As always, the transition to 2026 will not occur simultaneously in all regions and countries of the world. Countries or territories will welcome the new year according to their time zone.
The first country in the world to welcome the year 2026 will be the Republic of Kiribati.
Specifically, the Kiritimati Island, belonging to this country, is located 14 hours ahead compared to other regions, which is considered the most advanced time zone on Earth.
The new year on the island will be celebrated at 14:00 on December 31, 2025, according to Baku time.
Along with this, the Chatham Islands of New Zealand will welcome the New Year at 14:15 on December 31, according to Baku time. Also, in New Zealand (North and South Islands), Tonga, and Samoa, the New Year will be welcomed at 15:00 on December 31, according to Baku time.
After this, Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other regions will enter 2026 in stages.
It should be noted that in 1995 Kiribati changed the part of the International Date Line passing through its territory, placing all its islands in the same date and time zone. As a result of this decision, the country becomes one of the first states in the world to welcome the New Year every year. (sfera.az)
