1. 1. 2016 is a leap year which is great if you’re born on 29th February as you get to celebrate your birthday on the actual day!

  2. 2. The Olympics and Paralympics, the biggest sporting events on the planet, take place in Rio de Janeiro this year.


  3. 3. According to the Chinese calendar it is the year of the monkey. People born in the year of the monkey are thought be intelligent, witty, and inventive.

  4. 4. The United Nations has designated 2016 as the ‘Year of the Pulses.’ It aims to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.

  5. 5. Queen Elizabeth II turns 90 in 2016! A special event at Windsor Castle has been planned to celebrate this milestone birthday.