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FIELD LISTING :: NATIONAL HOLIDAY
This entry gives the primary national day of celebration - usually independence day.

Country Comparison to the World

Country | NATIONAL HOLIDAY
--- | ---
Afghanistan | Independence Day, 19 August (1919)
Albania | Independence Day, 28 November (1912) also known as Flag Day
Algeria | Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)
American Samoa | Flag Day, 17 April (1900)
Andorra | Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)
Angola | Independence Day, 11 November (1975)
Anguilla | Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)
Antigua and Barbuda | Independence Day (National Day), 1 November (1981)
Argentina | Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)
Armenia | Independence Day, 21 September (1991)
Aruba | Flag Day, 18 March (1976)
Australia | Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorates the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)
Austria | National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the passage of the law on permanent neutrality
Azerbaijan | Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, 28 May (1918)
Bahamas, The | Independence Day, 10 July (1973)
Bahrain | National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection
Bangladesh | Independence Day, 26 March (1971); Victory Day, 16 December (1971); note - March 1971 is the date of the Awami League's declaration of an independent Bangladesh, and 16 December, known as Victory Day, memorializes the military victory over Pakistan and the official creation of the state of Bangladesh
Barbados | Independence Day, 30 November (1966)
Belarus | Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union
Belgium | 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I
Belize | Battle of St. George's Caye Day (National Day), September 10, 1798; Independence Day, 21 September (1981)
Benin | National Day, 1 August (1960)
Bermuda | Bermuda Day, 24 May
Bhutan | National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)
Bolivia | Independence Day, 6 August (1825)
Bosnia and Herzegovina | National Day (Statehood Day), 25 November (1943); note - observed only in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity
Botswana | Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)
Brazil | Independence Day, 7 September (1822)
British Virgin Islands | Territory Day, 1 July (1956)
Brunei | National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection
Bulgaria | Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)
Burkina Faso | Republic Day, 11 December (1958); note - commemorates the day that Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French Community
Burma | Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February (1947)
Burundi | Independence Day, 1 July (1962)
Cabo Verde | Independence Day, 5 July (1975)
Cambodia | Independence Day, 9 November (1953)
Cameroon | State Unification Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)
Canada | Canada Day, 1 July (1867)
Cayman Islands | Constitution Day, first Monday in July
Central African Republic | Republic Day, 1 December (1958)
Chad | Independence Day, 11 August (1960)
Chile | Independence Day, 18 September (1810)
China | National Day, the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1 October (1949)
Christmas Island | Australia Day, 26 January (1788)
Cocos (Keeling) Islands | Australia Day, 26 January (1788)
Colombia | Independence Day, 20 July (1810)
Comoros | Independence Day, 6 July (1975)
Congo, Democratic Republic of the | Independence Day, 30 June (1960)
Congo, Republic of the | Independence Day, 15 August (1960)
Cook Islands | Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)
Costa Rica | Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Cote d'Ivoire | Independence Day, 7 August (1960)
Croatia | Independence Day, 8 October (1991) and Statehood Day, 25 June (1991); note - 25 June 1991 was the day the Croatian parliament voted for independence; following a three-month moratorium to allow the European Community to solve the Yugoslav crisis peacefully, parliament adopted a decision on 8 October 1991 to sever constitutional relations with Yugoslavia
Cuba | Triumph of the Revolution (Liberation Day), 1 January (1959)
Curacao | King's Day, 27 April 1967
Cyprus | Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as "Republic Day"
Czech Republic | Czechoslovak Founding Day, 28 October (1918)
Denmark | none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is generally viewed as the National Day
Djibouti | Independence Day, 27 June (1977)
Dominica | Independence Day, 3 November (1978)
Dominican Republic | Independence Day, 27 February (1844)
Ecuador | Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)
Egypt | Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)
El Salvador | Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Equatorial Guinea | Independence Day, 12 October (1968)
Eritrea | Independence Day, 24 May (1991)
Estonia | Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union
Ethiopia | National Day (defeat of MENGISTU regime), 28 May (1991)
European Union | Europe Day (also known as Schuman Day) 9 May (1950); note - the day in 1950 that Robert SCHUMAN proposed the creation of what became the European Coal and Steel Community, the progenitor of today's European Union, with the aim of achieving a united Europe
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) | Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
Faroe Islands | Olaifest (Olavsoka), 29 July
Fiji | Fiji Independence Day, 10 October (1970)
Finland | Independence Day, 6 December (1917)
France | Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - although often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration actually commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)
French Polynesia | Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1789); note - the local holiday is Internal Autonomy Day, 29 June (1880)
