Cheers, tears, prayers for 2020: A new decade is ushered in

Revelers around the globe are bidding farewell to a decade that will be remembered for the rise of social media, the Arab Spring, the #MeToo movement and, of course, President Donald Trump.

A look at how the world is ushering in 2020: ___
HONG KONG
The semi-autonomous Chinese city has toned down New Year's celebrations amid the monthslong demonstrations. The protests have repeatedly sparked pitched battles with police and have taken their toll on Hong Kong's nightlife and travel industries. ___
RUSSIA
Putin made the call in a short speech broadcast on television just before the stroke of midnight in each of Russia's 11 time zones. The recorded message was followed by an image of the Kremlin Clock and the sound of its chimes. State TV showed footage of extensive festive fireworks in cities of the Far East. ___
AUSTRALIA
The 9 p.m. fireworks over Sydney's iconic landmarks was briefly delayed due to strong winds, but revelers clearly enjoyed themselves in a desperately needed tonic for the state. ___
NEW ZEALAND
On March 15, a lone gunman identified killed 51 people and wounded dozens at two mosques in the South Island city of Christchurch. In December, an eruption of volcanic White Island off the east coast of the North Island killed at least 19 tourists and tour guides. ___
SAMOA
A measles epidemic in late 2019 claimed 81 lives, mostly children under 5. ___
LONDON
To the north, the multi-day Hogmanay New Years celebrations in Edinburgh began Monday night with a torchlight parade through the streets of the Scottish capital. ___
SOUTH AFRICA
In past years, residents of Johannesburg's poor Hillbrow neighborhood would celebrate the New Year by tossing furniture, appliances and even refrigerators from the balconies of high-rise apartment buildings. Police have issued stern warnings and it appears the dangerous tradition has declined. ___
ROME
At a New Year's Eve Vespers service in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis urged people to practice more solidarity and to "build bridges, not walls." Since becoming pontiff in 2013, Francis has preached openness a reform-minded agenda that has irritated a small but vocal group of ultra-conservatives in the church. ___
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Dubai this year will be hosting Expo 2020, a world fair that brings the most cutting-edge and futuristic technologies. ___
JAPAN