Final of Miss World 2014

Keeping the competition on its toes: More than 100 of the planet's most beautiful women take to the stage in final of Miss World 2014 - and Miss South Africa takes home the crown 

• Miss World final took place at ExCel centre in East London
• 120 international contestants took part in 64th competition
• Winner will be crowned by last year's Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines
• Competition was founded in 1950 with just 26 entrants  

By Bianca London for MailOnline

Published: 16:01 GMT, 14 December 2014 | Updated: 17:28 GMT, 14 December 2014

Beauty queens today descended on London to be put through their paces at the Miss World final - returning to the city where it all started 63 years ago.

The coveted crown was taken home by Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss. She was presented the glittering accolade by last year's winner, Megan Young of the Philippines.

The 22-year-old, who is studying medicine at the University of the Free State, proved that she is both beauty and brains. 

The show, which is being broadcast to millions of viewers across the globe, featured 120 international contestants each deemed to be not only the most beautiful in their home countries, but the best example of what it means to be a modern woman.

This year's crop, far from being the stereotypical dumb beauty queens, are both pretty and polished, with the majority holding a university degree, as well as juggling a vast array of interests, hobbies and charity work.

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We have a winner! Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss, a 22-year-old medical student, took home the coveted Miss World 2014 crown today in London

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Grand finale: Beauty queens from all over the globe competed against each other at the ExCel centre in London today in a glittering Miss World 2014 final

Flying the flag for the UK was England's Carina Tyrrell. She is among the most intelligent of this year's crop, thanks to a first-class brain that has earned her First Class honours in her pre-clinical medical studies degree from Cambridge University.

The 24-year-old medical student, who will now begin clinical training, is also the president of the Cambridge University Global Health Society, which works to increase awareness of health issues around the world, as well as working with those less fortunate in the UK.

But her academic achievements are just one string to this multi-talented beauty's bow. In addition to studying for a degree and participating in Miss World, Miss Tyrrell has raised £19,800 for the international children's charity Terre des Hommes, worked at the World Health Organization for the Tropical Diseases Research department, and to top it off, regularly volunteers with homeless charities in Cambridge.

If that wasn't enough, she is also a fully trained ski instructor, won a national gymnastics award and regularly travels abroad on humanitarian trips to work with children in India, Brazil, Ghana and Rwanda.

Nevertheless, with her long dark hair and slender size eight figure, Miss Tyrrell, who also speaks fluent French, is no slouch in the looks department either.

Speaking about entering the competition, she said: 'I am delighted and proud to be representing England at Miss World. I want to make the most out of life and have enjoyed looking after children at camps and crashes, being a ski instructor for children, water skiing and dress making, designing and modelling.

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Battling it out: National finalists, including Miss Scotland Ellie McKeating (centre), perform on stage during Miss World 2014 at the ExCel Centre

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Big bash: Contestants from 126 countries are in London to compete in the 2014 Miss World competition, the 63rd time the annual event has taken place

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American girl: Miss USA, Elizabeth Safrit, hails from a small town in North Carolina and holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism and works as a lobbyist

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Beauty queens: The competitors wore their most lavish gowns as they took to the stage in the final round

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Glamorous: Miss India, Koyal Rana, takes part in the final of the Miss World 2014 contest, showcasing her dancing skills and style credentials 

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Duties: The contest's winner will spend the year in London, as well as travelling to represent the Miss World Organisation (MWO) and its causes

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Grand scenes: Hundreds of audience members showed their support by waving their respective country's flags 

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Getting into the spirit of it: Miss Slovenia, Laura Longauerova, dances her way down the catwalk at the London competition 

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Dazzling affair: Over 100 finalists donned their best gladrags and competed against one another for the coveted crown 

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Spectacle: Some contestants flew thousands of miles to compete, such as Miss Mongolia, Battsetseg Turbat, who wowed in a beaded red outfit

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High stakes: In 1951, 26 women competed for the crown, but today there's over 100, including Miss Bolivia, Andrea Forfori Aguilera 

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Skills: Miss Thailand, Maeya Nonthawan, centre, shows off her flexibility as she poses on the runway 

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Multi-talented: The women, including Miss India, Koyal Rana, foreground, are required to show off their dancing skills before the judges 

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Bonjour! Miss France Flora Coquerel waves during the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant and poses alongside a performer 

'Today at age 24, I am a senior student doctor at the University of Cambridge. I have been fortunate enough to help in numerous countries around the world, with a number of local and international hospitals, charities and organisations.

