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

While the clock strikes midnight in one part of the world, the countdown is just beginning in another. The New Year means more than just turning a calendar page. It is a moment of hope, new beginnings and global celebration.

So who will ring in the New Year first compared to India? That honor belongs to Kiribati, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean that celebrates the New Year 7.5 hours ahead of India.

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

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

Check out| Happy New Year 2025: Over 50 quotes, wishes and greetings to share with friends and family

Why is New Year celebrated at different times around the world?

Due to Earth’s time zones, the New Year is celebrated at different times around the world.

As the Earth rotates, different parts of the world experience midnight at different times, meaning each region celebrates the start of the New Year at a unique time.

The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, and when one zone reaches midnight, it signals the start of the new year for that area.

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

Compared to India, the time difference between Kiritimati Island and India is 8 hours and 30 minutes ahead, This means that when it is 3:30 pm IST on December 31, 2024, it is already midnight in Kiritimati and welcomes the New Year.

In contrast, Baker Island’s time zone is UTC -12 6 hours and 30 minutes behind India. So if it is 12:00 AM IST on January 1, 2025, it will still be 5:30 PM on December 31, 2024 on Baker Island.

Which country celebrates New Year first compared to India?

Source: CIA

Here is a detailed list of the 20 countries that will celebrate New Year 2025 before India:

Countries celebrate New Year before India

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

Who waits the longest for 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 in the Pacific Ocean. They ring in the New Year 2025 on January 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM IST.

Discover more| Happy New Year 2025 in advance: New Year’s Eve wishes, quotes, greetings to share with colleagues, colleagues and boss or manager

Countries that celebrate New Year after India

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

Kiritimati, Kiribati

Source: ThoughtCo

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

With an area of ​​approximately 388 square kilometers, it is the largest coral atoll in the world by area. The island has a unique ecosystem with a central lagoon and several smaller lagoons surrounded by sandy beaches.

The climate is tropical, characterized by warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Due to its location west of the International Date Line, Kiritimati is among the first inhabited places to celebrate the New Year.

7 interesting facts about Kiribati

1. Kiribati, a former British colony and current member of the Commonwealth of Nations, is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, with a Human Development Index of 0.624.
2. The island nation, particularly Kiritimati (Christmas Island), celebrates New Year in a more reserved manner compared to the large fireworks displays of cities such as New York or Sydney with populations under 10,000.
3. On New Year’s Eve, temperatures typically range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 and 86 Fahrenheit), making outdoor activities such as snorkeling and fishing possible.
4. Celebrations often take place at the Maneaba, a traditional meeting place with music and dancing.
5. Kiribati, pronounced “Kiribass,” gained independence in 1979 and consists of 32 coral atolls spread across a vast ocean area.
6. Kiritimati got its name from British explorer James Cook during his visit on Christmas Eve in 1777.
7. The island is also notable for its unique location relative to the International Date Line, celebrating the New Year 24 to 26 hours ahead of neighboring islands such as Baker Island.

In case you missed it| Important days in January 2025: List of national and international dates

Baker Island and Howland Island, USA

Source: Reddit

Baker Island and Howland Island are uninhabited areas of the United States in the central Pacific. Discovered in 1818, Baker Island is located approximately 1,650 miles southwest of Honolulu and is one of the smaller outer islands of the United States.

It covers an area of ​​about 1.4 square kilometers and is characterized by an equatorial climate with little rainfall and constant winds. The island is primarily a nature reserve and is home to various seabirds and endangered species such as sea turtles.

The USA took possession of Baker Island in 1857 and initially mined its guano deposits until 1891. A short-lived attempt at colonization occurred in 1935, but was abandoned due to World War II.

Today, Baker Island is managed as part of the Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge and access is limited to scientists and educators. Howland Island is located approximately 42 miles north-northwest of Baker Island and has similar history and ecological significance.

Both islands are characterized by low-lying coral formations, sparse vegetation and the absence of freshwater sources. They primarily serve as habitat for nesting seabirds and marine animals and are therefore important to conservation efforts in the Pacific.

7 interesting facts about Baker Island and Howland Island

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