The world ushered in 2025 with huge crowds waving goodbye to the old year that brought Olympic glory, a dramatic Donald Trump return and turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Countries across east and south-east Asia including China, the Philippines and Malaysia have welcomed in the new year with firework displays and drone shows.
Sydney -- the self-proclaimed "New Year's capital of the world" -- sprayed nine tons of fireworks from its famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge at 1300 GMT.
"Just to see all the beautiful colours and enjoy being in this situation with so many people in wonderful Australia," said 71-year-old retired nurse Ruth Rowse ahead of the display.
Taylor Swift brought the curtain down on her Eras tour this year, pygmy hippo Moo Deng went viral and teenage football prodigy Lamine Yamal helped Spain conquer the Euros. The Paris Olympics united the world for a brief few weeks in July and August.
Athletes swam in the Seine, raced in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower and rode horses across the manicured lawns outside the Palace of Versailles. It was a global year of elections, with countless millions going to the polls across more than 60 countries.
In his annual address aired on state television, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the country’s achievements made during his 25-year tenure as its leader.
"We still have a lot to decide but we can be rightfully proud of what has already been done," he said, adding the past 25 years had paved the way for "further development."
However, no vote was as closely watched as the November 5 contest that will soon see Trump back in the White House. From Mexico to the Middle East, his looming return as commander-in-chief is already making waves.
The president-elect has threatened to pile economic pain on China and boasted of his ability to halt the Ukraine war within "24 hours."