'Since the age of five, I have been deeply moved by the human suffering experienced by those less fortunate. My desire to become a doctor grew stronger as I was exposed to the reality of healthcare around the world.

'My aim is work in global healthcare and be on the forefront of helping people on a worldwide scale.'

Currently studying molecular biology at Cardiff University, Miss Wales - aka Alice Ford, 21 - is another beauty with brains.

Speaking about her place in the Miss World final, Miss Ford said: 'What drove me to enter Miss Wales was the way in which they empower women.

'Leading up to the Miss Wales competition, all the contestants take part in an empowerment day that encourages young women to think positively and believe in themselves.

'This day taught women about not just empowering ourselves, but to empower each too, which is what the competition is all about. The Miss Wales competition has given me more confidence in myself than I could ever have imagined.

'Being a student scientist, empowering young women is personal to me. I feel it is extremely important that we encourage more girls to join the scientific field where I feel that we are sometimes under represented.'

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Competitors: (Top-Bottom) Miss Vietnam, Loan Nguyen Thi, Miss Serbia, Milica Vuklis and Miss South Sudan, Awien Kuanyin-Agoth

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Head-to-head: Miss Cyprus Ioanna Filippou (L) and Miss Greece Eleni Kokkinou (R) parade during the grand final of the Miss World 2014

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Long-standing tradition: The Miss World contest is one of the oldest international beauty pageants and was the brainchild of Eric Morley in 1950

Then there's Miss Scotland: Ellie McKeating, 20, who was born and raised in the city of Glasgow in a large but close knit extended family.

Currently in her 2nd year studying Film & Media and Marketing and the University of Stirling, she has aspirations of a career on television. In her spare time, Ellie likes photography, film editing, and cooking, her favourite sports include skiing, swimming and yoga.

The blonde beauty says: 'Film making has always been a passion of mine since i was a little girl and as well as being behind the camera I look forward to pursuing one in front of it as a presenter.

'Alongside my Miss Scotland duties, finding time to remain active is important to me and having a healthy mind and balancing my fitness means just as much.

'Coming from a huge family I am surrounded by children on a daily basis and i absolutely love them, their imaginations are increadible and to think there are children all over the world who are suffering in pain and poverty is truly upsetting and simply unfair.

'I intended to help these children and give them all the opportunities I had as a child. In Scotland we have the highest children poverty rate in all of Europe and it's devestating to hear. I hope I will be able to help them in my position as Miss Scotland.

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Rainbow: Each of the women wore a colourful dress in the hope of standing out from the crowd

She says her most memorable encounter was in the president's suite of Murrayfield stadium, when she stood 10m away from Princess Anne of the British Royal Family. 'Although we did not meet, she smiled very fondly at me,' Ellie recalls.

Rebekah Shirley is a media student currently on a gap year - she is Miss Northern Island. 

Born and raised in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, Rebekah aspires to an exciting career in the media. She said: 'I am very honoured to be representing my country in Miss World. I desire to have a positive impact on all the lives I connect with and never take people for granted.

'Being Miss Northern Ireland has given me the opportunity to meet people from many different walks of life.'

In her spare time Rebekah enjoys playing volleyball and netball, and spends time reading biographies and watching style tutorials online.

She is big fan of Instagram, saying: 'They say a picture tells a thousand words and I love getting a visual insight into other people's lives. It also gives me a great platform to promote myself.'

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Pale and interesting: (Top-Bottom) Miss France, Flora Coquerel, Miss Philippines, Valerie Weigmann, Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss

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Dressed to impress: (Top-Bottom) Miss Sri Lanka, Chulakshi Ranathunga, Miss Thailand, Maeya Nonthawan, and Miss Venezuela, Debora Menicucci

Miss Canada, Annora Bourgeault, is a fourth year honours psychology student who hopes to gain her doctorate in counselling. 'My passion is spreading happiness to all of those I encounter and I am so excited to meet the incredible women competing to be Miss World.'

