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National day

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  Independence-related national day
  Unification/revolution-related national day
  Other reasons for national day
  No official national day

A national day is a day on which celebrations mark the statehood or nationhood of a state or its people. It may be the date of independence, of becoming a republic, of becoming a federation, or a significant date for a patron saint or a ruler (such as a birthday, accession, or removal).

The national day is often an official public holiday. Many countries have more than one national day. Denmark and the United Kingdom are the only countries without a nationwide national day, however, the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom each have their own separate national days. Denmark has what is not a public holiday but an unofficial celebration called Constitution Day.[1] National days emerged with the age of nationalism, with most appearing during the 19th and 20th centuries.[2]

National day may also be known as Independence Day, Liberation Day, or Republic Day, depending on the nation, and its history.

List of national days

[edit]

Nations that are not broadly recognized sovereign states are shown in pink. Defunct states are highlighted in light grey. For nations that are dependent on, or part of, a sovereign state (such as federal states, autonomous regions, or colonies), the name of the sovereign state is shown in parentheses.

Days that are not fixed to the Gregorian calendar are sorted by their occurrences.

Nation Date Significance Description
 Acadia (Canada) 15 August National Acadian Day Assumption Day was preferred over 24 June to remember that Acadians are descendants of France and a separate nation from the French Canadians.
 Afghanistan 19 August Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom and its control over Afghan foreign affairs in 1919.
 African Union 25 May Africa Day Anniversary of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.
 Åland (Finland) 9 June Autonomy Day It commemorates the first meeting of Åland County Council in 1922.
 Albania 28 November Independence Day It commemorates the raising of the Albanian flag in Vlorë to announce the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912.
 Alderney (British Islands) 15 December Homecoming Day It commemorates the return of the Islanders after the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II in 1945.
 Algeria 5 July Independence Day Independence from France in 1962.
1 November Revolution Day Beginning of the Algerian War in 1954.
 American Samoa (United States) 17 April Flag Day . It commemorates the date American Samoa became a US territory and first flew the US flag in 1900. As well is the date of adoption of the American Samoan flag in 1960.
 Andalusia (Spain) 28 February Andalusia Day It commemorates the date of the referendum on the Statute of Autonomy that established Andalusia as an autonomous community in 1980.
 Andorra 8 September Our Lady of Meritxell Day Feast day of Our Lady of Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra. As well is the date of the signing of the first Paréage of Andorra in 1278.
 Angola 11 November Independence Day Independence from Portugal in 1975.
 Anguilla (United Kingdom) 30 May Anguilla Day It commemorates the beginning of the Anguillian Revolution in 1967.
 Antigua and Barbuda 1 November Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.
 Aragon (Spain) 23 April Saint George's Day Feast day of Saint George, patron saint of Aragon and his Crown. An old legend holds that during the battle of Alcoraz in 1096, Saint George appeared in support of Aragonese army force.
 Argentina 25 May May Revolution Day It commemorates the May Revolution and creation of the First National Government in 1810.
9 July Independence Day Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1816.
 Armenia 28 May Republic Day Independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic and establishment of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918.
21 September Independence Day Independence from the Soviet Union recognised in 1991.
 Aruba (Kingdom of the Netherlands) 18 March National Anthem and Flag Day It commemorates the adoption of the national flag of Aruba and the official anthem in 1976.
 Ascension (United Kingdom) 3rd Saturday in June King's Official Birthday
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 8 August ASEAN Day Commemorates the signing of the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok on 8 August 1967 by five Foreign Ministers, marking the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
 Asturias (Spain) 8 September Our Lady of Covadonga Day Feast of Our Lady of Covadonga, patron saint of Asturias.
 Australia 26 January Australia Day It commemorates the establishment of a British prison settlement at Port Jackson in New Holland by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788.
 Austria 26 October Austrian National Day It commemorates the enactment of the Austrian Declaration of Neutrality in 1955.
 Azerbaijan 28 May Independence Day Independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic in 1918.
