Which Country Celebrates New Year First, and Who Rings in Last Compared to India? Find Out Here!

Did you know that while India is getting ready to welcome the New Year, some countries have already celebrated it? 

As the clock strikes midnight in one part of the world, another is just starting its countdown. The New Year is more than just turning a calendar page. It’s a moment of hope, fresh beginnings, and global celebrations.

So, who gets to ring in the New Year first compared to India? That honour belongs to Kiribati, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean, celebrating the New Year 7.5 hours before India. 

And who has to wait the longest? It’s American Samoa, where the New Year arrives nearly a full day after Kiribati!

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating time zones and uncover which countries celebrate the New Year first and last compared to India. Let’s get started!

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Why is New Year Celebrated at Different Times Across the Globe?

The New Year is celebrated at different times across the globe due to the Earth’s time zones. 

As the Earth rotates, different parts of the world experience midnight at different moments, meaning each region celebrates the arrival of the new year at a unique time. 

The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, and as one zone reaches midnight, it signals the start of the New Year for that area. 

Because the world is divided along longitudinal lines, regions to the east of the Prime Meridian (Greenwich Mean Time) experience the New Year earlier than those to the west. 

In comparison to India, the time difference between Kiritimati Island and India is 8 hours and 30 minutes ahead, meaning when it is 3:30 PM IST on December 31, 2024, it is already midnight in Kiritimati, welcoming the New Year.

In contrast, Baker Island operates on UTC -12, making it 6 hours and 30 minutes behind India. Therefore, when it is 12 AM IST on January 1, 2025, it is still 5:30 PM on December 31, 2024, in Baker Island.

Which Country Celebrates New Year First Compared to India?

Source: CIA

Here’s a detailed list of the top 20 countries that celebrate New Year 2025 before India:

Countries Celebrating New Year Before India

India celebrates the New Year at midnight on December 31, which corresponds to midnight IST on January 1. 

Who Waits the Longest to Ring in the New Year Compared to India?

The last places on Earth to celebrate the New Year are Baker Island and Howland Island, both uninhabited territories of the United States located in the Pacific Ocean. They ring in the New Year 2025 at 5:30 PM IST on January 1, 2025. 

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Countries Celebrating New Year After India

Here's a detailed list of countries that celebrate New Year after India:

Kiritimati, Kiribati

Source: ThoughtCo

Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, is a significant atoll in the northern Line Islands of the Republic of Kiribati. 

Covering approximately 388 square kilometres, it is the largest coral atoll in the world by land area. The island features a unique ecosystem, with a central lagoon and several smaller lagoons surrounded by sandy beaches. 

It has a tropical climate, characterised by warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Due to its position just west of the International Date Line, Kiritimati is among the first inhabited places to celebrate the New Year.

7 Fun Facts About Kiribati

1. Kiribati, a former British colony and a current member of the Commonwealth of Nations, is classified as one of the least-developed countries globally, with a Human Development Index score of 0.624. 
2. The island nation, particularly Kiritimati (Christmas Island), celebrates New Year's in a more understated manner compared to the grand fireworks displays of cities like New York or Sydney, with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents. 
3. On New Year’s Eve, temperatures typically range from 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 Fahrenheit), allowing for outdoor activities such as snorkelling and fishing. 
4. Celebrations often occur at the maneaba, a traditional meeting place, featuring music and dancing. 
5. Kiribati, pronounced "Kiribass," gained independence in 1979 and consists of 32 coral atolls spread over a vast ocean area. 
6. Kiritimati received its name from British explorer James Cook during his visit on Christmas Eve in 1777.
7. The island is also notable for its unique position relative to the International Date Line, celebrating the New Year 24-26 hours before neighbouring islands like Baker Island.

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Baker Island and Howland Island, US

Source: Reddit

Baker Island and Howland Island are uninhabited territories of the United States located in the central Pacific Ocean. Baker Island, discovered in 1818, is situated approximately 1,650 miles southwest of Honolulu and is part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands. 

It covers an area of about 1.4 square kilometres and features an equatorial climate with little rainfall and constant winds. The island is primarily a wildlife refuge, home to various seabirds and endangered species like sea turtles.

The U.S. took possession of Baker Island in 1857, initially mining its guano deposits until 1891. A short-lived colonisation attempt occurred in 1935 but was abandoned due to World War II. 

Today, Baker Island is administered as part of the Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge, with access restricted to scientists and educators. Howland Island lies about 42 miles north-northwest of Baker Island and shares a similar history and ecological significance. 

Both islands are characterised by their low-lying coral formations, sparse vegetation, and lack of freshwater sources. They serve primarily as habitats for nesting seabirds and marine wildlife, making them important for conservation efforts in the Pacific region.

7 Fun Facts About Baker Island and Howland Island

1. Both Baker Island and Howland Island are uninhabited U.S. territories located in the central Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,650 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.
2. They are designated as National Wildlife Refuges, providing crucial habitats for seabirds and marine life. Baker Island is particularly known for its large breeding colonies of seabirds, including masked gannets and frigates.
3. The United States claimed both islands under the Guano Act of 1856 due to their guano deposits, which were mined until the late 19th century.
4. Both islands experience an equatorial climate with minimal rainfall and consistent winds, making them hot and sunny year-round. The average temperature hovers around 80°F (27°C).
5. Baker Island is a flat coral atoll with no central lagoon, while Howland Island is slightly larger and features a similar topography, surrounded by a narrow fringing reef.
6. Entry to both islands is highly restricted and typically granted only to scientists and educators through special permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
7. Although uninhabited today, both islands have remnants of early settlements from the 19th century and were briefly used as military bases during World War II before being abandoned.

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