She said the thing that annoys her most about the world is that: 'People are so intently rushing in their own lives they don't look up and notice the beautiful people and places they are surrounded with.'

Aside from her full time studies, she likes to spend time in the countryside camping and hiking and has climbed to the peak of two mountains in the Rocky's.

Miss Australia, Courtney Thorpe, has many strings to her bow. She's currently studying Mass Communications at university whilst working part-time as a freelance writer and fashion stylist. She's already found success as a writer after having a children's book she penned published. She hopes to go on to write an entire series of educational children's books.

'I'm very lucky that since being crowned Miss Australia I have been able to continue my love of working with children by working with indigenous outback communities in remote Australia, especially focusing on education,' she said.

The 'obsessed and devoted' Manchester United fan loves outdoor pursuits in her native Brisbane such as wake boarding, football, horse riding, camping and boating,

Hailing from a small town in North Carolina, Miss USA, Elizabeth Safrit, holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism and works as a lobbyist.

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Back again: Tim Vincent and Miss World 2013 winner  Megan Young present the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant 

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Spectacular: Miss Finland, Krista Haapalainen, centre, performs a dramatic dance and gymnastic routine 

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Lady in red: Miss France, Flora Coquerel, parades during the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant in a lavish red feathered ensemble 

'My hometown is the epitome of 'Small Town USA'. It is a town where everyone knows one another. My family has lived in Kannapolis for generations.

'I've seen it evolve from a small mill town to a biotechnology hub. I am very proud to be from Kannapolis,' the brunette explains.

The politically minded beauty is hoping to return to education to gain a second degree in Mass Communication.

Multi-talented Elizabeth also is an accomplished ballet dancer and practices bikram yoga.

During her time as Miss United States Elizabeth has worked with the charity Save the Children and believes that: 'Everyone should find something to be passionate about.

'It is so important for leaders like Miss World to encourage the young generation to recognize their beliefs and to know that it is possible to make a difference.'

Miss Russia, Anastasia Kostenko, is a student of Journalism from the town of Salsk in Rostov, eastern Russia. A highly skilled dancer, Anastasia studied to be a ballet master, and has danced in the Rostov State Theatre.

She is also talented at Latin and modern dance, and she can play the piano. Whilst dancing is one of Anastasia’s main passions, she would jump at the chance of a television career, specifically in journalism or hosting her own show.

In her spare time, Anastasia likes to practice aerobics, she is a fan of classic Russian literature.

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Final hurdle: National finalists perform on stage during the Miss World 2014 at the ExCel Centre in east London

Miss Uganda, Leah Kalanguka, lives in Bugolobi Flats, a small, beautiful part of Uganda's capital Kampala.

Already a graduate with a BA in Computer Engineering, she is studying further, with the ambitions of becoming a powerful influential computer engineer in her country, with plans of developing programs which can revolutionise the agricultural industry of Uganda.

Aside from her career ambitions, Leah likes to sing and dance, and her favourite sports are volleyball and swimming.

This is one of the first times South Sudan - the world's newest country - has entered the Miss World competition and Awien carries the hopes of a fledgling nation on her shoulders.

'I hope to bring a bit of taste of South Sudan to Miss World this year', Awien Kuanyin-Agoth explains, 'my country is currently standing as the world's youngest nation. The land of the tall, dark, and smooth skinned people with a diverse culture that includes over 60 different tribes.

'South Sudanese people are bold, patriotic, hospitable, honest and hard working.'

Awien comes from a large family. Born in Khartoum, she grew up in Egpyt and the USA. She's currently in her second year studying Child Psychology, and aspires to become the most influential psychologist in her field.

Until she graduates she hopes to volunteer as much as possible to gain experience.

Volleyball and basketball are Awien’s favourite sports. She also enjoys reading and listen to hip hop music. 

