Emeka Nweze
A national holiday is a day when most businesses and other institutions are closed. This day is acknowledged by the government and the public often to recognise history or observe religious celebrations. Several countries enjoy large number of national holidays, with some having as much as 18 yearly. This is because asides from the generally recognised public holidays like Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, every country observe commemorations that are particular to them religiously or historically.
Here is a list of 10 countries with the most national holidays.
1. Cambodia – 31
In 2019 Cambodia had a total of 31 hollidays, many of which were religious observations related to Buddhism and its monarchy. Cambodia also uses the Khmer traditional calendar, which is based on the movement of the moon, so along with the regular New Year holidays, they also celebrate New Year based on the Khmer calendar.
2. Sri Lanka – 26
Public holidays in Sri Lanka are dominated by the Poya which is observed every full moon. Each Poya marks a significant event for Buddhists, the predominant religious group in the country. Other holidays include Good Friday, Id-Ul-Fitr, Labour day, among others.
3. Thailand – 22
Just like other Southeast Asian countries, Thailand’s holiday line up is filled with several religious celebrations along with historical commemorations.
4. Philippines – 22
Philippines observes well known internationally recognised public holidays as well was several religious and regional holidays all through the year.
5. Japan – 22
Japan observed 22 holidays in 2019 and June is the month when public holidays are not observed in the country. Holidays include Coming-of-Age-Day, Health-Sports Day, Culture Day among others.
6. Indonesia – 21
There were 21 holidays in Indonesia in 2019 including the Hari Raya Nyepi which is the Balinese Hindu New Year. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed in the country.
7. Pakistan – 18
Being an Islamic nation, the majority of the national holidays observed in Pakistan are of Islamic nature.
8. Colombia – 18
Holidays in Colombia are dominated by religious celebrations such as Good Friday(April 10), Corpus Christi(June 15), Sacred Heart(June 22), All Saints’ Holiday (Nov2).
9. Hong Kong – 17
Hong Kong, one of the world’s most significant financial centres and commercial ports observed 17 national holidays including The Day After Buddha’s Birthday and the Chinese National Day.
10. Kazakhstan – 17
Kazakhstan marked 17 public holidays in 2019 which were a combination internationally recognised holidays like New Year’s day and local holidays such as Defenders day and Independence day which were celebrated on May 7 and December 16 respectively.
This list does not include government and regional holidays. If corrections are found, please indicate.