 Azores (Portugal) Pentecost Monday Azores Day It commemorates the establishment of political autonomy within the Portuguese laws, following the Carnation Revolution, in 1976.
 Bahamas 10 July Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1973.
 Bahrain 16 December National Day It commemorates the coronation of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the first Emir of Bahrain, in 1961.
 Balearic Islands (Spain) 1 March Day of the Balearic Islands It commemorates the date that the Statute of Autonomy establishing the Balearic Islands as an autonomous community became effective in 1983.
 Bangladesh 26 March Independence Day Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Pakistan in 1971.
16 December Victory Day It commemorates the Surrender of Pakistan, ending the Bangladesh Liberation War, in 1971.
 Barbados 30 November Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. As well is the anniversary of the formal proclamation of Barbados as a Republic within the Commonwealth in 2021.
 Basque Country (Spain) Easter Sunday (unofficial) Aberri Eguna (Fatherland Day) No official National Day. Fatherland Day is the unofficial Basque national holiday, associated with Basque nationalism. From 2011 to 2013 the official national day was on 25 October.
 Belarus 3 July Independence Day It commemorates the liberation of Minsk from German occupation by Soviet troops in 1944.
 Belgium 21 July National Day It commemorates when Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld takes the oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.
 Belize 21 September Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.
 Benin 1 August Independence Day Independence from France in 1960.
 Bermuda (United Kingdom) 4th Friday in May Bermuda Day It commemorates the islands' heritage and culture. Previously was known as Queen Victoria's birthday and celebrated on 24 May.
 Bhutan 17 December National Day It commemorates when Ugyen Wangchuck was elected and enthroned as the first hereditary King of Bhutan in 1907.
 Bolivia 6 August Independence Day Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1825.
 Botswana 30 September Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
 Brazil 7 September Independence Day Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Portugal in 1822.
 British Empire 24 May Empire Day Observed from 1890s to 1957. In 1958, the celebration was renamed from Empire Day to Commonwealth Day.
 British Virgin Islands (United Kingdom) 1 July Virgin Islands Day It commemorates the day on which BVI gained self-governing status within British control in 1967. Previously was known as Colony Day and later as Territory Day.
 Brunei 23 February National Day It commemorates the independence from the United Kingdom in 1984, which actually occurred on 1 January.
 Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium) 8 May Iris Day [fr; nl] It commemorates the blooming season of the iris (also called fleur de Lys), which is the symbol of the Region. Also commemorates the victory day over the Nazis in World War II and a former feast day of Saint Michael, patron saint of the Region.
 Bulgaria 3 March Liberation Day It commemorates the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano, that provided autonomy within Ottoman Empire in 1878.
 Burkina Faso 11 December Independence Day It commemorates the establishment of a self-governing state within the French Community in 1958.
 Burundi 1 July Independence Day Independence from Belgium in 1962.
 Cambodia 9 November Independence Day Independence from France in 1953.
 Cameroon 20 May National Day It commemorates the creation of a unitary state in 1972.
 Canada 1 July Canada Day It commemorates the creation of Canadian Confederation, the process by Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into one federation called the Dominion of Canada in 1867.
 Canary Islands (Spain) 30 May Day of the Canary Islands It commemorates the anniversary of the first session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands in 1983.
 Cantabria (Spain) 28 July (unofficial) Cantabria Institutions Day No official Regional Day. Cantabria Institutions Day commemorates the establishment of the province in 1778.
 Castilla–La Mancha (Spain) 31 May Castilla–La Mancha Day It commemorates the anniversary of the first session of the Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha in 1983.
 Castilla y León (Spain) 23 April Castile and León Day It commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Villalar and the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1521.
 Catalonia (Spain) 11 September National Day It commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714.
 Cape Verde 5 July Independence Day Independence from Portugal in 1975.
 Cayman Islands (United Kingdom) 1st Monday in July Constitution Day It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the West Indies Federation[3] in 1959.
 Central African Republic 1 December National Day It commemorates the anniversary of becoming an autonomous territory within the French Community in 1958.
