo-attack-anniversary.html?_r=0 |access-date=October 1, 2016 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 6, 2016 |archive-date=January 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112070437/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/world/europe/charlie-hebdo-attack-anniversary.html?_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AldermanBilefskyCharlieHebdo">{{cite news |last1=Alderman |first1=Liz |last2=Bilefsky |first2=Dan |title=Huge Show of Solidarity in Paris Against Terrorism |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/world/europe/paris-march-against-terror-charlie-hebdo.html |access-date=October 1, 2016 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 11, 2015 |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927055009/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/12/world/europe/paris-march-against-terror-charlie-hebdo.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 12]] – [[January 2015 raid on Kolofata|A Boko Haram and Islamic State assault]] on [[Kolofata]] in the [[Far North Region, Cameroon|Far North Region]] of Cameroon is repelled by the [[Cameroonian Army]], who kill 143 [[Boko Haram]] and [[Islamic State]] [[insurgent]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=143 Boko Haram Fighters Killed In Clashes With Cameroon's Military |url=https://www.cpr.org/2015/01/13/143-boko-haram-fighters-killed-in-clashes-with-cameroons-military/ |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Colorado Public Radio |language=en |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419125939/https://www.cpr.org/2015/01/13/143-boko-haram-fighters-killed-in-clashes-with-cameroons-military/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 15]] – The [[Swiss National Bank]] abandons the cap on the [[Swiss franc|franc]]'s value relative to the [[euro]], causing turmoil in international financial markets.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30845248 |title='Francogeddon' as Swiss franc ends euro cap |newspaper=[[BBC News]] |date=January 16, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2015 |archive-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117181547/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30845248 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-16/new-zealand-forex-broker-shuts-after-swiss-franc-move/6022232 |title='Francogeddon': New Zealand foreign exchange broker shuts after Swiss national bank scraps currency cap |newspaper=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=January 17, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2015 |archive-date=January 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119070435/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-16/new-zealand-forex-broker-shuts-after-swiss-franc-move/6022232 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 22]] – After [[Houthis|Houthi]] forces seize the presidential palace, [[Yemen]]i [[President of Yemen|President]] [[Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi]] resigns after [[2014 Yemen protests|months of unrest]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/yemen-president-resigns-amid-political-crisis-2015122135030512445.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |title=Yemen president quits amid worsening crisis |date=2015-01-22 |access-date=2015-01-24 |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123110258/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/yemen-president-resigns-amid-political-crisis-2015122135030512445.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 25]] –  [[January 2015 Greek legislative election|Legislative elections]] are held in [[Greece]] to elect all 300 members of the [[Hellenic Parliament]] and the [[Syriza|SYRIZA]] party, led by [[Alexis Tsipras]], comes out as the largest party winning 149 out of 300 seats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ekloges-prev.singularlogic.eu/v2015a/v/public/index.html?lang=en#%7B%22cls%22:%22main%22,%22params%22:%7B%7D%7D |title=Parliamentary Elections January 2015 |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=ekloges-prev.singularlogic.eu |archive-date=January 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150126172421/http://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/v/public/index.html?lang=en&fullsite=1%23%7B%22cls%22:%22main%22,%22params%22:%7B%7D%7D |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-01-26 |title=Greece election: Anti-austerity Syriza wins election |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30975437 |access-date=2022-03-27 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324060956/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30975437 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-01-25 |title=Greek leftist leader Tsipras claims victory over austerity |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-election-idUSKBN0KY00520150125 |access-date=2022-03-27 |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327181122/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-election-idUSKBN0KY00520150125 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===February===
* [[February 12]] 
** Leaders from [[Russian Federation]], [[Ukraine]], [[Germany]] and [[Republic of France]] reach an agreement on the [[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|war in eastern Ukraine]] that includes a ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons. However, several days later, the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian rebels claim that, within its first day, the ceasefire was broken 139 times, as both sides failed to withdraw their heavy weapons and fighting had continued.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31435812 |title=Ukraine crisis: Leaders agree peace roadmap |work=BBC |date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=February 12, 2015 |archive-date=February 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212093525/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31435812 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-kiev-and-prorussian-rebels-claim-ceasefire-was-broken-139-times-on-first-day-as-both-sides-fail-to-withdraw-heavy-weapons-10050624.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-kiev-and-prorussian-rebels-claim-ceasefire-was-broken-139-times-on-first-day-as-both-sides-fail-to-withdraw-heavy-weapons-10050624.html |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Independent |title=Ukraine crisis: Kiev and pro-Russian rebels claim ceasefire was broken '139 times' on first day as both sides fail to withdraw heavy weapons |date=2015-02-17 |access-date=2015-02-17 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
** The [[United Nations Security Council]] adopts [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 2199|Resolution 2199]] to combat terrorism.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc11775.doc.htm |title=Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2199 (2015), Security Council Condemns Trade with Al-Qaida Associated Groups, Threatens Further Targeted Sanctions |publisher=[[United Nations]] |date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=February 28, 2015 |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428210302/https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc11775.doc.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> 
*[[February 14]]–[[February 15|15]] – A lone gunman leaves 2 dead in a [[2015 Copenhagen shootings|terrorist attack]] in [[Copenhagen]], [[Denmark]].
*[[February 14]]–[[March 29]] – The [[2015 Cricket World Cup]] is held in Australia and New Zealand with Australia defeating New Zealand in the final.
