With 195 nations in the world, which includes the Holy See and the State of Palestine, two non-member observer states, along with the 193 United Nations member states, it is expected that there are differences and similarities in each nation’s affairs and one significant aspect of difference in the running of the nations of the world is the number of public holidays celebrated. While some countries enjoy a wide range of public holidays others do not.

Public holidays, also known as national holidays, are specific days in a year set aside by law for non-working purposes.

These days commemorate significant historical events, religious observances, or adhere to a particular calendar system.

Among nations worldwide, Nepal holds the record for the highest number of public holidays, boasting a total of 35 observed annually.

Following closely, Indonesia has 28 public holidays, while Iran, Sri Lanka, Myanmar celebrates 26, 25 and 24 public holidays respectively.

In Nigeria, there are around 12 public holidays observed annually. These holidays include both religious and non-religious celebrations, marking significant events such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Christmas, and Eid al-Fitr, among others.

Here is a list of countries with the highest number of public holidays from 11 and above according to Wikipedia 

Nepal has the highest number of public holidays in the world with 35 annually. Also, Nepal has 6 day working schedule in a week. But in 2023 India has 42 holidays which 17 Gazetted holidays and more than 25 restricted holidays.

Nepal – 35 public holidays

Indonesia - 28 public holidays 

Iran – 26 public holidays 

Sri Lanka – 25 public holidays

Myanmar 24 – public holidays 

Egypt, Bangladesh, Liechtenstein - 22 public holidays 

Cambodia – 21 public holidays

Macau 20 – public holidays 

Lebanon, Argentina 19 – public holidays 

Colombia, Malaysia, Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago – 18 public holidays 

Austria – 18 public holidays out which 5 depending on state and workplace.

Chile - 18 public holidays out of which 2 depending on state and workplace

Hong Kong - 17 public holidays 

India – 17 public holidays. (17 Gazetted holidays and more than 25 Restricted holidays)

Thailand, Tanzania, Mongolia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Japan - 16 public holidays.

Switzerland 15 public holidays out of which 6 depending on the canton

Portugal – 15 out of which 2 depending on the region

Slovakia, Lithuania, Romania – 15 public holidays

Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, Morocco, Rwanda, Slovenia, South Korea, Turkey, Venezuela – 14 public holidays.

Australia – 13 public holidays out of which 3 depending on state

Germany – 13 public holidays out of which 3 depending on state

Spain – 13 public holidays out of which 1 depending on autonomous community

Czechia, Finland, Ghana, Latvia, Poland, Serbia – 13 public holidays.

Brazil – 9 public holidays plus 3 bank holidays, total 12.

Barbados, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Saint Lucia, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Uruguay – 12 public holidays.

Canada – 11 public holidays out of which 1 depending on jurisdiction

China, France, Israel, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Ukraine, Vietnam – 11 public holidays

United States – 11 public holidays out of which 6 federal holidays are observed by the majority of private businesses with paid time off while other 5 are less widely observed by businesses.

When considering moving abroad for work, it might be tempting, even for a moment, to take into account the number of public holidays that you would potentially enjoy once you’ve relocated.

But whether your dream career path finds you a new home in Africa, Europe or even Antarctica, what’s most important is that you’ve picked a role that you’re passionate about and an employer who can help fulfil your professional needs — be that a higher level of responsibility, ongoing learning or another goal you wish to achieve.