The start of a new year is a reason for celebration and joy in every corner of the world, as it is seen as a new opportunity to fulfill dreams and goals. The whole planet joins together to welcome the first day of the calendar, however, due to the time difference, each country welcomes 2023 at different times.
Since the Earth rotates from west to east, it is precisely the latter hemisphere that receives the sunlight first. Thus, in the countries of Asia and a large part of Oceania, the new year is received first, while in America and small proportions of other continents, we conclude this celebration.
Which is the first country to welcome the New Year?
Although most news outlets point to Australia and broadcast the New Year's Eve celebrations from the Sydney Opera House, it is the Republic of Kiribati, located in the Caroline Islands northeast of Australia, that officially welcomes January 1 representing the whole world.
Known as the "Christmas Island," since it is also the first to celebrate this holiday, it is a densely populated country that, as a result of global warming, is estimated to become uninhabitable in about 15 years.
Which is the last country to welcome the New Year?
If we strictly refer to a country, the answer would be the United States. However, it is actually a territory that belongs to the powerful North America and is located between Hawaii and Australia: Howland and Baker Islands. These are uninhabited areas covering just 1.6 square kilometers.
These islands serve as a refuge for wildlife, both birds and marine fauna. During World War II, they housed military shelters that were later abandoned. There is no drinkable water or vegetation, and landing on this territory requires special permission from the government.
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