Public Holidays by Country

What Are Public Holidays?

Public holidays — also called bank holidays, national holidays, or statutory holidays — are officially recognized days on which governments, employers, and custom designate as non-working days for the general population. Every country in the world observes public holidays, though the number, dates, and significance vary enormously from nation to nation.

Why Public Holidays Matter

Public holidays serve multiple important functions in modern society. First and foremost, they commemorate historical events, national milestones, and cultural traditions that define a country's identity. Independence Day in the United States, Bastille Day in France, and Australia Day each mark pivotal moments in a nation's story. Religious public holidays like Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Diwali, and Easter reflect the dominant faith traditions of different regions, giving entire communities shared time for worship, reflection, and family gathering.

Beyond cultural significance, public holidays provide essential economic and social functions. They guarantee workers across all industries a guaranteed day of rest and celebration, independent of negotiated vacation time. In countries governed by labor law, public holidays are typically paid leave — employees continue to receive wages even while businesses close.

Public Holidays Around the World

The number of public holidays varies significantly by country. Cambodia tops the global list with over 28 public holidays annually, while countries like Mexico and the Netherlands observe fewer than 10. The United States has 11 federal holidays, though individual states may observe additional days. The United Kingdom separates its public holidays into "bank holidays" — days when banks and most businesses close — with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each observing slightly different sets.

Some public holidays are fixed-date observances, falling on the same calendar date every year regardless of the day of the week. Others are floating holidays, calculated relative to a specific weekday — such as the fourth Thursday in November for US Thanksgiving — or based on lunar calendars, like Eid, Chinese New Year, and Easter.

Regional and Optional Public Holidays

Many countries recognize both national public holidays — which apply across the entire country — and regional or provincial holidays that only affect specific areas. In India, Gazetted Holidays cover all central government employees, while Restricted Holidays allow individuals to choose from a curated list of religious and regional observances. Australia's public holidays vary by state and territory, with each region adding locally significant dates to the national framework.

Planning Around Public Holidays

For travelers, businesses, and anyone scheduling international meetings or events, knowing when public holidays occur in different countries is essential. Banks close, stock markets pause trading, government offices suspend operations, and many businesses reduce hours or shut entirely. Use the country list above to browse official public holidays for over 54 countries across multiple years — including dates, local names, holiday types (public, bank, optional, observance), and notes on regional variations.