* [[February 16]] – The [[Egypt]]ian [[Egyptian Armed Forces|military]] begins conducting airstrikes against a branch of the Islamic militant group [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] in [[Libya]] in retaliation for the group's beheading of over a dozen Egyptian Christians.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/17/world/middleeast/isis-egypt-libya-airstrikes.html|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Egypt Conducts Airstrikes on Islamic State Targets in Libya|date=2015-02-16|access-date=2015-02-16|first=David D.|last=Kirkpatrick|archive-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226021230/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/17/world/middleeast/isis-egypt-libya-airstrikes.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===March===
* [[March 5]]–[[March 8|8]] – The ancient city sites of [[Nimrud]], [[Hatra]] and [[Dur-Sharrukin]] in Iraq are demolished by the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/isil-fighters-bulldoze-ancient-assyrian-palace-iraq-150305195222805.html |title=ISIL fighters bulldoze ancient Assyrian palace in Iraq |publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] |date=March 5, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224031022/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/isil-fighters-bulldoze-ancient-assyrian-palace-iraq-150305195222805.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.riyadhvision.com/2015/03/07/reports-isis-bulldozed-ancient-hatra-city-in-mosul |title=Reports: ISIS bulldozed ancient Hatra city in Mosul |work=RiyadhVision |date=March 7, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-date=March 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315094537/http://www.riyadhvision.com/2015/03/07/reports-isis-bulldozed-ancient-hatra-city-in-mosul/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2015/03/08/ancient-site-khorsabad-attacked-by-islamic-state-reports.html |title=Ancient site Khorsabad attacked by Islamic State: reports |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=March 8, 2015 |access-date=August 23, 2017 |archive-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309174534/http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2015/03/08/ancient-site-khorsabad-attacked-by-islamic-state-reports.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[March 6]] – [[NASA]]'s ''[[Dawn (spacecraft)|Dawn]]'' probe enters orbit around [[Ceres (dwarf planet)|Ceres]], becoming the first spacecraft to visit a [[dwarf planet]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press/2015/march/nasa-spacecraft-becomes-first-to-orbit-a-dwarf-planet/index.html |title=NASA Spacecraft Becomes First to Orbit a Dwarf Planet |work=NASA |date=March 6, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-date=April 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417141458/http://www.nasa.gov/press/2015/march/nasa-spacecraft-becomes-first-to-orbit-a-dwarf-planet/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31754586 |title=Nasa's Dawn probe achieves orbit around Ceres |work=BBC |date=March 6, 2015 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107020318/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31754586 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[March 12]] – The [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] becomes allies with fellow [[jihadism|jihadist]] group [[Boko Haram]], effectively annexing the group.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/12/isis-welcomes-boko-harams-allegiance-and-plays-down-coalition-victories |title=Isis welcomes Boko Haram's allegiance and plays down coalition 'victories' |date=March 12, 2015 |website=The Guardian |publisher=theguardian.com |access-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203112654/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/12/isis-welcomes-boko-harams-allegiance-and-plays-down-coalition-victories |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[March 20]] – A [[Solar eclipse of March 20, 2015|total solar eclipse]] was visible in the north Atlantic, Faroe Islands, and Svalbard. It was the 61st eclipse of the [[Solar Saros 120|120th saros cycle]].
* [[March 24]] – An [[Airbus A320-211]] operated by [[Germanwings]] is [[Germanwings Flight 9525|deliberately crashed]] in the [[French Alps]], killing all 150 people on board.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32030270 |title=Germanwings plane 4U 9525 crashes in French Alps - no survivors |work=BBC |date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618222003/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32030270 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[March 25]]
** A [[Saudi Arabia]]-led coalition of Arab countries starts a [[2015 military intervention in Yemen|military intervention in Yemen]] in order to uphold the Yemeni government in its fight against the [[Southern Yemen offensive (2015)|Houthis' southern offensive]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/03/saudi-ambassador-announces-military-operation-yemen-150325234138956.html |title=Saudi and Arab allies bomb Houthi positions in Yemen |date=March 26, 2015 |website=Aljazeera |access-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-date=March 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326181207/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/03/saudi-ambassador-announces-military-operation-yemen-150325234138956.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/25/middleeast/yemen-unrest|title=Saudi Arabia launches airstrikes in Yemen|date=March 26, 2015|website=CNN|last1=Almasy|first1=Steve|last2=Hanna|first2=Jason|access-date=April 2, 2015|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808115840/https://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/25/middleeast/yemen-unrest/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** The [[BBC]] refuses to renew the contract of [[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'s main presenter: [[Jeremy Clarkson]], resulting in the end of his run on 2002- format Top Gear  
* [[March 29]] – [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] wins the [[2015 Cricket World Cup]].

===April===
* [[April 2]] – 148 people are killed, the majority students, in a [[Garissa University College attack|mass shooting]] at the [[Garissa University College]] in [[Kenya]], perpetrated by the militant terrorist organization [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/africa/kenyan-students-describe-shabab-attack-on-garissa-university-college.html |work=The New York Times |first=Jeffrey |last=Gettleman |title=Come Out and Live, Shabab Told Kenya Students. It Was a Lie |date=April 3, 2015 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613221407/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/africa/kenyan-students-describe-shabab-attack-on-garissa-university-college.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[April 4]] – A [[April 2015 lunar eclipse|total lunar eclipse]] was visible in Asia, Australia, Pacific and Americas. It was a shallow total lunar eclipse, with 0.08% of that diameter inside of Earth's umbral shadow, and it was the 30th eclipse of the [[Lunar Saros 132|132nd saros cycle]].
