The year 2022 turned to 2023 in time zones across the world, starting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Some of the first people who celebrated 2023 live in Kiribati, an island country in the Pacific Ocean, with a population of less than 122,000 people.
Australia, which is one of the first big countries to begin the year, started 2023 with a bang — 7,000 fireworks were launched from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and another 2,000 from the nearby Sydney Opera House, The Associated Press reported.
“Happy New Years, Australia, wishing you all the best for the year ahead,” the country’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, tweeted.
Here’s a look at how people are celebrating the new year in various countries.
Australia
Fireworks can be seen over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. Roni Bintang/Getty Images
Japan
People try to cross the street shortly before midnight for New Year’s celebrations in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images
Philippines
Fireworks explode over buildings during New Year’s celebrations in Manila, Philippines. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
Pakistan
People watch a fireworks show in Karachi. Rizwan Tabassum /AFP via Getty Images
India
People celebrate at the sea promenade in Mumbai, India. Punit Paranjpe/AFP via Getty Images
Indonesia
Revelers celebrate the New Year at the Selamat Datang Monument at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Adek Berry/AFP via Getty Images
Thailand
Fireworks explode over the King Taksin Bridge in Bangkok, Thailand. Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
Kenya
People look at fireworks launching from the building of Old Mutual Tower to celebrate the new year in Nairobi. Yasuyoshi Chiba /AFP via Getty Images
Ukraine
People gather near a Christmas tree decorated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag in a Kyiv square on New Year’s Eve. Many residents are without power or water as the Russian missile assault continues throughout the country. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
France
Fireworks explode next to the Arc de Triomphe with “2023” projected on the building, at the Avenue des Champs-Elysees during New Year celebrations in Paris.
Julien De Rosa/AFP via Getty Images
United Kingdom
Fireworks and a drone show paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II light up the London skyline to celebrate the New Year. London’s New Year’s Eve firework display returned this year after it was canceled over pandemic concerns. Carl Court/Getty Images
Brazil
Brazilians celebrate during fireworks marking the start of the New Year at Gonzaga beach on Jan. 1, 2023 in Santos, Brazil.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
