Alpha News

First Place on Earth to Welcome 2026

Published December 31, 2025, 10:28

Kiribati, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, was the first landmass to usher in the year 2026. The island, comprised of atolls stretching over 4,000 kilometers, gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979 and is home to the largest marine sanctuary in the South Pacific. Despite being located south of Hawaii, Kiribati celebrates the New Year a day earlier due to its geographical position. The archipelago has a population of approximately 116,000, and many of its atolls are at very low elevations. The low elevation of the atolls makes Kiribati particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. This threat poses a significant challenge to the survival of the island and its inhabitants. The news highlights the uniqueness of Kiribati as one of the first places in the world to enter the new year, but also serves as a reminder of the environmental challenges facing the region.