The country that will start the day first is Kiribati.
Understanding Time Zones and the International Date Line
The Earth is divided into various time zones, and the concept of which country starts the day first is primarily determined by its geographical position relative to the International Date Line. This imaginary line runs through the Pacific Ocean and marks the transition from one calendar day to the next. Countries located immediately to the west of the International Date Line are among the last to experience a new day, while those located immediately to the east are among the first.
Kiribati: The First to Welcome the New Day
According to the provided information, Kiribati, an island country situated to the east of the International Date Line in the central Pacific Ocean, is recognized for being the first to welcome the New Year. While the reference specifically mentions the New Year celebration, this position relative to the International Date Line means Kiribati is also among the first to start any new calendar day throughout the year.
Consider this:
- The International Date Line generally follows the 180° longitude.
- Moving west across the line advances the calendar by one day.
- Moving east across the line sets the calendar back by one day.
- Countries like Kiribati, which adjusted their time zones to be on the eastern side of certain segments of the date line (specifically islands like Kiritimati), are therefore the earliest to begin a new day.
Key Takeaway from the Reference
The reference highlights:
Kiribati, an island country situated to the east of the International Date Line, in the central Pacific Ocean in Oceania, is the first to welcome the New Year...
This confirms its status as one of the earliest places to begin a new day, particularly notable during significant moments like the start of a new year.
In practical terms, when it is midnight starting a new day in Kiribati, countries far to the west, like those in Europe or the Americas, are still in the previous day.
