So, 2011 was a pretty quiet year, then? No major changes. Probably one the history books will skip over. Or maybe not... Governments, dictators, economists, not to mention news reporters, certainly might beg to differ. From the Arab Spring to the summer riots much closer to home, the eurozone crisis and natural disasters of epic proportions, 2011 will be remembered if for nothing else, its ability to shock and surprise.

No foresight could have predicted such a consequential and momentous year. At the time of writing this, it is review galore for journalists and the public alike with a myriad of comparisons being made between 2011 and other significant years in history.