The world is welcoming the arrival of the New Year 2012. Although New Year time and customs differ by countries, New Year is believed to bring new hopes, joys and happiness for everybody. 2012 is a special year for 186,000 people in the South Pacific island nation of Samoa as they became the first citizens in the world to ring in the New Year. Many tourists have flocked to the country to enjoy the wonderful moment.

In the western hemisphere, the atmosphere of New Year has overwhelmed the Times Square in New York city. About 1 million Americans are expected to gather in the square to count down to the New Year’s Eve. Final preparations are underway for the world biggest firework display in Rio de Janeiro which will take place in 16 minutes and be broadcast live around the globe.

New year festivities pervade European cities. Families in Britain have bought wine and meat, hoping for another affluent year, while the French people have prepared wine for New Year celebrations.