Some festivities were marred, however, by accidents and violence.

The BBC's Andy Beatt reports on new year celebrations across the world

In the Philippines, hundreds were injured in firecracker accidents and by stray bullets.

The Health Ministry said 492 people were injured - including 37 who needed amputations.

Celebrations in Times Square, New York

In the United States, fireworks being loaded onto a barge exploded minutes before the craft was to be towed into the Mississippi River for a New Year's Eve display, killing two workers and severely burning a sheriff's deputy.

In France, police reported more than 40 cars set on fire, with tear gas used to disperse youths in Strasbourg.

Clashes in some areas of the city occur almost every New Year's Eve but the authorities had staged a week of free concerts to try to prevent youths from rioting this time

Firework spectacular

In Sydney, one of the first cities to see in 1999, Australians were treated to a $1.2m firework extravaganza over the harbour.

While in Tokyo, thousands thronged Zojoji temple as a Buddhist monk struck the temple bell 108 times to dispel the evils of the last year and bring good luck for the new.

Malaysians gathered in Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square - Independence Square - to greet 1999 after a year that has seen the country rocked by economic and political turmoil.

In Hong Kong, around 300 pro-democracy activists marched through the streets, demanding the release of dissidents and an end to the Chinese Communist Party's monopoly on power.

This year, Hong Kong will be celebrating Chinese New Year, in the hope that the rabbit brings better fortune than the tiger.

Champagne in Red Square, Moscow

Meanwhile, crowds celebrated in Western European cities where 11 countries have also been marking the launch of the euro.

Europe's most popular party spot was in Paris where about half-a-million people crowded into the 2.5km Champs-Elysees to welcome 1999.

And in Frankfurt, home of the European Central Bank, there was double cause for celebration as the euro was born.

An estimated half-a-million people filled New York's Times Square to greet 1999 and watch the brightly-lit ball drop at the stroke of midnight.