Dazzling Celebrations for 2014 around the World

Happy New Year London (and Edinburgh, Berlin, Moscow...)! Midnight sets off dazzling celebrations for 2014 around the world

• Revellers in New Zealand started the celebrations, dancing in the streets of Auckland and Queenstown
• In London, 250,000 spectators lined the Thames as the London Eye was transformed into a giant Catherine Wheel
• They were also treated to peach snow, banana confetti and orange-flavoured bubbles which fell on the crowd
• Police made 100 arrests by 4.30am following celebrations in London but said crowds were 'good-natured'
• Dubai attempted to break record for biggest ever fireworks show with Guinness World Record judges on hand
• Display included 500,000 fireworks set off from 400 locations and synchronised by 100 computers
• More than one million people pack Sydney harbour to watch the spectacular fireworks display burst into the sky
• Bright rockets flew from the four sails of the city's iconic Opera House for the first time in more than a decade
• More than 260 people injured as firecrackers are set off in the Philippines during the countdown to midnight

By Lizzie Parry and Anna Edwards
PUBLISHED: 12:08 GMT, 31 December 2013 | UPDATED: 12:40 GMT, 1 January 2014
Skylines across the world burst into a riot of colours as the New Year was welcomed in with a succession of spectacular fireworks displays.
In London, the London Eye was again the focus for much of the most intricate pyrotechnics, with thousands of fireworks turning it into an enormous Catherine wheel.
Big Ben was also illuminated against the night sky as 250,000 people who lined the Thames were treated to the city’s first ever ‘multi-sensory’ fireworks show.
Revellers who braved the damp and drizzle were treated to peach snow, edible banana confetti and orange flavoured bubbles which descended on the crowd.
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A room with a view! From the top of the Shard, the fireworks lit up the entire capital

All along the Thames, thousands of spectators braved the poor weather to see the start of 2014 at the foot of the Houses of Parliament

The sky above London burst into a riot of colours last night as the new year was welcomed in with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays for years

Big Ben was illuminated against the night sky as 250,000 people were treated to the city's first ever 'multi-sensory' show of pyrotechnics

Multi-sensory: Revellers were treated to peach snow, edible banana confetti and orange-flavoured bubbles which descended on the crowd

Up to 100,000 people in key viewing areas by the Thames were also given packs featuring scratch 'n' sniff programmes, LED wristbands and seven kinds of fruit-flavoured sweets that link to the tastes and smells of the multi-sensory display.
But after a day which saw the Environment Agency issue more than 100 flood warnings, the outdoor event proceeded without any weather hitches.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: ‘There is no better way to celebrate the highs of 2013 and the start of an exciting New Year than by seeing one of the world’s most dazzling firework displays.
'Watched by millions around the world, and hundreds of thousands of people from the banks of the Thames, it highlights our capital's fantastic community spirit and its premier position on the global stage.'
The Metropolitan Police, which deployed around 3,800 police officers to monitor the event, said 100 people were arrested up to 4.30am following the celebrations in central London.

Fireworks light up the sky on the Southbank in one of the world's most dazzling firework displays

Thousands of people lined the banks of the River Thames in central London to see in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display

The annual crackles of fireworks and chimes of Big Ben will ring in the new year in London, where people have been queuing for hours to get a prime spot on the Southbank

Up to 100,000 people in key viewing areas by the Thames received packs featuring scratch 'n' sniff programmes

Fireworks light the sky above the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament over the river Thames during the New Year celebrations in central London just after midnight

Thousands of people are waiting on the banks of the River Thames in central London to ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display

Police made 39 arrests for drunk and disorderly behaviour and 21 for assault, with others held for drugs offences, affray, sexual offences, theft and carrying an offensive weapon.
Chief Inspector Robyn Williams said: 'Visitors were not put off by the threat of wind and rain and the viewing areas filled up quicker than ever before.
'Officers worked hard, alongside stewards, to keep people safe during the event and ensure that everyone who came into central London was able to make their way home at the end of the night.
'Crowds were good-natured and there were no major issues reported to police.'

