✅ Top Countries With the Highest Number of Public Holidays
Introduction
Public holidays serve as an essential aspect of culture, providing individuals with a break from work to celebrate, reflect, or commemorate significant events. These government-recognised days off also help promote work-life balance and foster national identity. In this article, we will delve into the countries around the world with the most public holidays and explore what sets them apart. From cultural traditions to historical events, each country's public holiday calendar reflects its unique values and priorities. Join us as we take a closer look at the countries where citizens enjoy the most opportunities to rest, relax, and come together in celebration.
Understanding Public Holidays
Public holidays are an important part of life in countries for study and work abroad, often reflecting local traditions and giving international students and workers a chance to engage with cultural events. These holidays reflect a nation's culture, history, and traditions, and they contribute to social unity and personal wellbeing. Across the world, the number and type of public holidays vary greatly—some countries enjoy numerous holidays throughout the year, while others have fewer but highly significant ones.
Definition and Types of Holidays
Public holidays can be categorized into three main types, each serving a distinct purpose in society:
1. National Holidays:
These commemorate essential events in a country's history, such as independence, revolutions, or the founding of the nation. Examples include Independence Day in the United States, Republic Day in India, and National Day in China. These holidays promote patriotism and unity among citizens through celebrations, parades, and public speeches.
2. Religious Holidays:
People of specific faiths celebrate religious holidays to mark sacred events and traditions. Common examples include Diwali (Hindu), Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Muslim), Christmas and Easter (Christian), and Vesak (Buddhist). These holidays often involve prayers, family gatherings, feasts, and charitable acts that strengthen both spiritual and community ties.
3. Cultural or Regional Holidays:
These are linked to local traditions, harvest seasons, or cultural heroes and vary widely across regions within a country. Examples include Thanksgiving in the United States, Pongal in Tamil Nadu (India), Songkran in Thailand, and local saints' days in parts of Europe. They preserve cultural heritage and promote a sense of identity among communities.
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Top Countries with the Most Public Holidays
Around the world, the number of public holidays varies widely, reflecting each nation's cultural fabric, traditions, and values. Some countries prioritize extended festive calendars that honour religious, artistic, or historical milestones, while others maintain leaner schedules to support business operations and productivity. Countries with numerous holidays often showcase their social diversity and cultural richness, giving citizens more opportunities to celebrate, rest, and reconnect with their heritage.
Below is a list of countries with the most public holidays, based on recent global data (2025 estimates).
| Rank | Country | Approx. Number of Public Holidays per Year | Remarks / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
India |
~42 |
A vast mix of national, religious, and state-specific holidays reflecting immense cultural diversity. |
|
2 |
Nepal |
~35 |
Celebrates both Hindu and Buddhist festivals, plus numerous local and regional observances. |
|
3 |
Myanmar |
~32 |
Known for its many Buddhist holy days and cultural festivals celebrated nationwide. |
|
4 |
Iran |
~26 |
Combines Islamic holidays with national celebrations like Nowruz, the Persian New Year. |
|
5 |
Sri Lanka |
~25 |
Recognizes Poya Days (full moon) and holidays from multiple religions. |
|
6 |
Bangladesh |
~22 |
Blends Islamic, Hindu, and national commemorations such as Independence and Victory Days. |
|
7 |
Egypt |
~22 |
Features religious (Islamic and Coptic Christian) festivals and historical national days. |
|
8 |
Cambodia |
~21 |
Rich in royal and Buddhist traditions; holidays often linked to the monarchy and agriculture. |
|
9 |
Thailand |
~19 |
Mix of Buddhist festivals, royal birthdays, and traditional cultural observances. |
|
10 |
Japan |
~18 |
Modern yet traditional—celebrates both ancient customs and contemporary national milestones. |
|
11 |
Colombia |
~18 |
One of South America’s leaders in holidays, with strong Catholic influences and civic celebrations. |
|
12 |
Malaysia |
~18 |
A multicultural calendar blending Muslim, Chinese, Hindu, and Christian holidays. |
|
13 |
Philippines |
~18 |
Mixes Catholic feasts with national events like Independence Day and Ninoy Aquino Day. |
|
14 |
Indonesia |
~17 |
Recognizes major Islamic, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist holidays due to its religious diversity. |
|
15 |
Argentina |
~17 |
Combines patriotic national holidays with religious observances throughout the year. |
Countries with more public holidays typically have deep multicultural roots or multiple faith traditions. These holidays not only provide rest but also strengthen national identity, cultural continuity, and social harmony. While some nations focus on maximising productivity, others see the value in giving citizens more time to celebrate life's traditions and shared moments.