 Ceuta (Spain) 2 September Ceuta Day It commemorates when Pedro de Meneses, 1st Count of Vila Real becomes the first Governor of Ceuta after the Conquest of Ceuta in 1415.
 Chad 11 August Independence Day Independence from France in 1960.
 Chile 18 September Independence Day It commemorates when the first Government Junta was created in 1810.
 China, People's Republic of 1 October National Day It commemorates the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
 China, Republic of 1 January Founding Day It commemorates the establishment of the Provisional Government in 1912.
10 October National Day It commemorates the Wuchang Uprising that led to abolishment of the monarchy and founding of the Republic in China in 1911.
 Colombia 20 July Independence Day Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1810.
 Commonwealth of Nations 2nd Monday in March Commonwealth Day Until 1958 was known as Empire Day.
 Comoros 6 July National Day Independence from France in 1975.
Democratic Republic of the Congo 30 June Independence Day Independence from Belgium in 1960.
Republic of the Congo 15 August National Day Independence from France in 1960.
 Cook Islands 4 August Constitution Day It commemorates the self-government in free association with New Zealand in 1965.
 Costa Rica 15 September Independence Day Independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821.
 Croatia 30 May National Day It commemorates when the multi-party Parliament was constituted in 1990.
 Cuba 1 January Liberation Day It commemorates the Cuban Revolution and the overthrow of the Batista regime in 1959.
10 October Independence Day Independence from the Spanish Empire in 1868.
 Curaçao (Kingdom of the Netherlands) 2 July National Anthem and Flag Day It commemorates when the first island council was elected and instituted in 1954.
 Cyprus 1 October Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.
 Czech Republic 28 October Independent Czechoslovak State Day Independence from Austria-Hungary and creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
 Côte d'Ivoire 7 August Independence Day Independence from France in 1960.
 Denmark 5 June (unofficial) Constitution Day Constitution Day is the unofficial national holiday of Denmark, which has no official National Day. It commemorates the signing as both the first Constitution in 1849 and the current constitution in 1953.
 Djibouti 27 June Independence Day Independence from France in 1977.
 Dominica 3 November Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. As well is the date when the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
 Dominican Republic 27 February Independence Day Independence from Haiti in 1844.
 East Timor 20 May Independence Day Independence from Indonesia in 2002
 Ecuador 10 August Independence Day Proclamation of independence from Spain in 1809
 Egypt 23 July Revolution Day Commemorating the revolution of 1952
 El Salvador 15 September Independence Day Independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 England (United Kingdom) 23 April Saint George's Day Feast day of Saint George, patron saint of England
 Equatorial Guinea 12 October Independence Day Independence from Spain in 1968
 Eritrea 24 May Independence Day Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) fighters enter Asmara in 1991 and Eritrea becomes a de facto independent state; United Nations recognizes Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a UN-supervised referendum on nationhood.
 Estonia 24 February Independence Day Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia on the date of its declaration of independence from the Russian and German Empires in 1918
 Eswatini 6 September Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1968
 Ethiopia 28 May Downfall of the Derg Day The Derg regime is defeated in 1991
 European Union 9 May Europe Day Commemorating the Schuman Declaration of 1950
 Extremadura (Spain) 8 September Our Lady of Guadalupe Day Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Extremadura
 Falkland Islands (United Kingdom) 14 August Falklands Day First recorded sighting of the islands in 1592
14 June Liberation Day Liberation from Argentinean occupation at the end of the Falklands War in 1982
 Faroe Islands (Denmark) 29 July Ólavsøka Saint Olaf's death at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030: opening of the Løgting (parliament) session
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina) 1 March Independence Day Referendum on independence from Yugoslavia in 1992
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina) 25 November Statehood Day Formation of the State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1943
 Fiji 10 October Fiji Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1970
 Finland 6 December Independence Day Declaration of independence from Russia in 1917
 Flanders (Belgium) 11 July Feestdag van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap Battle of the Golden Spurs on 11 July 1302.
 Florida (United States) 2 April Pascua Florida Day or week (as declared by the Governor) celebrating the founding of Florida by Juan Ponce de León on 2 April 1513.