A firework display in Manchester city centre marks the New Year, watched by a crowd estimated at 8,000

The fireworks event was held in Piccadilly Gardens for the first time in the city's history

A bright start to 2014: Fireworks soared into the sky as Manchester welcomed in the brand new year

In Scotland, about 80,000 people are expected in Edinburgh city centre for the famous Hogmanay street party

In Scotland, tens of thousands gathered in Edinburgh city centre for the famous Hogmanay street party, with music from the Pet Shop Boys as well as traditional Scottish sounds at an outdoor dance event.
It is believed that more than 150,000 guests from over 60 countries from as far away as Australia, Brazil , China, Japan, New Zealand and the USA travelled to celebrate in the Scottish capital.
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Police Scotland Edinburgh Commander, said: 'Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations have once again proven to be a major success and Police Scotland has played a key role in ensuring that everyone has been kept safe during what has been a memorable three days of activity.
'I would like to thank members of the public whose good-natured conduct ensured the success of each event and I would also like to thank our partners in City of Edinburgh Council, Unique Events, and emergency services for their co-operation throughout the planning.
'Finally, I would like to wish everyone well for 2014.'

Bang! A display of pyrotechnic might ignites the sky behind the ubiquitous Times Square ball as it drops to signal a new year has now arrived

Goodbye 2013: Bone-chilling temperatures couldn't keep ecstatic partygoers out of Times Square as New York saw in the New Year

Riot of colour: Fireworks explode above the Philadelphia city skyline as the United States launched into its New Year celebrations

Pyrotechnics in paradise: Fireworks light up the sky over Waikiki beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, which was one of the last places to see in the New Year

Brazilliant! Revellers embrace while watching fireworks explode along Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where more than two million attended the celebrations

Kaleidoscope of colour: Fireworks illuminate Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro as Brazil sees in the New year

Hundred thousands of people celebrated New Year's Eve welcoming the new year 2014 in Germany's capital

Fireworks explode over of Berlin's landmark the Brandenburg Gate, where one of the country's biggest New Year's parties was celebrated

Ukrainians light screens and mobile phones as they sing the National anthem during the 2014 New Year celebrations at the pro-European supporters' tent camp at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine

Thousands of locals residents gather to see the fireworks display and celebrate the New Year at the Red Square in Moscow

Preliminary figures show there were five arrests for minor disorder. The big clean-up began at around 3am after the celebrations ended.
The majority of the 60 to 75 tonnes of refuse will be plastic bottles, with the remainder made up of food cartons, clothing and glass.
In Dubai, a Persian Gulf city known for glitz, glamour and over-the-top achievements like the world's tallest skyscraper, they sought to break another record by creating the largest fireworks show.
Its skyline became a canvas for a dazzling 30-minute show capping off with six minutes of fireworks that engulfed the city's man-made, palm-shaped island, with its fronds and trunk shimmering in thousands of lights. 
The fireworks display was slated to surpass the current world record held by another Gulf Arab state in just the first 60 seconds. Kuwait has held the record since last year, when it fired more than 77,000 fireworks in a display lasting more than an hour.

Revellers wrapped up and braved the cold as they watched spectacular displays explode across the Red Square

Fireworks explode over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The country kicked off New Year with a dazzling bid for a new world record to cap those the Gulf city state already holds for its mammoth property developments

The glittering fireworks display that lasted around six minutes spanned over 100 kilometres (60 miles) of the Dubai coast

Organisers had promised that the fireworks would form a flying falcon, sunrise and United Arab Emirates flag. It was not immediately clear if the world record had been achieved.
In total, the extravaganza included half a million fireworks from 400 firing locations synchronized by 100 computers, said Barrett Wissman, co-chairman of IMG Artists, which was managing the event. 'It is really mind-blowing the size of this,' Wissman said of the display.
The company also organised the grand fireworks for the Atlantis hotel opening on Dubai's Palm island in 2008.
In Ukraine, anti-government protesters hoped to set their own record for the most people to sing a national anthem at the same time.

