World welcomes 2013

Auckland in New Zealand was the first major city in the world to kick off the New Year celebrations.

As 2013 made its way across Asia Shanghai joined in with the party atmosphere.

In Myanmar thousands turned out for the first public outdoor festivities since a ban on such gatherings under the formerly military-ruled nation was lifted.

North Korea lit the touch paper on a firework display in Pyongyang - then added to the occasion with the first New Year's speech by its leader in 19 years.

London rang in 2013 to the chimes of Big Ben, completing what the city's Mayor described as an amazing end to an incredible year following the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

In Berlin more than a million crowded around the landmark Brandenburg Gate to see in 2013 in style and launch a wealth of New Year's resolutions.

SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED REVELLER SAYING (English):

"To work harder and play harder."

SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED REVELLER SAYING (English):

"I just want to be a nicer person for everyone."

Dubai used the world's tallest tower, the 828-metre Burj Khalifa, as the stage for its firework show.

In South Africa revellers in Cape Town celebrated what some hoped would be a more peaceful year to come.

SOUNDBITE: FIONA GUITUNGA, REVELLER, SAYING (English):

"I hope that it's a wonderful year full of joy, full of love."

Throngs of people packed Times Square in New York for the city's traditional celebration.

Copacabana Beach in Rio was the big venue for Brazil's hello to 2013, drawing an estimated crowd of two million for the start of what's likely to a bumpy year for economies around the globe.