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When it comes to taking time off, some countries clearly know how to make the most of their calendars. In this list, we’ve ranked 20 countries by the number of public holidays they officially recognize, counting down from those with fewer to those with the absolute most.
Spoiler: the top country has nearly 40 days off every single year!
Tanzania–16 Public Holidays Per Year
Tanzania balances work and celebration with 16 official public holidays. The country’s calendar reflects a mix of Christian, Muslim, and national observances, including Independence Day and Union Day. With its rich cultural diversity, Tanzanians enjoy a good spread of holidays without going overboard.
Thailand–16 Public Holidays Per Year
Thailand also clocks in at 16 public holidays annually, many of them tied to Buddhist traditions and royal commemorations. Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, is a particularly vibrant celebration that’s recognized nationwide. The mix of cultural and religious holidays provides citizens plenty of opportunities to slow down and spend time with family.
Japan–16 Public Holidays Per Year
Japan’s 16 holidays are unique in that many are linked to seasonal changes, historical events, and imperial traditions. Think Golden Week, a stretch in late spring when multiple holidays cluster together, creating one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The holidays are carefully spaced throughout the calendar, ensuring breaks across all seasons.
Pakistan–16 Public Holidays Per Year
Pakistan observes 16 holidays, most of them centered on Islamic traditions such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Ashura. National events like Independence Day and Pakistan Day also play key roles. For many Pakistanis, these days are not just about time off work—they’re about family gatherings, spiritual reflection, and cultural pride.
Kamranmangrio, Wikimedia Commons
Indonesia–16 Public Holidays Per Year
Indonesia’s 16 holidays reflect its incredible cultural and religious diversity. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists all see their traditions represented on the calendar. With celebrations like Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) and Eid, Indonesia’s public holidays are as varied as its 17,000 islands.
Hong Kong–17 Public Holidays Per Year
Hong Kong gives workers 17 days off per year, combining Chinese cultural traditions with modern national observances. Highlights include Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, and National Day. The city’s holidays reflect its blend of Eastern heritage and international influence, making them some of the most colorful in the world.
Colombia–18 Public Holidays Per Year
Colombia is well known for its generous 18 annual holidays. Many of these are rooted in Catholic observances, such as Holy Week, but there are also national days like Independence Day. Colombians often make the most of these breaks with extended weekends and festive gatherings.
KEVIN CASTAÑEDA VILLAMIL, Wikimedia Commons
Philippines–18 Public Holidays Per Year
The Philippines also recognizes 18 public holidays annually, balancing religious and secular observances. Key dates include Christmas, Holy Week, Independence Day, and National Heroes Day. Filipinos have a tradition of “holiday economics,” shifting holidays to Mondays to maximize long weekends—a clever way to enjoy downtime.
Lebanon–19 Public Holidays Per Year
Lebanon’s 19 holidays reflect the country’s rich mix of religious communities. From Islamic Eids to Christian feasts like Easter and Christmas, the calendar is peppered with diversity. National days, such as Independence Day, add to the count, creating a schedule that’s as multifaceted as Lebanon’s cultural identity.
Radosław Botev, Wikimedia Commons
Argentina–19 Public Holidays Per Year
Argentina also tallies 19 holidays, many celebrating independence, culture, and religion. Unique holidays include Revolution Day and Malvinas Day, which commemorate key moments in Argentina’s national history. Combined with Catholic observances like Christmas and Easter, the result is a generous balance of celebration and reflection.
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Liechtenstein–20 Public Holidays Per Year
For such a small country, Liechtenstein really packs in the breaks with 20 public holidays. The calendar leans heavily on Catholic feast days, alongside civic celebrations like National Day. With its Alpine backdrop, many of these holidays double as opportunities for outdoor festivities.
Rainer Ebert from Heidelberg, Germany, Wikimedia Commons
Cambodia–21 Public Holidays Per Year
Cambodia is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to days off, boasting 21 official public holidays. Key events include Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben (a festival honoring ancestors), and the Water Festival. These celebrations are deeply tied to the nation’s cultural and religious heritage, creating a vibrant annual rhythm.
Maharaja1994, Wikimedia Commons
Malaysia–21 Public Holidays Per Year
Malaysia also comes in with 21 holidays, many tied to its multi-ethnic society. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians all find their traditions represented. Federal holidays cover major festivals like Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, while additional state-specific holidays make the count even richer in certain regions.
India–22 Public Holidays Per Year
India records 22 national holidays each year, though this number can grow depending on the state. The country’s incredible diversity ensures holidays for Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and others. Major days like Diwali, Holi, and Independence Day are celebrated nationwide, making India’s calendar a true festival of cultures.
Egypt–22 Public Holidays Per Year
Egypt matches India with 22 holidays, blending Islamic observances with national milestones. The holidays include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Prophet’s Birthday, alongside secular events like Revolution Day. With so many cultural and historical layers, Egyptians enjoy a robust calendar of pauses and celebrations.
Bangladesh–22 Public Holidays Per Year
Bangladesh also enjoys 22 holidays annually, most centered on Islam, but also including key national events. Language Martyrs’ Day is particularly unique, honoring those who fought for recognition of the Bengali language. Religious and national pride combine to give Bangladeshis plenty of meaningful breaks.
Sri Lanka–25 Public Holidays Per Year
Sri Lanka has one of the busiest calendars in the world with 25 official holidays. Buddhist traditions dominate, with Vesak and Poya Days marking the lunar calendar each month. Add in Hindu, Muslim, and Christian celebrations, and it’s no surprise Sri Lankans enjoy over two full months’ worth of time off spread across the year.
Iran–26 Public Holidays Per Year
Iran counts 26 holidays annually, many tied to Islamic events such as Nowruz, Ashura, and Eid celebrations. National days like Revolution Day also contribute to the tally. These holidays are often multi-day events, giving Iranians plenty of opportunities for family gatherings and cultural traditions.
Ninara from Helsinki, Finland, Wikimedia Commons
Myanmar–32 Public Holidays Per Year
Myanmar takes second place with a staggering 32 public holidays per year. Festivals like Thingyan (the Burmese New Year Water Festival) and Thadingyut are among the most important. With so many breaks, the calendar is constantly punctuated by community gatherings, religious observances, and national pride.
Htoo Tay Zar, Wikimedia Commons
Nepal–39 Public Holidays Per Year
Topping the list is Nepal, with a record-breaking 39 public holidays annually. This incredible number reflects the country’s blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and cultural traditions, along with national observances. From Dashain and Tihar to Buddha Jayanti and Constitution Day, Nepal’s calendar is a living showcase of its religious and cultural identity. Nearly 11% of the year is spent celebrating, making Nepal the undisputed champion of public holidays worldwide.
Gerd Eichmann, Wikimedia Commons
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