 France 14 July Bastille Day Bastille Day (known as la Fête Nationale in France), commemorating the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789[4]
 French Community (Belgium) 27 September French Community Holiday
 French Guiana (France) 10 June Abolition of Slavery Day
 French Polynesia (France) 29 June Internal Autonomy Day
 Gabon 17 August Independence Day Independence from France in 1960
 Galicia (Spain) 25 July National Day Commemorates the Feast of Saint James, patron saint of Galicia
 Gambia, The 18 February Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1965
 Georgia 26 May Day of First Republic Declaration of independence from Russia in 1918
 German Empire 18 January Proclamation of the German Empire on 18 January 1871 in the Palace of Versailles.
 East Germany 7 October Republic Day Declaration of the German Democratic Republic in 1949
 German-speaking Community (Belgium) 15 November Day of the German-speaking Community
 Germany 3 October German Unity Day Unification of West Germany and East Germany in 1990
 Ghana 6 March Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1957
 Gibraltar (United Kingdom) 10 September National Day People of Gibraltar vote to reject Spanish sovereignty or association in 1967
 Greece 25 March Independence Day Start of the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821
28 October Ohi Day Refusal to the surrender the country on the Italian troops, and honour at the dead during the Greco-Italian War and the Greek Resistance against the Axis in 1940–1944
 Greenland (Denmark) 21 June Greenland National Day (Longest Day of the Year) Greenland National Day was introduced in 1983 as one of the Home Rule's traditions and is thus one of several expressions of national identity
 Grenada 7 February Independence Day Independence from United Kingdom in 1974
 Guadeloupe (France) 27 May Abolition of Slavery Day
 Guam (United States) 21 July Liberation Day American landing on Guam 1944, the beginning of the Battle of Guam
 Guatemala 15 September Independence Day Independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Guernsey (British Islands) 9 May Liberation Day The end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Guinea 2 October Independence Day Independence from France in 1958
 Guinea-Bissau 24 September Independence Day Declaration of independence from Portugal in 1973
 Guyana 23 February Mashramani Declaration of the Republic in 1970
26 May Independence Day Declaration of independence from the United Kingdom in 1966
 Haiti 1 January Independence Day Declaration of independence from France in 1804
 Herm (British Islands) 9 May Liberation Day The end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Honduras 15 September Independence Day Independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Hong Kong (China) 1 July Establishment Day Transfer of sovereignty to the PRC in 1997
1 October National Day of the PRC Proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949
 Hungary 15 March 1848 Revolution Memorial Day Commemorating the 1848 Revolution
20 August Saint Stephen's Day Feast day of Saint Stephen, patron saint of Hungary and first King of Hungary, crowned in 1000 and canonized in 1083
23 October 1956 Revolution Memorial Day Commemorating the 1956 Revolution
 Iceland 17 June National Day Founding of the Republic and dissolution of the personal union with Denmark in 1944
 India 26 January Republic Day Adoption of the Constitution of India[5] in 1950
15 August Independence Day Independence from the British Empire in 1947
2 October Gandhi Jayanti Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) in 1869
 Indonesia 17 August Independence Day Proclamation of Independence (Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan R.I.) from the kingdom of the Netherlands in 1945
 Iran 11 February Islamic Revolution's Victory Day (Fajr decade) Victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979
1 April Iranian Islamic Republic Day[6]
 Iraq 3 October Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1932
 Ireland 17 March Saint Patrick's Day Feast day of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland
 Isle of Man (British Islands) 5 July Tynwald Day Annual festive outdoor meeting of the Tynwald (parliament)
 Israel 5 Iyar Independence Day Proclamation of independence from the British Mandate of Palestine in 1948
(date varies according to Jewish calendar on 5 Iyar.)
