If you have ever searched for countries with most public holidays, this guide is for you. Whether you are a traveler, digital nomad, or just curious, let’s explore the nations where holidays are a big part of life.
Imagine waking up on a weekday, checking your phone, and realizing—today is a public holiday. No office, no meetings, no stress. Just rest, family time, and celebration.
Sounds like a dream?
For many people around the world, this is normal life.
Some countries enjoy only a few public holidays each year. But others enjoy 20, 30, or even 35+ public holidays. That’s almost one full month of official breaks!
Top Countries With Most Public Holidays in the World
When we look at the global list, one thing is very clear—Asia dominates. Deep cultural roots, many religions, and old traditions fill calendars with festivals and national days.
1. Nepal – Over 35 Public Holidays
Nepal proudly sits at the top of the list of countries with most public holidays.
This beautiful Himalayan nation celebrates more than 35 public holidays every year.
Why so many holidays?
- Multiple religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, others)
- Traditional Bikram Sambat calendar
- Festivals for nature, animals, gods, and seasons
Fun fact: Nepal even celebrates a day for dogs called Kukur Tihar.
Life here truly revolves around celebration.
2. Myanmar – Around 32 Public Holidays
Myanmar is another country where work takes frequent breaks.
With nearly 32 public holidays, Myanmar closes offices often—especially during the famous Thingyan Water Festival, which celebrates the New Year and lasts several days.
Religious diversity (Buddhist, Christian, Muslim) adds even more holidays to the calendar.
3. Iran – About 26 Public Holidays
Iran has around 26 official public holidays, making it one of the top countries with most public holidays in the world.
The country follows the Solar Hijri calendar, which includes:
- Ancient Persian festivals like Nowruz
- Important religious observances
- Many holidays are deeply cultural and family-focused.
Asian Countries With Most Public Holidays
Asia clearly leads when it comes to public holidays. Let’s look at a few more generous nations.
Sri Lanka – 25 Public Holidays
Sri Lanka is famous for its Poya Days—every full moon day is a public holiday.
Add religious festivals from:
- Buddhism
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Christianity
and you get one of the most relaxed calendars in Asia.
Bangladesh – 22 Public Holidays
Bangladesh offers around 22 public holidays.
Most holidays come from:
- Eid celebrations (multiple days)
- Independence Day
- Language Movement Day
Eid holidays often turn into long family vacations.
India – 21 to 42 Public Holidays
India is unique.
Officially, India has only 3 national holidays.
But in reality, it is one of the countries with most public holidays.
Why?
- Each state has its own holidays
- Many religious festivals are recognized
- Regional cultures add extra days off
Depending on where you live, you may enjoy up to 42 holidays per year.
Cambodia – 21 Public Holidays
Cambodia once topped the world with 28 holidays. Though reduced, it still enjoys 21 public holidays.
The biggest highlight is Khmer New Year, when the entire country slows down for celebrations and family time.
European Countries With Most Public Holidays
Europe is famous for work-life balance. But which European countries offer the most holidays?
Liechtenstein & San Marino – 20+ Holidays
These small European nations enjoy 20 to 22 public holidays.
Strong Christian traditions mean many religious feast days are official holidays.
Cyprus – 15 to 16 Public Holidays
Cyprus mixes:
- Orthodox Christian festivals
- National history days
The result? Plenty of sunny days off.
Slovakia – 15 Public Holidays
Slovakia also ranks high among European countries with most public holidays, mainly due to religious observances.
Did You Know?
The UK and Netherlands have only 8–9 public holidays, one of the lowest numbers in Europe.
African Countries With Most Public Holidays
Africa also has countries that enjoy generous holiday calendars.
Madagascar – 19 Public Holidays
Madagascar blends:
- Christian holidays
- Political remembrance days
With 19 public holidays, people enjoy plenty of time for rest and rituals.
Uganda – 19 Public Holidays
Uganda celebrates both Christian and Muslim holidays, along with important national days like Liberation Day.
Tanzania – 18 Public Holidays
From Zanzibar Revolution Day to Nyerere Day, Tanzania offers about 18 public holidays every year.
Countries With Most Public Holidays List (2025–2026)
| Rank | Country | Region | Approx. Holidays |
| 1 | Nepal | Asia | 35+ |
| 2 | Myanmar | Asia | 32 |
| 3 | Iran | Middle East | 26 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | Asia | 25 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | Asia | 22 |
| 6 | Cambodia | Asia | 21 |
| 7 | India | Asia | 21-42 |
| 8 | Liechtenstein | Europe | 20 |
| 9 | Madagascar | Africa | 19 |
| 10 | Colombia | South America | 18 |
Why Do Some Countries Have So Many Public Holidays?
There are three main reasons:
1. Religion
Countries with many religions often respect all major festivals.
2. History
Independence days, revolution days, and remembrance days add extra holidays.
3. Lunar Calendars
Lunar-based calendars create flexible holidays that can increase total days off.
The “Bridge Holiday” Advantage
Some countries move mid-week holidays to Monday or Friday.
This creates long weekends, also called bridge holidays.
Countries like Colombia and Argentina are famous for this practice.
Final Thoughts
Not all countries treat holidays the same.
While some nations struggle with less than 10 public holidays, others enjoy a lifestyle full of festivals, traditions, and rest.
If work-life balance matters to you, looking at countries with most public holidays might change how you see the world.
Because in many places, life is not just about work—it’s about celebration.