Up Helly Aa Vikings at the start the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations with a torchlight procession through Edinburgh city centre

Around 80,000 people are expected in the city for the traditional New Year celebrations, which run over three days. Tickets have been bought for the event by people from over sixty different countries

A general view of the torchlight procession as it makes its way through Edinburgh for the start of the Hogmanay celebrations

What a happy start to the new year! Alex Thomson steals a kiss from PC Heather Clark of Police Scotland

On Kiev's main square, at least 100,000 Ukrainians sang their national anthem in a sign of support for integration with Europe.
The square has been the scene of massive pro-European protests for more than a month, triggered by President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to ditch a key deal with the European Union.
Crowds heading to New York City's Times Square could expect the traditional ball drop but no mayor this year. The New Year was rung in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor instead.
In Australia, exploding fireworks sprayed from Sydney's iconic opera house and harbor bridge as the world began ushering in a new year.
More than one million people crammed the Sydney Harbor foreshore on a warm summer night to watch Sydney's renowned annual pyrotechnics show, which appeared to live up to its billing as the city's most extravagant.
And for the first time in more than a decade fireworks launched from four sails of the Sydney Opera House.
In Hong Kong, the harbour provided the focal point much like Sydney harbour three hours earlier.
A bright spray of fireworks erupted from the water at the same time as rockets burst above the city creating a stunning spectacle of red and white light.

The New Year's Eve Winter Carnival in Newcastle city centre saw performers parading through the city to the Civic Centre for a spectacular fireworks display

While organizers in cities like Chicago and New York were just starting to block off streets in preparation for the evening's events, festivities were well under way in Newcastle

Hundreds of people gathered at the Great Wall, a landmark place in Beijing, to celebrate the New Year

Badaling Great Wall is illuminated during the New Year's Eve count down to 2014 held at the Badaling Great Wall

All together now, happy new year! Performers gather for a group photo after the end of a New Year's Eve count down to 2014 in Beijing, China

Packed in like sardines! Fireworks light up the sky as thousands of people gather to watch, in the main business district on New Year's Eve in Jakarta, Indonesia

In Malaysia, fireworks exploded across the sky near Kuala Lumpur's most famous landmark, the Petronas Towers.


Fireworks lit up the sky as thousands of people gathered to watch the show in the main business district on New Year's Eve in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Closer to the edge of the International Dateline, New Zealand bid farewell to 2013 two hours before Sydney with fireworks erupting from Auckland's Sky Tower as cheering revelers danced in the streets of the South Pacific island nation's largest city.

Fireworks explode over Juche Tower and the Taedong River in Pyongyang, North Korea to celebrate the New Year

Ringing in 2014! Fireworks explode near Malaysia's landmark, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

While many were happy to welcome the new year, thousands of Malaysian people marched on the street to protest against price hikes by the Malaysian government

Soaring into the air: The fireworks near Malaysia's iconic Petronas Towers heralded a new start and a new year for many

In Tokyo, five priests at the Zojoji temple used ropes to swing a wooden pole against a large bell, sounding the first of 108 gongs to mark the new year. Simultaneously, '2014' lit up in white lights on the modern Tokyo Tower in the background.
Both Japanese and tourists jammed the temple grounds for the traditional ceremony. Suburban resident Juji Muto said he was curious to hear how the bell sounded. At his age, the 75-year-old retiree said he wishes as every year for good health in the new year. 

Thousands of visitors, some donning kimono, prayed, rang a bell and tossed coins as offerings at shrines, wishing for health, wealth and happiness. Temple bells rang the customary 108 times, for the 108 causes of suffering according to Buddhism, and to welcome in the Year of the Horse.

Japanese are hopeful about the economy for the first time in years after some signs of revival under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose easing lending policies and pump-priming measures have been dubbed 'Abenomics.'

An anti-Thai government protester waves national flag as dancers perform on stage during a New Year's Eve rally at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand

With fireworks erupting from the water and bursting high in the skies, Hong Kong's harbour was showered in sprays of red and white as midnight struck

The bright lights of the city's skyline merged with the colourful spray of fire across the harbour

Among those upbeat about what the new year might bring is Junya Sakata, a 23-year-old Tokyo waiter looking forward to taking sommelier classes next year so he can move up in his career.

