People across the world ushered in 2023 with fireworks and celebrations.

Christmas Island and several other small islands located in the center of the Pacific Ocean, most of which are uninhabited, were the first to mark 2023. A sharp contrast to Hawaii which will usher in the new year 24 hours later though its lies just south of Christmas Island.

An hour later, the tiny island of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean ushered in the New Year, along with New Zealand and Samoa. Just two hours later, Sydney in eastern Australia also celebrated the arrival of 2023.

With the world just out of the strict Covid-19 restrictions, this New year marks celebrations that was last witnessed in 2020.

2022 has seen the passing away of many prominent figures with the latest being the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on the last day of 2022.

2022 also saw the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch of the modern era.

The last to celebrate the beginning of the new year are Howland and Baker Island, although as both islands are uninhabited, there won't be many people ringing in the new year there.

CnewsLive thanks its readers and wishes all a wonderful and prosperous 2023.