Gabon | Independence Day, 17 August (1960)
Gambia, The | Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
Georgia | Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 was the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union
Germany | Unity Day, 3 October (1990)
Ghana | Independence Day, 6 March (1957)
Gibraltar | National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain
Greece | Independence Day, 25 March (1821)
Greenland | June 21 (longest day)
Grenada | Independence Day, 7 February (1974)
Guam | Discovery Day (or Magellan Day), first Monday in March (1521)
Guatemala | Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Guernsey | Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)
Guinea-Bissau | Independence Day, 24 September (1973)
Guinea | Independence Day, 2 October (1958)
Guyana | Republic Day, 23 February (1970)
Haiti | Independence Day, 1 January (1804)
Holy See (Vatican City) | Election Day of Pope FRANCIS, 13 March (2013)
Honduras | Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Hong Kong | National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Hungary | Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August; note - commemorates the date when his remains were transferred to Buda (now Budapest)
Iceland | Independence Day, 17 June (1944)
India | Republic Day, 26 January (1950)
Indonesia | Independence Day, 17 August (1945)
Iran | Republic Day, 1 April (1979)
Iraq | Republic Day, July 14 (1958); note - the Government of Iraq has yet to declare an official national holiday but still observes Republic Day
Ireland | Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March
Isle of Man | Tynwald Day, 5 July (1417, first recorded Day)
Israel | Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May
Italy | Republic Day, 2 June (1946)
Jamaica | Independence Day, 6 August (1962)
Japan | Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)
Jersey | Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)
Jordan | Independence Day, 25 May (1946)
Kazakhstan | Independence Day, 16 December (1991)
Kenya | Independence Day, 12 December (1963); Madaraka Day, 1 June (1963); Mashujaa Day (or Heroes' Day), 20 October (2010)
Kiribati | Independence Day, 12 July (1979)
Korea, North | Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), 9 September (1948)
Korea, South | Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)
Kosovo | Independence Day, 17 February (2008)
Kuwait | National Day, 25 February (1950)
Kyrgyzstan | Independence Day, 31 August (1991)
Laos | Republic Day, 2 December (1975)
Latvia | Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia declared independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union
Lebanon | Independence Day, 22 November (1943)
Lesotho | Independence Day, 4 October (1966)
Liberia | Independence Day, 26 July (1847)
Libya | Liberation Day, 23 October (2011)
Liechtenstein | Assumption Day, 15 August, and National Day, 15 August (1940)
Lithuania | Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February 1918 was the date Lithuania declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 11 March 1990 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union
Luxembourg | National Day (birthday of Grand Duke Henri) 23 June; note - this date of birth is not the true date of birth for any of the Royals, but the festivities were shifted to allow observance during a more favorable time of year
Macau | National Day (anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Macedonia | Independence Day, 8 September (1991); also known as National Day
Madagascar | Independence Day, 26 June (1960)
Malawi | Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)
Malaysia | Independence Day 31 August (1957) (independence of Malaya); Malaysia Day 16 September (1963) (formation of Malaysia)
Maldives | Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
Mali | Independence Day, 22 September (1960)
Malta | Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13 December (1974)
Marshall Islands | Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)
Mauritania | Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Mauritius | Independence Day, 12 March (1968)
Mexico | Independence Day, 16 September (1810)
Micronesia, Federated States of | Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
Moldova | Independence Day, 27 August (1991)
Monaco | National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)
Mongolia | Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)
Montenegro | National Day, 13 July (1878, the day the Berlin Congress recognized Montenegro as the 27th independent state in the world, and 1941, the day the Montenegrins staged an uprising against Nazi occupiers and sided with the partisan Communist movement)
Montserrat | birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)
Morocco | Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999)
Mozambique | Independence Day, 25 June (1975)
Namibia | Independence Day, 21 March (1990)
Nauru | Independence Day, 31 January (1968)
Nepal | Republic Day, 28 May (2008), the abdication of Gyanendra SHAH, last Nepalese monarch, and the establishment of a federal republic
Netherlands | King's Day (the King's birthday of 27 April (1967); celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday)
New Caledonia | Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1789); note - the local holiday is New Caledonia Day, 24 September (1853)
New Zealand | Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840); ANZAC Day (commemorated as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)
Nicaragua | Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Nigeria | Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)
Niger | Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from France in 1960
Niue | Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)
Norfolk Island | Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)
