Which country altered its timezone in order to be the first to see in the year 2000?

On the eve of the new millennium, many countries were eager to be the first to welcome the year 2000. One country that made a significant alteration to its timezone in order to achieve this feat was Kiribati.

Kiribati, a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, decided to shift its timezone by a whole day to ensure that it would be the first country to enter the new millennium. The move was a strategic decision to gain international attention and promote the country as a unique and special destination.

Prior to the timezone change, Kiribati was divided into three separate time zones: UTC+12, UTC+13, and UTC+14. However, in 1995, the government decided to eliminate the UTC+13 timezone, effectively moving the entirety of Kiribati to UTC+14. This meant that the country's easternmost islands, including Christmas Island and Kiritimati, would be the first to witness the sunrise on January 1, 2000.

The decision to alter the timezone was not without controversy. Some residents of Kiribati were initially resistant to the change, as it meant adjusting their daily routines and schedules. However, the government assured the citizens that the move was in the best interest of the country and would bring significant benefits, including increased tourism and global recognition.

Kiribati's strategic move paid off. The country received extensive media coverage and became known as the "Land of the First Sunrise of the New Millennium." Tourists flocked to Kiribati to celebrate the historic moment and experience the unique cultural celebrations that followed.

Today, Kiribati continues to use the UTC+14 timezone, making it the only country in the world to be situated in all four hemispheres. The decision to alter its timezone remains a remarkable event in the country's history and serves as a testament to Kiribati's desire to be at the forefront of global events.

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