* [[April 25]] – [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake|A magnitude 7.8 earthquake]] strikes [[Nepal]] and causes 8,857 deaths<ref>{{cite news |title=Nepal earthquake: Hundreds die, many feared trapped |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32461019 |date=April 25, 2015 |work=BBC News |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629132532/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32461019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2015-04-26|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-nepal-quake-aftershock-20150426-story.html|title=Nepal earthquake death toll tops 3,200|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=2015-04-26|first=Bhrikuti|last=Rai|archive-date=March 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327103019/https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-nepal-quake-aftershock-20150426-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> in Nepal, 130 in [[India]],<ref name="ht52">{{cite news |work=Hindustan Times |date=April 25, 2015 |access-date=April 25, 2015 |title=Nepal earthquake: 52 dead, hundreds injured in India, huge damage in bordering areas |url=http://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/earthquake-spells-destruction-in-india-20-feared-dead-houses-damaged/article1-1340918.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150426005807/http://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/earthquake-spells-destruction-in-india-20-feared-dead-houses-damaged/article1-1340918.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 26, 2015}}</ref> 27 in [[China]]<ref name="KSL">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |publisher=KSL |date=April 25, 2015 |access-date=April 25, 2015 |title=Nepal quake: Hundreds dead, history crumbles, Everest shaken |url=http://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=34379730 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163904/https://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=34379730 |url-status=live }}</ref> and 4 in [[Bangladesh]]<ref name=USAToday>{{cite news|last1=Stanglin|first1=Doug|title=Hundreds dead as 7.8 magnitude quake rocks Nepal|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/04/25/nepal-earthquake/26354073|access-date=April 25, 2015|agency=USA Today|archive-date=April 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425133937/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/04/25/nepal-earthquake/26354073/|url-status=live}}</ref> with a total of 9,018 deaths.
* [[April 29]] – The [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) declares that [[rubella]] has been eradicated from the [[Americas]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32523300 |title=Rubella (German measles) eradicated from Americas |work=BBC |date=April 29, 2015 |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623233030/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32523300 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===May===
* [[May 1]]–[[October 31]] – [[Expo 2015]] is held in [[Milan, Italy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.expo2015.org/en/learn-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502064930/http://www.expo2015.org/en/learn-more |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |title=Learn More About Expo Milano 2015 |access-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref>
* [[May 7]] – The [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 UK General Election]] results in the first [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] majority government in 18 years.
* [[May 8]] – A [[2015 Al Khalis prison break|prison break occurred]] in the Iraqi town of [[Al Khalis]], resulting in over fifty escapees.
* [[May 10]] – First round of the [[2015 Polish presidential election]] is held.
* [[May 11]]–[[May 12|12]] – ''Version O'' of ''[[Les Femmes d'Alger]]'' by [[Pablo Picasso]] sells for [[United States dollar|US$]]179.3&nbsp;million at [[Christie's]] auction in New York, while the sculpture ''[[L'Homme au doigt]]'' by [[Alberto Giacometti]] sells for [[United States dollar|US$]]141.3&nbsp;million, setting a new world record [[List of most expensive paintings|for a painting]] and [[List of most expensive sculptures|for a sculpture]], respectively.<ref name=BBCApr15>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32700575 |title=Picasso's Women of Algiers smashes auction record |date=May 12, 2015 |work=[[BBC News Online]] |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=July 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712002734/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32700575 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Two Artworks Top $100 Million Each at Christie's Sale (Artsbeat blog) |url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/11/two-art-works-top-100-million-each-at-christies-sale |first1=Scott |last1=Reyburn |access-date=May 12, 2015 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 11, 2015 |archive-date=May 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514033530/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/11/two-art-works-top-100-million-each-at-christies-sale/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[May 12]] – A [[May 2015 Nepal earthquake|second major earthquake]] in [[Nepal]], measuring 7.3 on the [[moment magnitude scale]], results in 153 deaths in Nepal,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/magnitude-7-1-quake-strikes-nepal-usgs-072155570.html |title=Fresh earthquake kills scores in Nepal and India |date=May 12, 2015 |work=Yahoo News |access-date=January 14, 2017 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305151552/http://news.yahoo.com/magnitude-7-1-quake-strikes-nepal-usgs-072155570.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 62 in [[India]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/12/nepal-hit-by-second-huge-earthquake |title=Nepal rocked by 7.3-magnitude earthquake near Mount Everest |first=Jason |last=Burke |work=The Guardian |date=May 12, 2015 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101233532/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/12/nepal-hit-by-second-huge-earthquake |url-status=live }}</ref> 1 in [[China]]<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/apr/25/nepal-earthquake-nation-worst-tremor-80-years-kathmandu-live-updates |title=Nepal earthquake: day one - as it happened |first=Martin |last=Williams |work=The Guardian |date=April 25, 2015 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101234103/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/apr/25/nepal-earthquake-nation-worst-tremor-80-years-kathmandu-live-updates |url-status=live }}</ref> and 2 in [[Bangladesh]]<ref name="theguardian.com"/> with a total of 218 deaths.
* [[May 19]]–[[May 23|23]] – The [[Eurovision Song Contest 2015]] is held in [[Vienna]], [[Austria]], and is won by [[Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest|Swedish]] entrant [[Måns Zelmerlöw]] with the song "[[Heroes (Måns Zelmerlöw song)|Heroes]]".
