Scroll down to watch a video of the fireworks in Sydney
LONDON: Fireworks light up the sky and Big Ben just after midnight
LONDON: The dazzling display lasted for around 15 minutes in the capital
LONDON: The fireworks heralded the start of an exciting year for the capital, which will host the Olympic games
LONDON: Welcome to 2012! The show had an Olympian theme
LONDON: The display was the result of 12 months of planning with a crew of 306 working on the site since Boxing Day
LONDON: Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'Our New Year fireworks were a brilliant start to a spectacular year.'
LONDON: Fireworks explode over the Houses of Parliament
LONDON: The new year will host the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games
LONDON: Thousands lined up against the banks so they could watch the show
LONDON: Crowds gathered on Westminster Bridge in central London as they wait for New Years Eve fireworks to be set off
SCOTLAND: Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle during celebrations to mark the new year at the Hogmanay street party
VIENNA: The number 2012 is written with sparklers during a long exposure in front of St Stephen's Cathedral during New Year's Eve celebrations
BEIJING: The Circular Mound is illuminated with a variety of colourful lights as China celebrates 2012 at the Temple of Heaven Park
MOSCOW: Thousands of people watched the fireworks explode during the new year's day celebration on Red Square
SINGAPORE: Spectacular scenes could be seen from across the city as fireworks exploded over Marina Bay during the New Year celebrations
NATO: Troops from the US led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and service members dance during their celebrations
MALAYSIA: Fireworks display near the country's landmark Petronas twin towers during the New Year celebrations as the clock strikes 12
KUALA LUMPUR: Three women, who wore illuminated bunny ears to get into the spirit
PHILIPPINES: A huge fireworks and water fountain display marks the New Year at Manila's Rizal Park
GERMANY: Fireworks explode before New Year celebrations over the 'Golden Victoria' on top of Berlin's landmark victory column
Samao and neighbouring Tokelau lie near the date line in the Pacific Ocean and both islands decided to realign themselves from the Americas side to the Asia side in order to be more in line with major trading partners. It is hoped the move will help improve the economy.
Pools and beaches have been packed with Samoans and tourists who are keen to be the first to celebrate rather than the last.
TAIWAN: Colourful fireworks explode from the country's tallest skyscraper Taipei 101 and light up the night sky as the country celebrates the start of 2012
SYDNEY: Thousands of people gathered to watch the impressive display as Australia welcomed in the New Year
AUSTRALIA: A red hue lights up the sky over the Sydney Opera House. More than a million people gathered to watch and then celebrate 2012
Samoans celebrated New Year's Eve first this year, left, rather than last, after they skipped Friday altogether and a woman, right, celebrates in Sydney
Indian students in Ahmadabad show off placards as they prepare to welcome in the New Year