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Public Holidays vs. Paid Leave
Work–life balance policies differ across countries and organisations, but two significant forms of time off dominate worldwide — public holidays and paid leave. Although both provide employees with much-needed rest, they differ in purpose, administration, and flexibility. Understanding these differences helps employers and employees plan time off efficiently while maintaining productivity.
| Aspect | Public Holidays | Paid Leave |
|---|---|---|
|
Who Decides |
Government or state authority |
Employer and employee (mutual agreement) |
|
Flexibility |
Fixed dates |
Chosen by employee |
|
Purpose |
Celebrate national/religious events |
Rest, vacation, or personal reasons |
|
Entitlement |
Same for all workers in a region |
Depends on employment policy or tenure |
|
Payment |
Usually fully paid by law |
Fully paid, but may depend on company policy |
|
Impact on Work |
Collective break for all |
Individual time off, work continues for others |
Conclusion
Public holidays are much more than breaks from work—they are reflections of a nation's identity, values, and traditions. Countries with a high number of public holidays, such as India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, often showcase deep cultural diversity and religious richness, offering citizens frequent opportunities to celebrate and connect with their heritage. On the other hand, nations with fewer holidays tend to emphasise consistent productivity and longer personal leave periods to maintain balance.
Ultimately, there is no perfect number of holidays; what truly matters is how each country harmonises celebration with productivity. Public holidays strengthen social unity, preserve cultural traditions, and enhance collective wellbeing, reminding us that rest and reflection are just as crucial to a nation's progress as work and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which country has the most public holidays in the world?
Nepal currently tops the list with around 35 official public holidays each year. The country’s diverse cultural, religious, and national celebrations contribute to this large number. Its calendar reflects festivals from Hinduism, Buddhism, and national observances.
2. Which other countries have a high number of public holidays?
Countries like India, Myanmar, Iran, and Sri Lanka also have between 25 and 30 holidays annually. Each celebrates a mix of national, regional, and religious events. The variety of ethnic and cultural groups in these nations contributes to the high count.
3. Why do some countries have more public holidays than others?
It depends on the cultural diversity, religious representation, and national traditions of each country. Nations with multiple faiths or regions often declare additional public holidays to accommodate all communities. Government policies and labor laws also influence the total number of official days off.
4. How does Europe compare in terms of public holidays?
Most European countries have fewer holidays than Asian nations, averaging 10 to 15 per year. For instance, countries like Spain, Austria, and France offer around 13 to 15 public holidays. Europe typically balances fewer holidays with generous annual leave benefits.
5. Do more public holidays mean more time off for workers?
Not always — the number of holidays doesn’t necessarily reflect total vacation time. Some holidays fall on weekends and are not replaced, reducing actual time off. Others may vary depending on regional or private-sector policies.
6. Can the number of public holidays change each year?
Yes, many countries adjust their public holiday calendars annually. New holidays may be added for national events, or dates may shift based on lunar or religious calendars. Governments usually release an updated list every year.
7. Which region generally has the most public holidays overall?
Asia leads globally, with several countries exceeding 20 official holidays annually. This is due to the continent’s wide range of religions, traditions, and cultural observances. Many Asian countries celebrate both national and regional events across different faiths.
8. How do public holidays affect productivity and business operations?
Frequent holidays can temporarily reduce productivity but often boost morale and tourism revenue. Businesses typically plan around national calendars to maintain operations efficiently. In countries with many holidays, flexible work models help balance downtime with output.
9. Are all public holidays mandatory for businesses to close?
Not always — in some countries, only national holidays require closures, while regional or optional ones may vary by employer. Essential services like hospitals, transportation, and utilities usually remain open. Many companies offer compensatory leave if employees work on public holidays.
10. What is the benefit of having more public holidays?
More holidays provide citizens with rest, cultural engagement, and family time, contributing to better work-life balance. They also encourage participation in local traditions and boost domestic tourism. However, governments must balance this with economic productivity and business continuity.