* [[May 21]] – ISIS captures the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/09/150901-isis-destruction-looting-ancient-sites-iraq-syria-archaeology/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813194747/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/09/150901-isis-destruction-looting-ancient-sites-iraq-syria-archaeology/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 13, 2019 |title=Here Are the Ancient Sites ISIS Has Damaged and Destroyed |date=2015-09-01 |website=National Geographic News|language=en |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref>
* [[May 24]] – Second round of the [[2015 Polish presidential election]] is held, with [[Andrzej Duda]] reigning victorious over then-incumbent president [[Bronisław Komorowski]].
* [[May 29]] – In [[Tonga]], the [[Mata ʻo e Laʻa Solar Facility]] is officially opened by [[List of monarchs of Tonga|King]] [[Tupou VI]].<ref>{{cite news|date=29 May 2015|url=https://matangitonga.to/2015/05/29/king-receives-mata-o-e-la-solar-facility-tonga|title=King receives Mata 'o e La'a Solar Facility for Tonga|work=Matangi Tonga Online|access-date=9 January 2024}}</ref>

===June===
* [[June 2]] – [[FIFA]] [[List of presidents of FIFA|President]] [[Sepp Blatter]] announces his intention to resign amidst an [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]]-led [[2015 FIFA corruption case|corruption investigation]], and calls for an extraordinary congress to elect a new president as soon as possible.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32982449 |work=BBC Sport |title=Sepp Blatter to resign as FIFA president amid corruption scandal |date=2015-02-06 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |archive-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101074808/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32982449 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[June 6]] – The governments of [[India]] and [[Bangladesh]] officially ratify their 1974 agreement to exchange [[India–Bangladesh enclaves|enclaves]] along their border.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Bangladesh-ratify-historic-land-deal-Narendra-Modi-announces-new-2-billion-line-of-credit-to-Dhaka/articleshow/47567164.cms |title=India, Bangladesh ratify historic land deal; Narendra Modi announces new $2 billion line of credit to Dhaka |newspaper=Times of India |access-date=2016-06-29 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108095810/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Bangladesh-ratify-historic-land-deal-Narendra-Modi-announces-new-2-billion-line-of-credit-to-Dhaka/articleshow/47567164.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[June 12]]–[[June 28|28]] – The inaugural [[2015 European Games|European Games]] are held in [[Baku]], [[Azerbaijan]].
* [[June 25]]–[[June 26|26]] – [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] claim responsibility for three attacks around the world during [[Ramadan]]:
**[[Kobanî massacre]]: ISIL fighters detonate three [[car bomb]]s, enter [[Kobanî, Syria]], and open fire at civilians, killing more than 220.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/28/22128 |title=79 IS killed in Ein al-Arab"Kobane", and an Egyptian captive reveals the mission details |date=June 28, 2015 |website=Syrian observatory for Human Rights |access-date=June 29, 2016}}</ref>
** [[2015 Sousse attacks|Sousse attacks]]: 22-year-old Seifeddine Rezgui opens fire at a tourist resort at [[Port El Kantaoui]], [[Tunisia]], killing 38 people.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33306884 |title=Tunisia beach attack: British death toll 'will top 30' |work=BBC News |date=June 28, 2015 |access-date=2016-06-29 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613222138/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33306884 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[2015 Kuwait mosque bombing|Kuwait mosque bombing]]: A suicide bomber attacks the Shia Mosque Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq at [[Kuwait City, Kuwait]], killing 27 people and injuring 227 others.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/06/26/is-claims-blast-at-shiite-mosque-in-kuwaits-capital/29322539/ |title=At least 27 dead in ISIL-claimed Kuwait attack |last=Diebel |first=Mathew |date=June 26, 2015 |website=USA Today |access-date=June 29, 2016 |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428223404/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/06/26/is-claims-blast-at-shiite-mosque-in-kuwaits-capital/29322539/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 
<!--The current consensus is to exclude the US same-sex marriage ruling. Please discuss on talk if you disagree.-->
* [[June 30]] – [[Cuba]] becomes the first country in the world to eradicate [[Vertically transmitted infection|mother-to-child transmission]] of [[HIV]] and [[syphilis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2015/mtct-hiv-cuba/en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702063246/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2015/mtct-hiv-cuba/en/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |title=WHO validates elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in Cuba|publisher=[[WHO]] |date=June 30, 2015 |access-date=August 30, 2015}}</ref>

===July===
*[[July 1]] – [[Greek government-debt crisis]]: [[Greece]] becomes the first advanced economy to miss a payment to the [[International Monetary Fund]] in the 71-year history of the IMF.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/bad5c392-1f45-11e5-ab0f-6bb9974f25d0.html#axzz3eauRYIYW |title=Payment failure pitches IMF into uncharted territory |work=Financial Times |date=June 30, 2015|last1=Donnan|first1=Shawn}}</ref>