 Italy 2 June Republic Day Italy is made a republic in 1946
 Jamaica 6 August Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1962
 Japan 11 February National Foundation Day Jimmu, the first emperor, is crowned in 660 BC
 Jersey (British Islands) 9 May Liberation Day The end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Jordan 25 May Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1946
 Kazakhstan 16 December Independence Day Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Kenya 12 December Jamhuri Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1963; made a republic in 1964
 Kiribati 12 July Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1979[7]
 Kosovo (Disputed) 17 February Independence Day Unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008
 Kurdistan (Iraq) 21 March Nowruz, Persian New Year, celebrated on the spring equinox
 Kuwait 25 February National Day, anniversary of the 1950 coronation of Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, who won Kuwait's independence from the British Empire eleven years later
 Kyrgyzstan 31 August Independence Day Independence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Laos 2 December National Day, declaration of the People's Republic in 1975
 La Rioja (Spain) 9 June Anniversary of the approval of La Rioja's Statute of Autonomy establishing it as an autonomous community
 Latvia 18 November Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia, independence from the Russian Empire in 1918
 Lebanon 22 November Independence Day Independence from France in 1943
 Lesotho 4 October Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1966
 Liberia 26 July Proclamation of the Republic: independence from the United States in 1847
 Libya 24 December Independence Day Anniversary of Libyan independence in 1951
 Liechtenstein 15 August Feast of the Assumption and birth of Prince Franz Joseph II in 1906
 Lithuania 16 February Lithuanian State Reestablishment Day, declaration of independence from the Russian and German Empires in 1918
 Lombardy (Italy) 29 May Lombard League defeats the imperial army of Frederick Barbarossa in the Battle of Legnano
 Luxembourg 23 June Grand Duke's Official Birthday
 Macau (China) 1 October National Day of the People's Republic of China (Proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949)
20 December Transfer of sovereignty to the PRC in 1999
 Madagascar 26 June Independence Day Independence from France in 1960
 Madeira (Portugal) 1 July Madeira Day, day of autonomy within Portugal in 1976
 Madrid (Spain) 2 May Dos de Mayo Uprising, part of the Peninsular War, a civilian rebellion against the French occupation of the city
 Malawi 6 July Independence Day Independence from the United Kingdom in 1964; declaration of the Republic in 1966
 Malaysia 31 August Hari Kebangsaan, independence from the United Kingdom (as Malaya) in 1957. Also known as Hari Kebangsaan (National Day) in Malay.
16 September Malaysia Day, formation of Malaysia by uniting Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore into a single country in 1963. Proposed to be the second national day after Hari Merdeka.
 Maldives 1 Rabi' al-Awwal Independence Day Independence from the Portuguese Empire in c.1573 (date varies according to the Islamic Calendar)
 Mali 22 September Independence Day Independence from the Mali Federation in 1960
 Malta 31 March Freedom Day Freedom Day, withdrawal of the last British troops from Malta in 1979
7 June Sette Giugno Sette Giugno, bread riot of 1919 in which 4 Maltese men died
8 September Victory Day Victory Day, celebrating the victory of the Knights of St. John over the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the end of the French occupation in 1800, and the surrender of Italy to the Allies in 1943
21 September Independence Day Independence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
13 December Republic Day Republic Day, adoption of the republican constitution of 1974
 Marshall Islands 1 May Constitution Day, adoption of the Compact of Free Association in 1979
 Martinique (France) 22 May Abolition of slavery day
 Mauritania 28 November Independence from France in 1960
 Mauritius 12 March Independence Day Independence Day - Independence from the United Kingdom in 1968; formation of the Republic in 1992
 Mayotte (France) 27 April Abolition of slavery day
 Melilla (Spain) 17 September Anniversary of the 1497 Conquest of Melilla by the Duke of Medina Sidonia
 Mexico 16 September Independence Day Grito de Dolores, beginning of the War of Independence from Spain in 1810
 Micronesia 3 November Independence Day Independence from the US-administered UN Trusteeship in 1979
 Minas Gerais (Brazil) 21 April Hanging of Tiradentes in 1792
16 July Elevation of the village of Mariana to the status of city.
 Moldova 27 August Independence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Monaco 19 November Accession of Prince Albert II to the throne in 2005
 Mongolia 26 November Republic Day, proclamation of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924
