Scroll down to watch a video of the fireworks in Sydney

LONDON: Fireworks light up the sky and Big Ben just after midnight

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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Fireworks explode over the Houses of Parliament

LONDON: The new year will host the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games

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: 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

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 SCOTLAND: Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle during celebrations to mark the new year at the Hogmanay street party

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

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 as Cina celebrates 2012 at the Temple of Heaven Park
The Circular Mound is illuminated as Beijing celebrates 2012 at the Temple of Heaven Park

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

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

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
Nato troops from the US led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and service members dance during their 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

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

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

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

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.

Fireworks explode from Taiwan's tallest skyscraper Taipei 101 during New Year
Fireworks explode from Taiwan's tallest skyscraper Taipei 101 during New Year

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

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

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

The South Pacific Island of Samoa was the first to celebrate this year rather than the last
A party goer in Sydney celebrates the New Year

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

Indian students in Ahmadabad show off placards as they prepare to welcome in the New Year