*[[July 5]]–[[July 13|13]] – Greek government-debt crisis: After six months of clashes and futile negotiations between Greece's [[January 2015 Greek legislative election|newly elected]], leftist government and the country's creditors, over the austerity measures imposed through bailout programmes, tension peaks as Greece [[2015 Greek bailout referendum|votes]] in a referendum to reject the terms offered in a third programme;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33403665 |title=Greece debt crisis: Greek voters reject bailout offer |work=BBC |date=July 6, 2015 |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613220022/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33403665 |url-status=live }}</ref> however, the government eventually proceeds to concur to [[Third Economic Adjustment Programme for Greece|harsher terms]] than those offered before, in what was widely characterized as a coup on the creditors' part.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/12/thisisacoup_n_7781736.html |title=German-Led Eurozone Launching Coup Against Greek Government |work=Huffington Post |date=2015-07-12 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301100520/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/12/thisisacoup_n_7781736.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[July 14]] 
** NASA's ''[[New Horizons]]'' spacecraft performs a close flyby of [[Pluto]], becoming the first spacecraft in history to visit the distant world.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Horizons: Nasa spacecraft speeds past Pluto |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33524589 |date=July 14, 2015 |work=BBC |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603052313/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33524589 |url-status=live }}</ref> 
** [[Iran]] [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action|agrees]] to long-term limits of its [[nuclear program of Iran|nuclear program]] in exchange for sanctions relief.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Michael |last2=Sanger |first2=David |title=Deal Reached on Iran Nuclear Program; Limits on Fuel Would Lessen With Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/15/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-deal-is-reached-after-long-negotiations.html?_r=0 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 14, 2015 |archive-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715164527/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/15/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-deal-is-reached-after-long-negotiations.html?_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[July 20]] – [[Cuba]] and the [[United States]], ending 54 years of hostility between the nations, [[Cuban thaw|reestablish full diplomatic relations]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-33590417 |title=Cuban flag flies in Washington as relations restored |date=2015-07-20 |work=BBC News |access-date=2015-07-21 |archive-date=July 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720075249/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-33590417 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[July 24]] – [[Turkey]] begins [[Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War|a series of airstrikes]] against [[Kurdistan Workers' Party|PKK]] and [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] targets after the [[2015 Suruç bombing]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-turkey-idUSKCN0PZ0A120150725 |title=Turkey strikes Islamic State, Kurdish militants in drive for "safe zone" |last=Toksabay |first=Ece |date=2017-07-25 |work=Reuters |access-date=2017-02-26 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613222728/https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-turkey-idUSKCN0PZ0A120150725 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[July 29]] – [[Microsoft]] releases the desktop operating system [[Windows 10]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=David |date=2015-06-01 |title=Microsoft announces Windows 10 release date: July 29 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/06/01/technology/windows-10-release-date/index.html |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=CNNMoney |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027201613/https://money.cnn.com/2015/06/01/technology/windows-10-release-date/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[July 31]] – The [[International Olympic Committee]] awards [[Beijing]] the right to host the [[2022 Winter Olympics]].<ref name="CNN 2021 v007">{{cite web | title=2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Fast Facts | website=CNN | date=May 26, 2021 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/26/world/2022-beijing-winter-olympics-fast-facts/index.html | access-date=February 12, 2024}}</ref>

===August===
*[[August 5]] – Debris found on [[Réunion|Réunion Island]] is confirmed to be that of [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 370]], missing since March 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=MH370 families question Malaysian evidence |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/05/experts-examine-wing-debris-for-links-to-missing-malaysian-jet.html |date=August 6, 2015 |work=CNBC |access-date=August 6, 2015 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901182322/https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/05/experts-examine-wing-debris-for-links-to-missing-malaysian-jet.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[August 12]] and [[August 15|15]] – [[2015 Tianjin explosions|Large explosions]] in [[Tianjin|Tianjin, China]] kill 173 and injure more than 800 people. The causes of the explosions were found to be an overheated container of dry [[nitrocellulose]] and around 800 tonnes of [[ammonium nitrate]].
*[[August 17]] – A [[2015 Bangkok bombing|bombing]] takes place inside the [[Erawan Shrine]] at the [[Ratchaprasong]] intersection in [[Pathum Wan District]], [[Bangkok, Thailand]], killing 20 people and injuring 125.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/11807583/Explosion-rocks-Bangkok-close-to-Erawan-shrine-with-reports-of-casualties-live.html |title=Bangkok bomb: Explosion close to Erawan shrine kills at least 27 people including four foreigners – latest updates |date=August 17, 2015 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203112519/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/11807583/Explosion-rocks-Bangkok-close-to-Erawan-shrine-with-reports-of-casualties-live.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[August 23]] – A [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] military intelligence operation in the country of [[Yemen]] frees one British hostage.