Northern Mariana Islands | Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)
Norway | Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)
Oman | Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)
Pakistan | Pakistan Day (also referred to as Pakistan Resolution Day or Republic Day), 23 March (1940); note - commemorates both the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the All-India Muslim League during its 22-24 March 1940 session, which called for the creation of independent Muslim states, and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 during the transition to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Palau | Constitution Day, 9 July (1979), day of a national referendum to pass the new constitution
Panama | Independence Day, 3 November (1903)
Papua New Guinea | Independence Day, 16 September (1975)
Paraguay | Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May)
Peru | Independence Day, 28 July (1821)
Philippines | Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from the US
Pitcairn Islands | Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926); Discovery Day, 2 July (1767)
Poland | Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)
Portugal | Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes (1524-80) died
Puerto Rico | US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)
Qatar | National Day, 18 December (1878), anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne; Independence Day, 3 September (1971)
Romania | Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)
Russia | Russia Day, 12 June (1990)
Rwanda | Independence Day, 1 July (1962)
Saint Barthelemy | Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is St. Barthelemy Day, 24 August (1572)
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha | Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, third Monday in April (1926)
Saint Kitts and Nevis | Independence Day, 19 September (1983)
Saint Lucia | Independence Day, 22 February (1979)
Saint Martin | Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is Schoalcher Day (Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon | Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1789)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Independence Day, 27 October (1979)
Samoa | Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January 1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship; it is observed in June
San Marino | Founding of the Republic, 3 September (A.D. 301)
Sao Tome and Principe | Independence Day, 12 July (1975)
Saudi Arabia | Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)
Senegal | Independence Day, 4 April (1960)
Serbia | National Day, 15 February (1835), the day the first constitution of the country was adopted
Seychelles | Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993); Independence Day, 29 June (1976)
Sierra Leone | Independence Day, 27 April (1961)
Singapore | National Day, 9 August (1965)
Sint Maarten | King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967)
Slovakia | Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)
Slovenia | Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)
Solomon Islands | Independence Day, 7 July (1978)
Somalia | Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June (1960) in Somaliland
South Africa | Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)
South Sudan | Independence Day, 9 July (2011)
Spain | National Day, 12 October (1492); year when Columbus first set foot in the Americas
Sri Lanka | Independence Day, 4 February (1948)
Sudan | Independence Day, 1 January (1956)
Suriname | Independence Day, 25 November (1975)
Swaziland | Independence Day, 6 September (1968)
Sweden | National Day, 6 June (1983); note - from 1916 to 1982 this date was celebrated as Swedish Flag Day
Switzerland | Founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291; note - since 1 August 1891 celebrated as Swiss National Day
Syria | Independence Day, 17 April (1946)
Taiwan | Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10 October (1911)
Tajikistan | Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)
Tanzania | Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)
Thailand | Birthday of King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL), 5 December (1927)
Timor-Leste | Proclamation of Independence Day, 28 November (1975)
Togo | Independence Day, 27 April (1960)
Tokelau | Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)
Tonga | National Day, 4 November (1875)
Trinidad and Tobago | Independence Day, 31 August (1962)
Tunisia | Independence Day, 20 March (1956); Revolution and Youth Day, 14 January (2011)
Turkey | Republic Day, 29 October (1923)
Turkmenistan | Independence Day, 27 October (1991)
Turks and Caicos Islands | Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)
Tuvalu | Independence Day, 1 October (1978)
Uganda | Independence Day, 9 October (1962)
Ukraine | Independence Day, 24 August (1991); note - 22 January 1918, the day Ukraine first declared its independence (from Soviet Russia) and the day the short-lived Western and Greater (Eastern) Ukrainian republics united (1919), is now celebrated as Unity Day
United Arab Emirates | Independence Day, 2 December (1971)
United Kingdom | the UK does not celebrate one particular national holiday
United States | Independence Day, 4 July (1776)
Uruguay | Independence Day, 25 August (1825)
Uzbekistan | Independence Day, 1 September (1991)
Vanuatu | Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Venezuela | Independence Day, 5 July (1811)
Vietnam | Independence Day, 2 September (1945)
Virgin Islands | Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)
Wallis and Futuna | Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)
Yemen | Unification Day, 22 May (1990)
Zambia | Independence Day, 24 October (1964)
Zimbabwe | Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

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