World revellers begin welcoming 2013

The islands of Samoa and Tokelau, located in the South Pacific Ocean, where the first territories to enter 2013.

At 2pm Malta time, Australia will be the also entering 2013. Huge celebrations are expected in Australia's major cities. More than 1.5 million people are expected to mass at vantage points along Sydney Harbour to watch the traditional pyrotechnic show that has the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as its focal point.

Crowds began to gather on Monday evening in Sydney in anticipation of the city's famous firework display.

Malta will be greeting the New Year with two street parties being held in Floriana and Valletta. Thousands of people are expected to attend the two open-air parties with bands, fireworks, confetti and much more.

Big shows are also planned in many other cities globally.

Celebrations will also be held for the first time in Burma, where large public gatherings were banned by its previous military rulers.

Tens of thousands are expected to attend the celebrations in Rangoon, which will feature a fireworks display and performances by Burmese entertainers.

Reports say the festivities will be broadcast live on Burmese television.

The celebration is seen as the latest sign of the country's liberalisation under its military-backed civilian government.

However, there is a subdued atmosphere in the Indian capital Delhi, following the death last week of a 23-year-old victim of a brutal gang rape.

The army has cancelled its celebrations across the country, as have the governments in the states of Punjab and Haryana.

Thousands of residents and clubs have also called off new year celebrations. protests over the case continued on Monday.

Later on, festivities will be held in European cities including Moscow, Paris and London.

More than two million people are expected to be on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach.

New York will mark the new year with the traditional New Year's Eve countdown and ball drop over Times Square.