Libya Libya celebrates its independence for the first time in 42 years; independence celebrations were banned under the regime of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Cuba Cuba announces that it will release 2,900 prisoners – including some political prisoners – in the next few days.
2011 protests Tens of thousands of people protest across Russia against parliamentary elections that they allege were rigged in favour of the ruling United Russia party.
China A former official of the central bank of the People's Republic of China states that the People's Bank of China could lower the country's reserve requirements in 2012.
Dutch Dutch actor and singer Johannes Heesters, the world's oldest performer, dies at the age of 108.
Fo Guang Shan The Buddha Memorial Center of Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, housing a tooth relic of Gautama Buddha, is consecrated.
Nigeria Gun battles in Nigeria between government troops and Islamist Boko Haram militants kill 68 people.
Yemen Government troops in Yemen fire on anti-government protesters demanding the trial of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, killing at least nine people.
Arab League Arab League monitors meet Syria's foreign minister, a day after deadly bombings occurred in the capital Damascus.