While many of us count down to the next long weekend, in some parts of the world, public holidays are a regular part of life.
From religious festivals and cultural traditions to historical commemorations, some countries offer their citizens an impressive number of days off each year.
So, which nations lead the way when it comes to official public holidays? Let’s take a look.
1. Nepal: Around 35 holidays per year
Nepal tops the global list, with an estimated 35 public holidays annually. The country’s rich cultural and religious diversity—primarily Hindu and Buddhist festivals—along with a six-day workweek, means that days off are frequent and widely celebrated.
2. Myanmar: Approximately 32 public holidays
Coming in second, Myanmar observes around 32 public holidays each year. The calendar is filled with Buddhist holy days and traditional celebrations, including the famous Thingyan water festival, which marks the Burmese New Year.
3. Iran: 26 0fficial public holidays
Iran follows closely with 26 official holidays. The country’s calendar includes both religious Islamic observances and national holidays such as Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
4. Sri Lanka: About 25 holidays
Sri Lanka enjoys around 25 public holidays annually. The island’s multi-religious society—primarily Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian—ensures a rich mix of observances, particularly the monthly Poya days aligned with the full moon.
5. Bangladesh & Egypt: Around 22 days off
Both Bangladesh and Egypt provide their citizens with about 22 public holidays each year. In Bangladesh, Islamic festivals dominate the calendar, while Egypt observes a mix of Islamic and national commemorative days.
6. India & Cambodia: Roughly 21 public holidays
India and Cambodia each observe about 21 official holidays per year. India’s federal structure allows for additional regional holidays depending on the state, making the total even higher for many people. Cambodia’s calendar reflects its Buddhist heritage and important national anniversaries.
7. Argentina & Lebanon: Close to 19 holidays
Rounding out the top countries, Argentina and Lebanon both offer around 19 public holidays. Argentina’s include both national and religious days, while Lebanon’s diverse religious population contributes to a wide variety of celebrated events.
South Africa: A meaningful mix of holidays
South Africa may not lead in quantity, but it offers 12 official public holidays each year—many with deep historical and cultural significance. From Human Rights Day (March 21) to Freedom Day (April 27) and Youth Day (June 16), the country’s calendar reflects its ongoing journey from apartheid to democracy.
Other major holidays include Heritage Day, Women’s Day, and Day of Reconciliation, each encouraging national reflection, unity, and celebration of diversity. Public holidays in South Africa are enshrined in the Public Holidays Act, and when a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is often observed instead—ensuring citizens don’t miss out.
While the total number may be modest compared to countries like Nepal or Myanmar, the symbolic power of South Africa’s holidays makes them uniquely meaningful.
What about Europe?
In Europe, the number of public holidays varies by country and sometimes by region. Cyprus tops the continent with 15 national holidays. Spain, Malta, and Bulgaria also rank high, while countries like the UK and the Netherlands have fewer, usually between 8 and 10.
France currently has 11 public holidays, though recent political debates have raised questions about reducing this number to address economic concerns.
Why so many holidays?
The reasons for high public holiday counts are usually cultural, religious, or historical. Countries with multiple major religions, colonial histories, or federal structures tend to offer more holidays to reflect their diverse populations.