===September===
* [[September 9]] – [[Queen Elizabeth II]], having been on the throne for {{Age in years and days|1952|2|6|2015|9|11}}, became the longest-reigning British monarch in history and the longest-serving head of state of any nation in modern history, surpassing [[Queen Victoria]] who had reigned for {{Age in years and days|1837|6|20|1901|1|22}} upon her death on January 22, 1901.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-26 |title=Queen Elizabeth II to become Britain's longest reigning monarch |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/queen-elizabeth-ii-to-become-britain-s-longest-reigning-monarch-surpassing-queen-victoria-10473729.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/queen-elizabeth-ii-to-become-britain-s-longest-reigning-monarch-surpassing-queen-victoria-10473729.html |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Emma |last=Goodey |date=2015-12-29 |title=Her Majesty The Queen |url=https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-the-queen |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=The Royal Family |language=en |archive-date=August 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823012846/https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-the-queen |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[September 10]] – Scientists announce the discovery of ''[[Homo naledi]]'', a previously unknown species of [[Homo|early human]] in [[South Africa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=This Face Changes the Human Story. But How? |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/09/150910-human-evolution-change |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910155237/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/09/150910-human-evolution-change/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2015 |work=[[National Geographic News]] |date=September 10, 2015|first=Jamie|last=Shreeve}}</ref>
* [[September 13]] – A [[Solar eclipse of September 13, 2015|partial solar eclipse]] was visible in South Africa, south Indian and Antarctica. It was the 54th eclipse of the [[Solar Saros 125|125th saros cycle]].{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
* [[September 14]]
** [[First observation of gravitational waves]]: [[Gravitational wave]]s are detected for the first time, by [[LIGO]]. This is not announced until February 11, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2077800-what-will-gravitational-waves-tell-us-about-the-universe/ |title=What will gravitational waves tell us about the universe? |first1=Joshua |last1=Sokol |first2=Lisa |last2=Grossman |first3=Jacob |last3=Aron |name-list-style=amp |date=February 17, 2016 |website=New Scientist |access-date=February 19, 2016 |archive-date=February 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218092456/https://www.newscientist.com/article/2077800-what-will-gravitational-waves-tell-us-about-the-universe/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Malcolm Turnbull]] defeats [[Tony Abbott]] in a [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal Party]] [[Liberal Party of Australia leadership spill, September 2015|leadership ballot]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theconversation.com/turnbull-defeats-abbott-set-to-become-prime-minister-experts-respond-47499 |title=Turnbull defeats Abbott, set to become prime minister: experts respond |first=Dominic |last=Kelly |date=September 14, 2015 |work=The Conversation |access-date=February 25, 2018 |archive-date=February 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210515/https://theconversation.com/turnbull-defeats-abbott-set-to-become-prime-minister-experts-respond-47499 |url-status=live }}</ref> Turnbull becomes [[Prime Minister of Australia]], being sworn in the following day.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-15/live-blog-malcolm-turnbull-to-be-sworn-in-as-prime-minister/6775958 |title=As it happened: Turnbull sworn in as Prime Minister |date=September 15, 2015 |website=ABC News |access-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826040421/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-15/live-blog-malcolm-turnbull-to-be-sworn-in-as-prime-minister/6775958 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[September 16]] &ndash; An [[2015 Coquimbo earthquake|8.4 earthquake]] strikes 46&nbsp;km from [[Coquimbo Region|Coquimbo]] (in [[Chile]]). 22 people are killed and 34 more injured.
* [[September 18]]&ndash;[[October 31]] &ndash; The [[2015 Rugby World Cup]] is held in [[England]] and is won by [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]]
* [[September 18]] – Automaker [[Volkswagen]] is alleged to have been involved in worldwide [[Volkswagen emissions scandal|rigging of diesel emissions tests]], affecting an estimated 11&nbsp;million vehicles globally.<ref>{{cite web |title=Volkswagen under investigation over illegal software that masks emissions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/18/epa-california-investigate-volkswagen-clean-air-violations |date=September 18, 2015 |work=The Guardian |access-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724093936/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/18/epa-california-investigate-volkswagen-clean-air-violations |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=EPA: Volkswagen used 'defeat device' to illegally skirt air-pollution controls |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/09/18/epa-volkswagen-used-defeat-device-to-circumvent-air-pollution-controls |date=September 18, 2015 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001172348/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/09/18/epa-volkswagen-used-defeat-device-to-circumvent-air-pollution-controls/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[September 20]]  – [[September 2015 Greek legislative election|Snap legislative elections]] are held in [[Greece]], following the resignation of [[Prime Minister of Greece|prime minister]] [[Alexis Tsipras]], to elect all 300 members of the [[Hellenic Parliament]] and the [[Syriza|SYRIZA]] party, led by Alexis Tsipras comes out as the largest party winning 145 out of 300 seats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ekloges-prev.singularlogic.eu/v2015b/v/public/index.html?lang=en |title=Parliamentary Elections September 2015 |website=ekloges.ypes.gr |access-date=2022-03-27 |archive-date=April 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423101352/http://ekloges-prev.singularlogic.eu/v2015b/v/public/index.html?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-09-21 |title=Greece election: Alexis Tsipras hails 'victory of the people' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34307795 |access-date=2022-03-27 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512073016/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34307795 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2015-09-20 |title=Greek leftist Tsipras returns in unexpectedly decisive vote win  |website=[[Reuters]] |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/20/us-eurozone-greece-election-idUSKCN0RJ0US20150920 |access-date=2022-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920215828/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/20/us-eurozone-greece-election-idUSKCN0RJ0US20150920 |archive-date=September 20, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-20 |title=Greece election result: the key numbers |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/20/greece-election-result-the-key-numbers |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327181128/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/20/greece-election-result-the-key-numbers |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[September 24]] – A [[2015 Mina stampede|stampede]] during the [[Hajj]] pilgrimage in [[Mecca]] kills at least 2,200 people and injures more than 900 others, with more than 650 missing.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a7713a35e7314dd7824326f3ee5638f1/iran-holds-funeral-diplomat-killed-saudi-hajj-crush |title=Iran holds funeral for diplomat killed in Saudi hajj crush |date=November 27, 2015 |website=Associated Press |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208212802/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a7713a35e7314dd7824326f3ee5638f1/iran-holds-funeral-diplomat-killed-saudi-hajj-crush |archive-date=December 8, 2015 }}</ref>
