Endless Vacations! Here Are 10 Countries with the Most Public Holidays

Who doesn't love a good long weekend? Whether you use extra days off to unwind at home, explore a hidden gem in your hometown, or board a flight for an exotic getaway, public holidays are the ultimate gift to working adults and students alike. While most countries average around 10 to 12 public holidays per year, a few special places around the globe take their celebrations to a whole new level with dozens of official red-calendar days!

From vibrant cultural festivals and lunar celebrations to historical milestones and religious commemorations, here are 10 countries with the most public holidays in the world where the holiday spirit never seems to end.

1. Nepal (~35 Public Holidays)

Taking the top spot on our list is Nepal, a breathtaking Himalayan paradise that boasts up to 35 official public holidays annually! Thanks to its rich tapestry of ethnic communities, diverse religious traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous faiths), and cultural festivals, Nepal’s calendar is packed with national days off. Highlights include Dashain, a multi-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, and Tihar, the magical festival of lights.

2. Myanmar (~30 Public Holidays)

Myanmar is famous for having one of the most generous holiday schedules on the planet, offering up to 30 public holidays a year. A vast majority of these days are rooted in Buddhist traditions based on the lunar calendar. The biggest highlight of the year is Thingyan, the Myanmar New Year Water Festival held in mid-April. This week-long national party involves water fights across cities to wash away the previous year’s bad luck.

3. Sri Lanka (~25 Public Holidays)

Sri Lanka comes in third with around 25 official public holidays every year. The pearl of the Indian Ocean celebrates a unique monthly holiday called Poya Day, which occurs every full moon to mark important milestones in Buddhist history. In addition to Poya days, Sri Lanka honors major Hindu, Islamic, and Christian holidays, making it a true cross-cultural celebration hub.

4. Iran (~26 Public Holidays)

Iran’s calendar features around 26 national holidays, driven by significant Islamic religious observances and historical Persian events. The crown jewel of Iranian celebrations is Nowruz, the Persian New Year marking the arrival of spring. Nowruz is celebrated with multi-day national festivities where families travel, visit relatives, and welcome the changing season with grand feasts.

5. Malaysia (~24 Public Holidays)

As one of Southeast Asia’s most multicultural nations, Malaysia enjoys up to 24 public holidays (varying by state). Because Malaysia is home to Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous populations, the country officially recognizes major holidays from every culture—including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Thaipusam. It is truly a food and travel lover's holiday dream!

6. Fiji (~23 Public Holidays)

The tropical paradise of Fiji offers around 23 public holidays per year. Combining indigenous Fijian traditions, British colonial history, and a large Indo-Fijian cultural presence, Fijians enjoy long weekends celebrating Fiji Day, Diwali, Easter, and the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday.

7. Cambodia (~21 Public Holidays)

Cambodia treats its citizens to over 20 public holidays annually. Strongly influenced by Theravada Buddhism and its revered monarchy, major holidays include Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day), the Khmer New Year in April, and the spectacular Water Festival (Bon Om Touk), which features boat races along the Tonle Sap River.

8. India (~21 Public Holidays)

While national holidays at the federal level are limited, India’s states collectively celebrate around 21 public holidays per year. Given its massive diversity, celebrations range from colorful spring festivals like Holi and the widespread festival of lights Diwali to major regional harvest and independence days.

9. Argentina (~19 Public Holidays)

Leading the charge in South America, Argentina offers up to 19 national public holidays. The government frequently establishes bridge holidays (feriados con fines turísticos) to create four-day weekends that encourage domestic travel. The energetic Carnaval festivities in February are among the country's favorite long-weekend excuses!

10. Indonesia (~19 Public Holidays)

Rounding out our top 10 is Indonesia with around 19 public holidays, often supplemented by Cuti Bersama (joint leave days) decreed by the government. Indonesia officially honors six recognized religions, leading to a calendar filled with Idul Fitri, Nyepi (Bali's Day of Silence), Imlek (Chinese New Year), Waisak, and Christmas.

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References

Pew Research Center. (2026). Which countries have the most and fewest public holidays? Pew Research Fact Tank.
StressFreeCarRental. (2022). Global index of public holidays and leisure time. Travel & Leisure Market Report.
Visual Capitalist. (2026). Mapped: Paid vacation days and public holidays around the world. Visual Capitalist Data Journal.
World Atlas. (2023). Countries with the highest number of public holidays. World Atlas Society.
World Population Review. (2026). Countries with the most holidays ranking. World Population Review Data Analytics.