Kiribati and New Zealand were the first countries to enter the year 2026. Both, located in the Pacific Ocean, celebrated the transition into the new year with festivities, parties, and fireworks, while it was 12:00 PM in Chisinau, reports IPN.
After East Oceania, the list continues with other countries and regions in the Pacific, including Fiji and parts of Eastern Russia, as well as several islands in the South Pacific.
The last region to enter 2026, nearly 24 hours after the New Year’s first stop on Earth, will be the American Samoa islands, also in the Pacific Ocean. They are located about 2,000 kilometers from Kiribati, the first territory to welcome 2026.