* [[September 28]] – [[NASA]] announces that liquid water has been found on [[Mars]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NASA News Conference: Evidence of Liquid Water on Today's Mars. |url=http://www.nasa.gov/topics/journeytomars/index.html |date=September 28, 2015 |work=[[NASA]] |access-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718143624/https://www.nasa.gov/topics/journeytomars/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[September 30]] – Russia begins [[Russian military intervention in Syria|air strikes]] against [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] and [[Syrian opposition|anti-government forces]] in Syria, in support of the Syrian government.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-kremlin-oks-troops-20150930-story.html |title=Russia launches airstrikes in Syria amid U.S. concern about targets |first1=Patrick J. |last1=McDonnell |first2=W.J. |last2=Hennigan |first3=Nabih |last3=Bulos |name-list-style=amp |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=September 30, 2015 |access-date=2016-06-29 |archive-date=March 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305052015/https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-kremlin-oks-troops-20150930-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===October===
* [[October 3]] – A [[Kunduz hospital airstrike|United States airstrike]] on a [[Médecins Sans Frontières]] (Doctors Without Borders) hospital in [[Afghanistan]] kills an estimated 20 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/03/msf-hospital-us-condemned-over-horrific-bombing-in-afghanistan |title=MSF hospital: US condemned over 'horrific bombing' in Afghanistan |first=Sune Engel |last=Rasmussen |date=October 3, 2015 |work=The Guardian |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-date=January 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116212004/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/03/msf-hospital-us-condemned-over-horrific-bombing-in-afghanistan |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[October 10]] – A series of [[2015 Ankara bombings|suicide bombings]] kills at least 100 people at a peace rally in [[Ankara, Turkey]], and injures more than 400 others.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/12/turkey-blames-ankara-bombings-on-islamic-state|title=Turkey says Islamic State is main suspect in Ankara bombings|last1=Letsch|first1=Constanze|date=2015-10-12|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-02-26|last2=Shaheen|first2=Kareem|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=February 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062933/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/12/turkey-blames-ankara-bombings-on-islamic-state|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[October 23]] – [[Hurricane Patricia]] becomes the most [[List of tropical cyclone records|intense]] hurricane ever recorded in the [[Western Hemisphere]] and the second strongest worldwide, with winds of 215&nbsp;mph and a pressure of 872 mbar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hurricane Patricia: Risk of floods and landslides |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-34625357 |date=October 24, 2015 |work=BBC News |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629190602/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-34625357 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[October 25]] – The [[2015 Polish parliamentary election]] is held for the [[Sejm]] of the Republic of Poland, with the election being won by the largest opposition party, the right-wing [[Law and Justice]] (PiS).
* [[October 26]] – A [[October 2015 Hindu Kush earthquake|magnitude 7.5 earthquake]] strikes the [[Hindu Kush]] region and causes 398 deaths,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/26/asia/afghanistan-earthquake/index.html |title=Deaths, damage reported in powerful Afghanistan quake |first=Ben |last=Brumfield |date=October 26, 2015 |work=CNN |access-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-date=September 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919012014/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/26/asia/afghanistan-earthquake/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with 279 in [[Pakistan]], 115 in [[Afghanistan]] and 4 in [[India]].
*[[October 30]] – [[Colectiv nightclub fire]]: a fire ignited by a failed fireworks show sets the walls and columns covered in foam of the Colectiv nightclub, located in [[Romania]]'s capital [[Bucharest]]. 27 people die at the scene, including four out the five members of the Romanian metalcore band "[[Goodbye to Gravity]]", and 37 would succumb later due to the injuries and intoxication with fumes, but also because of the poor treatment conditions. The event and the poor management of the situation [[2015 Romanian protests|spark a riot]] in all of Romania, known as the "Colectiv Revolution".
* [[October 31]] – [[Metrojet Flight 9268]], an [[Airbus A321]] airliner en route to [[Saint Petersburg]] from [[Sharm el-Sheikh]], crashes near Al-Hasana in Sinai, killing all 217 passengers and 7 crew members on board. Later investigations revealed a bomb was likely responsible for the crash with Islamic State being the primary suspect.<ref>*{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34687139 |title=Sinai plane crash: No survivors on Russian airliner KGL9268 |date=October 31, 2015 |work=BBC |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=April 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409220954/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34687139 |url-status=live }}
*{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-crash-russia-flights-tourists/exclusive-investigators-90-percent-sure-bomb-downed-russian-plane-idUSKCN0SX07D20151108 |title=Exclusive: Investigators '90 percent sure' bomb downed Russian plane |work=Reuters |date=November 8, 2015 |access-date=March 25, 2020 |archive-date=March 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325231029/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-crash-russia-flights-tourists/exclusive-investigators-90-percent-sure-bomb-downed-russian-plane-idUSKCN0SX07D20151108 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===November===
* [[November 4]] – Romanian prime-minister [[Victor Ponta]] resigns amid calls from the people angered by the [[Colectiv nightclub fire]], marking the end of an almost four years period of [[2012-15 unrest in Romania|unrest in Romania]]. Peaceful protests would continue until November 9. 
* [[November 9]] – alignDRAW, first AI model to create images using prompts by Elman Mansimov. <ref>{{cite arXiv | eprint=1511.02793 | last1=Mansimov | first1=Elman | last2=Parisotto | first2=Emilio | author3=Jimmy Lei Ba | last4=Salakhutdinov | first4=Ruslan | title=Generating Images from Captions with Attention | date=2015 | class=cs.LG }}</ref>
* [[November 7]] – CPC general secretary [[Xi Jinping]] and ROC president [[Ma Ying-jeou]] [[2015 Ma–Xi meeting|formally meet]] for the first time.<ref name=cnaupdate>{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Shu-hua|last2=Chang|first2=S.C|title=President Ma to meet China's Xi in Singapore Saturday (update)|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/afav/201511040001.aspx|access-date=November 4, 2015|agency=Central News Agency|archive-date=November 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107010003/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/afav/201511040001.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[November 12]] – Two suicide bombers [[2015 Beirut bombings|detonated explosives]] in Bourj el-Barajneh, Beirut, killing 43 people and injuring over 200 others.