29 December Independence Day Independence Day, this day commemorates the independence from China in 1911.
 Montenegro 21 May Independence from Serbia and Montenegro in 2006
13 July recognised as independent at the Congress of Berlin in 1878
 Montserrat (United Kingdom) 3rd Saturday in June King's Official Birthday
 Morocco 18 November Accession of Muhammad V to the throne in 1927
 Mozambique 25 June Independence Day Independence from Portugal in 1975
 Murcia (Spain) 9 June Anniversary of the approval of the Region of Murcia's Statute of Autonomy establishing it as an autonomous community
 Myanmar 10th day of Tazaungmon Commemorates the anniversary of the first university student strike at Rangoon University in 1920

Note: Not to be confused with Independence Day (Myanmar)

 Namibia 21 March Independence from South Africa in 1990
 Nauru 31 January Independence from the Australia, NZ, and UK-administered UN trusteeship 1968
 Navarre (Spain) 3 December Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint of Navarre
   Nepal 19 September Constitution Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution in 2015
 Kingdom of the Netherlands 27 April King's Day, King Willem-Alexander's birthday in 1967
5 May Liberation Day, end of German occupation in 1945
 New Caledonia (France) 24 September Citizenship Day Annexation to France in 1853
 New Zealand 6 February Waitangi Day Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840
 Nicaragua 15 September Independence Day Independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Niger 18 December Republic Day, made an autonomous state within the French Community in 1958
 Nigeria 1 October Independence from the United Kingdom in 1960
 Niue 19 October Self-government in free association with New Zealand in 1974
 Norfolk Island (Australia) 8 June Beginning of permanent settlement of the island by migrants from the Pitcairn Islands in 1856
 North Korea 15 August Liberation from Japanese rule in 1945 (Chogukhaebangŭi nal)
9 September Day of the Foundation of the Republic in 1948[8]
10 October Party Foundation Day in 1945
 North Macedonia 2 August Republic Day, proclamation of statehood in 1944 and proclamation of Kruševo Republic in 1903 during the Ilinden Uprising
8 September Independence Day (Den na nezavisnosta), declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
 Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) 17 March Saint Patrick's Day Feast day of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland; a public holiday sometimes associated with Irish nationalism
12 July The Twelfth (Orangemens' Day) Commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690; a public holiday associated with Ulster unionism
 Northern Mariana Islands (United States) 8 January Commonwealth Day, the constitutional government takes office in 1978
 Norway 17 May Constitution Day, the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in Eidsvoll 1814
 Oman 18 November National Day of Oman, independence from Portugal in 1650 and the 1940 birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said who reigned 1970–2020
 Pakistan 23 March Pakistan Day, the Pakistan Resolution passed in Lahore in 1940. Pakistan became a Republic in 1956 with the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
14 August Independence Day, independence from the British Empire in 1947
 Palau 9 July Constitution Day, adoption of the Constitution in 1980
1 October Independence Day Independence Day, full independence in 1994
 Palestine 15 November Independence Day Declaration of independence in 1988
 Panama 3 November Separation Day Independence from Colombia in 1903
28 November Independence Day Independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Papua New Guinea 16 September Independence from Australia in 1975
 Paraguay 14 May Independence Day Declaration of independence from Spain in 1811
 Peru 28 July Independence Day Declaration of independence from Spain in 1821
 Philippines 12 June Araw ng Kalayaan, declaration of independence from Spain in 1898
 Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom) 3rd Saturday in June King's Official Birthday
 Poland 3 May 3 May Constitution Day, celebrates the declaration of the Constitution of 3 May 1791, first constitution of its kind in Europe
11 November Święto Niepodległości (Independence Day), restoration of independence from Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia in 1918
 Portugal 10 June Portugal Day Officially the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, commemorates the death of national poet Luís de Camões in 1580
 Puerto Rico (United States) 25 July Constitution Day Commemorates the establishment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1952; formerly Invasion Day, day of the American invasion in 1898
23 September Grito de Lares Grito de Lares, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the first revolt for independence from the Spanish Empire in 1868
 Qatar 18 December Qatar National Day, the assumption of power by Emir Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878
 Québec (Canada) 24 June Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, feast day of John the Baptist, the patron saint of French Canadians
 Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) 20 September Expulsion of the Brazilian Army from Porto Alegre at the Farroupilha Revolution, followed by a Declaration of Independence on 1836.
