Kiribati: The First Country to Celebrate the New Year 2026
December 31, 2025
The atoll of Kiribati has become the first area to welcome 2026, celebrating the New Year at 12:00 PM Cyprus time. This country, which gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979, consists of 33 islands and has a population of approximately 116,000 residents. Many of these atolls are at risk from rising sea levels. Other countries in the region, such as New Zealand and Australia, will follow in welcoming the new year. This event highlights the connection between celebrations and time zone differences.