The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international scientific research initiative aimed at identifying and mapping the complete sequence of the human genome. It sought to determine the order of approximately three billion DNA base pairs and identify all the genes present in human beings. The project officially began in 1990 and was successfully completed in 2003 through the collaborative efforts of scientists from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Germany, China, and several other countries. The Human Genome Project represents one of the greatest achievements in biological science and has significantly transformed the fields of genetics, medicine, anthropology, and comparative ethnography. The human genome contains the complete genetic information necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of an individual. The HGP revealed that humans possess approximately 20,000–25,000 protein-coding genes and that more than 99.9% of the DNA sequence is identical among all human beings. The remaining small proportion of genetic variation contributes to differences in physical characteristics, disease susceptibility, and adaptation to different environments. The project also generated advanced technologies and bioinformatics tools for storing, analyzing, and interpreting genetic information. One of the most important applications of the Human Genome Project is in medical diagnosis. The identification of genes associated with inherited disorders enables early detection of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Huntington's disease, and thalassemia. Prenatal screening and genetic counseling have become more effective, allowing families to make informed reproductive decisions. The Human Genome