 Romania 1 December Great Union Day, unification with Transylvania and achievement of the Great Union in 1918
 Russia 12 June Russia Day, Declaration of State Sovereignty in 1990
4 November Unity Day, celebrates the end of Time of Troubles
 Rwanda 1 July Independence from Belgium in 1962
 Réunion (France) 20 December Abolition of slavery day
 Saba (Kingdom of the Netherlands) 1st Friday in December Saba Day celebrates, on the first Friday in December, the adoption of the flag of Saba in December 1985
 Sabah (Malaysia) 31 August Sabah Day, is celebrated to commemorate Sabah's independence from United Kingdom before joining Malaysia along with Sarawak and Singapore on 16 September 1963. It has since been celebrated since 2023.
 Saint Helena (United Kingdom) 3rd Saturday in June King's Official Birthday
 Saint Kitts and Nevis 19 September Independence from the United Kingdom in 1983
 Saint Lucia 22 February Independence Day Independence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1979
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 27 October Independence Day Independence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1979
 Samoa 1 June Independence Day Independence Day, independence from New Zealand in 1962
 San Marino 3 September Foundation of the city by Marinus in year 301 (traditional date); also is the St. Marinus Day.
 Sardinia (Italy) 28 April Sardinian revolution and expulsion of Piedmontese Viceroy and Sardinian-Piedmontese officials from Cagliari, capital and largest city of Sardinia
 São Paulo (Brazil) 9 July Constitutionalist Revolt against Vargas Regime in 1932
 Sarawak (Malaysia) 22 July Sarawak Independence Day, independence from United Kingdom before joining Malaysia along with Sabah and Singapore on 16 September.
 Sark (British Islands) 10 May Liberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Saudi Arabia 23 September Saudi National Day Renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932
 Scotland (United Kingdom) 30 November Saint Andrew's Day Feast day of Saint Andrew, patron saint of Scotland
 Senegal 4 April Independence from France in 1960
 Serbia 15 February Statehood Day, start of the Serbian Revolution against Ottoman Empire in 1804; Constitution Day, adoption of the first Constitution in 1835[9]
 Seychelles 18 June Constitution Day, adoption of a multi-party democratic constitution in 1993.
29 June National Day, marks the date when Seychelles gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
 Sierra Leone 27 April Republic Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1961
 Singapore 9 August National Day, independence from Malaysia in 1965
 Sint Maarten (Kingdom of the Netherlands) 11 November Sint Maarten's Day[10]
 Slovakia 1 January Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic, this day commemorates when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993
 Slovenia 25 June Statehood Day, declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
 Solomon Islands 7 July Independence Day Independence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1978
 Somalia 1 July Independence Day Independence from Italy and unification with Somaliland in 1960
 Somaliland (Disputed) 18 May Declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991
26 June Independence Day Independence of the State of Somaliland from the United Kingdom in 1960
 South Africa 27 April Freedom Day, first democratic general election in 1994
 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (United Kingdom) 3rd Saturday in June Liberation from Argentina at the end of the Falklands War in 1982 and King's Official Birthday
 South Korea 1 March Declaration of independence from the Empire of Japan in 1919
15 August Liberation from Japanese rule in 1945 (Gwangbokjeol); declaration of the Republic in 1948
3 October Gaecheonjeol, ancient Korea founded in 2333 BC
 South Sudan 9 July Independence Day, independence from Sudan in 2011
 South Vietnam 26 October 1955 South Vietnam referendum created First Republic of Vietnam replacing State of Vietnam
1 November 1963 South Vietnam coup d'état created Second Republic of Vietnam replacing First Republic of Vietnam
 Soviet Union 7 November October Revolution Day, commemorating the Great October Socialist Revolution in 1917
 Spain 12 October National Day Commemorates Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas in 1492
 Sri Lanka 4 February Independence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 under the name of Ceylon
 Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) 9 January Proclamation of the Republic, separate from Bosnia and Herzegovina and part of Yugoslavia, in 1992
 Sudan 1 January Independence from the United Kingdom in 1956