'I hope the economy will keep improving, building up to the 2020 Olympics,' he said, which will be held in Tokyo. 'So many things happened this year, but I was able to grow. Maybe next year I will find a girlfriend.' 
In North Korea, all eyes were on the Juche Tower and the Taedong River in Pyongyang to celebrate the New Year.

A group of tourists, including Americans, planned to watch fireworks in Kim Il Sung Square and watch the Pyongyang Bell strike midnight, said Andrea Lee, CEO of Uritours, a tour group specializing in travel to North Korea.

'There were a lot of people out on the streets today for an outdoor dance event, and cars filled the streets,' Ms Lee said.

Thousands release balloons into the sky as the Tokyo is illuminated during the countdown to midnight in Japan's capital

Tokyo tower in Japan in the countdown to midnight, left. And right, as 12am strikes and the crowds celebrate the start of the Year of the Horse

Midnight strikes in South Korea as thousands celebrating with the 'moon house' burning and fireworks during the 21st Sungsan sunrise festival of New Year in Sungsan, on Jeju island

China displayed light shows at part of the Great Wall near Beijing and at the Bund waterfront in Shanghai. 
The city of Wuhan in central Hubei province called off its fireworks show and banned fireworks downtown to avoid worsening its smoggy air.
In Beijing, one flower shop manager said he hoped the new year brought more customers.
'Since the government started its campaign to crack down on luxury spending and promote frugality, our business with government agencies has been in decline,' said Mao Xiangfei. 'In the past, government clients accounted for about 10 percent of our business, but now it's zero.'

South Koreans gaze up at the bright display above their heads as they hail the start of 2014 on Jeju island

More than one million people packed the water and shoreline of Sydney's harbour to watch the annual fireworks spectacular

The Opera House is lit up by the stunning fountains of fireworks streaming off the harbour bridge. This year's display is the most extravagant ever, organisers have said

The view over Sydney Harbour from Mrs Macquarie's chair as midnight strikes and the crowds hail the New Year

Fireworks launched from the four sails of Sydney's iconic Opera House for the first time in more than a decade

In the Philippines, more than 260 people were injured by firecracker blasts and celebratory gunfire ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, one of Asia's most violent revelries.
Department of Health spokesman Dr Eric Tayag said he expected the number of injuries to rise sharply when Filipinos ignite powerful firecrackers to end a year marked by tragic disasters, including a typhoon on November 8, that left more than 6,100 dead and nearly 1,800 others missing.
'Many here are welcoming the new year after losing their mothers, fathers, siblings and children so you can imagine how it feels,' said village chief Maria Rosario Bactol of Anibong community in Tacloban, the city worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan.
'I tell them to face the reality, to move on and stand up but I know it will never be easy.'

Tourists and locals dance to celebrate the New Year in Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is among the first nations to see in the New Year

As midnight struck in New Zealand a fireworks display erupted over the city as thousands danced in the streets below

Sportsmen in Allahabad, India light candles to celebrate New Year's Eve at Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium

A Buddhist woman attaches her name card on a lantern ahead of the New Year at Chogye Buddhist temple in Seoul, South Korea

In Russia, Vladimir Putin has added a twist to the stolid ritual of Russian presidential New Year's Eve address by doing two versions this year.

Russian leaders traditionally make short, prerecorded messages to be broadcast as the year begins in each of the country's nine time zones.

The address broadcast in Russia's Far East was typical, showing Putin at the Kremlin and calling for Russians to work together, according to Russian news websites.

But an hour later, Putin came out with a different speech mentioning this week's suicide bombings in Volgograd that killed 34 people and vowing to destroy terrorists, reports said.

Putin made that recording Tuesday while visiting the city of Khabarovsk. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there wasn't time to get it to the Far East, according to Ekho Moskvy radio.

Gearing up for the New Year, students in China use light pens to welcome 2014

The 9.30pm New Year's Eve fireworks at Yarra Park beside the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Thousands of people gathered on Princes Bridge in Melbourne waiting for midnight to strike