Since 1927, TIME editors have named a "Person of the Year" on the cover of a special issue of the magazine. The title is given to the person who, "for better or worse," the magazine's editors believe had the greatest impact on the year's events. Though the magazine called the issue "Man of the Year" until 2000, the first "Woman of the Year" (Wallis Simpson) appeared on the cover in 1936. In 2005, Time named Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates as its 78th "Persons of the Year."

• Feedback: Share your thoughts with us