The Greenwich Meridian, which establishes Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and the 180th meridian, known as the International Date Line, bring in each new year. gradually to different countries and territories.
So, for example, when in Buenos Aires people raise their glasses to toast the new year, in London they have already been celebrating for three hours.
It is the 180th meridian that determines that there are certain territories and countries where you receive the New Year’s practically a day later.
What is the last country in the world to welcome the new year?
THE international date line It extends from north to south, across the center of the Pacific Ocean. For practical reasons it is not straight, like the meridian, but some parts form a zigzag so that small Pacific countries can cover all their territory on the same day.
Last to receive the new year. Howland and Barker Islands, but they are uninhabited. Photo: Clarin.Practically opposite the Greenwich meridian, it forms this imaginary line two uninhabited islands in the last places where New Year’s Eve could be celebrated. Those islands are Howland and Barker, which have belonged to the United States since 1857.
Barker measures 2.1km2 and Howland 1.6km2. Both have sandy coral soils, are almost flat (with maximum heights of 8 and 6 m) and have been devoid of inhabitants since the Second World War.
Located approximately 3,000 km south of Hawaii and separated by 66 km of ocean, they have Wildlife Refuge status. To visit them you must request a permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The last people to welcome the new year. The inhabitants of Niue, a Polynesian island that belongs to New Zealand. Photo: AFP.Since there’s no one to celebrate with in Howland and Baker, it’s best to head there Niue, a self-governing territory belonging to New Zealand, located approximately 2,400 km north-east of that country. With 261 km2 it has approximately 1,620 inhabitants.
The date line places New Zealand 23 hours ahead of Niue. So, when in Auckland, the main city of New Zealand, it is 11.59pm on Sunday 31 December 2023, in Alofi, the capital of Niue, It will be the same time but Saturday 30 December.
Although there are proposals for Niue to have the same time zone as New Zealand, for now everything will remain the same. Furthermore, in Niue curiosity is used to encourage New Year’s tourism. In high summer, this island offers beautiful beaches and luxury resorts celebrate Takaias they call the celebration there.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.