* [[November 13]] – [[November 2015 Paris attacks|Multiple terrorist attacks]] claimed by [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL) in [[Paris, France]], result in 130 fatalities.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34823938 |title=Paris hit by 'three teams of attackers' |work=BBC News |date=November 15, 2015 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613225859/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34823938 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[November 24]] – [[Turkey]] [[2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown|shoots down]] a [[Russia]]n fighter jet on the [[Syria–Turkey border|Turkish–Syrian border]] in the first case of a [[NATO]] member destroying a Russian aircraft since the 1950s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.maxim.com/maxim-man/turkey-russia-warplane-isis-2015-11 |title=A NATO Country Just Shot Down a Russian Warplane for the First Time Since the Cold War |first=Jared |last=Keller |website=Maxim |date=November 24, 2015 |access-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413124155/https://www.maxim.com/maxim-man/turkey-russia-warplane-isis-2015-11 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[November 30]] – The [[2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference]] (COP 21) is held in Paris, attended by leaders from 147 nations.<ref>{{cite news |title=COP21: World leaders begin high-level climate talks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34960051 |date=November 30, 2015 |work=BBC News |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615123223/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34960051 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===December===
*[[December 2]] – [[2015 San Bernardino attack|Two gunmen open fire]] at a workplace in [[San Bernardino]], [[California]], killing 14 before dying themselves in a shootout with police. [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] claimed responsibility.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34987697 |title=At least 14 dead in California shooting |date=2015-12-03 |access-date=2019-04-24 |language=en-GB |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424184851/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34987697 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[December 11]] – [[OpenAI]], a non-profit [[artificial intelligence]] research company, is founded.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2015 |title=Introducing OpenAI |url=https://openai.com/blog/introducing-openai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808104802/https://openai.com/blog/introducing-openai/ |archive-date=August 8, 2017 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=OpenAI |language=en}}</ref>
* [[December 12]] – A global [[climate change]] pact is [[Paris Agreement|agreed]] at the [[2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP 21 summit]] in Paris, committing all countries to reduce [[carbon emissions]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |title=COP21 climate change summit reaches deal in Paris |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35084374 |date=December 12, 2015 |work=BBC |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617091712/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35084374 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[December 15]] – The [[Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition]] is formed in order to fight terrorism.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/saudi-arabia-launches-islamic-military-alliance-to-combat-terrorism/2015/12/15/ad568a1c-a361-11e5-9c4e-be37f66848bb_story.html|title=Saudi Arabia launches 'Islamic military alliance' to combat terrorism|last=DeYoung|first=Karen|date=2015-12-15|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2017-02-26|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142606/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/saudi-arabia-launches-islamic-military-alliance-to-combat-terrorism/2015/12/15/ad568a1c-a361-11e5-9c4e-be37f66848bb_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[December 22]] – [[SpaceX]] lands an uncrewed [[Falcon 9]] rocket, the first [[Reusable launch system|reusable rocket]] to successfully enter orbital space and return.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/21/spacex-successfully-lands-a-giant-falcon-9-rocket-for-the-first-time/ |title=SpaceX Successfully Lands A Giant Falcon 9 Rocket For The First Time |website=TechCrunch |date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304172949/https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/21/spacex-successfully-lands-a-giant-falcon-9-rocket-for-the-first-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Births and deaths==
{{Main|Category:2015 births|Deaths in 2015}}

==Nobel Prizes==
[[File:Nobel medal.png|right|120px|Nobel medal]]
* [[Nobel Prize in Chemistry|Chemistry]] – [[Paul L. Modrich]]; [[Aziz Sancar]] and [[Tomas Lindahl]]
* [[Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences|Economics]] – [[Angus Deaton]]
* [[Nobel Prize in Literature|Literature]] – [[Svetlana Alexievich]]
* [[Nobel Prize for Peace|Peace]] – [[Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2015/ |title=The Nobel Peace Prize 2015 |publisher=Nobelprize.org |date=9 October 2015 |access-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-date=April 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430182305/https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Nobel Prize in Physics|Physics]] – [[Takaaki Kajita]] and [[Arthur B. McDonald]]
* [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine|Physiology or Medicine]] – [[William C. Campbell (scientist)|William C. Campbell]], [[Satoshi Ōmura]] and [[Tu Youyou]]

==New English words==
*''[[aphantasia]]''
*''[[aquafaba]]''
*''[[ghost kitchen|cloud kitchen]]''
*''[[extreme risk protection order]]''
*''[[ghost kitchen]]''
*''[[red flag law]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/time-traveler/2015 |title=Time Traveler by Merriam-Webster: Words from 2015 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |access-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611050022/https://www.merriam-webster.com/time-traveler/2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Popular culture==
In the time travel film ''[[Back to the Future Part II]]'' (1989), [[Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]], [[Marty McFly]], and Marty's girlfriend [[Jennifer Parker]] travel to [[October 21]], 2015 to prevent Marty's son from being arrested.

The Japanese animated mecha television series Neon Genesis Evangelion (Released 1995) is set in the year 2015, in which earth is under attack from mysterious entities known as "angels".

==See also==
*[[2010s in political history]]
*[[International observance#2010s|List of international years]]
* {{portal-inline|2010s}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Events by month links}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2015}}
[[Category:2015| ]]