As the world says goodbye to 2022, a year marked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Covid pandemic and conflicts, the world annually commemorates a fresh start to a calendar year by sharing greetings, eating, dancing and having fun. But did you know that not all parts of the world do not observe the New Year at the same time? Although the countdown to 2023 begins just before midnight around the world, not everyone celebrates the New Year at the same time.
The New Year will be heralded throughout the day around the world, with various countries embracing the beginning of the year with their customs and festivities.
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Here are the countries that celebrate the New Year first and last:
Which country will celebrate the New Year first?
Oceania is the place in the world that marks the celebration of the New Year for the first time. Small island nations in the Pacific, Tonga, Kiribati and Samoa are the first to announce a new calendar year, as here, January 1 begins at 10am GMT or 3:30pm.
Which country will be the last to celebrate the New Year?
Near the United States, the uninhabited islands, Baker Island and Howland, are the places in the world that welcome the New Year for the last time, as they begin their celebration at 12 pm GMT or 5:30 p.m. .