 Suriname 25 November Independence Day, independence from the Netherlands in 1975
 Sweden 6 June National Day: election of Gustav Vasa as King of Sweden in 1523; adoption of the constitutions of 1809 and 1974
  Switzerland 1 August National Day, alliance between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden against the Holy Roman Empire in 1291
 Syria 17 April Evacuation Day, end of French colonial rule in 1946
 São Tomé and Príncipe 12 July Independence from Portugal in 1975
 Tajikistan 9 September Independence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Tanzania 9 December Independence Day, independence from British rule in 1961
 Tatarstan (Russia) 30 August Declaration of independence from the RSFSR in 1990
 Thailand 5 December Father's Day Birthday of Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927; More commonly known and celebrated as Father's Day
 Togo 27 April Independence from the French-administered UN trusteeship in 1960
 Tonga 4 June Emancipation Day abolition of serfdom 1862; independence from the United Kingdom in 1970
4 November Promulgation of the constitution in 1875
 Transnistria 2 September Independence Day, declaration of independence from Moldova in 1990
 Trinidad and Tobago 31 August Independence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1962
 Tristan da Cunha (United Kingdom) 3rd Saturday in June King's Official Birthday
 Tunisia 20 March Declaration of independence from France in 1956
 Turkey 29 October Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı), adoption of a republican constitution in 1923
 Turkmenistan 27 September Independence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Turks and Caicos Islands (United Kingdom) 30 August Constitution Day, adoption of a constitution in 1976
 Tuvalu 1 October Independence Day, independence from the Gilbert Islands (Kiribati) in 1975 and from the United Kingdom in 1978
 Uganda 9 October Independence from the United Kingdom in 1962
 Ukraine 15 July Statehood Day, commemoration of the Christianization of Kievan Rus'
24 August Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. See Independence Day of Ukraine
 United Arab Emirates 2 December National Day, formation of the federation of seven emirates on independence from the United Kingdom in 1971
 United Kingdom 3rd Saturday in June (unofficial) King's Official Birthday Does not have a recognized national day (see proposed British national day), although the King's Official Birthday (King Charles III's was announced as being the third Saturday in June) is sometimes considered as such, for example, in British diplomatic institutions overseas
 United Nations 24 October United Nations Day An annual commemorative day, reflecting the official creation of the United Nations on 24 October 1945
 United States 4 July Independence Day First 13 states declare independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776.
 United States Virgin Islands (United States) 31 March Transfer Day, transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917
 Uruguay 25 August Independence Day Declaration of independence from Brazil in 1825
 Uzbekistan 1 September Independence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Valencian Community (Spain) 9 October Anniversary of the creation of the Kingdom of Valencia in 1238
 Vanuatu 30 July Independence Day, independence from the United Kingdom and France in 1980
 Vatican City 11 February Lateran Treaty Day Foundation of Vatican City, signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929
 Venezuela 5 July Independence Day Declaration of independence from Spain in 1811
 Vietnam 2 September National Day, declaration of independence from France and Japan in 1945
 Wales (United Kingdom) 1 March Saint David's Day Feast day of Saint David, patron saint of Wales
 Wallonia (Belgium) 3rd Sunday of September Day of the Walloon Region
 Yemen 22 May Unity Day, North and South Yemen are unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990
 Yugoslavia 29 November Day of the Republic, celebrating the anniversary of the second session of AVNOJ, paving way for the establishment of the second Yugoslav state
 Zambia 24 October Independence Day, declaration of independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
 Zimbabwe 18 April Granting of independence by the United Kingdom in 1980; it had previously declared independence as Rhodesia on 11 November 1965

See also

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ Fisher, Max (26 February 2013). "A surprising map of the world's national holidays (only two countries have no national day)". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  2. ^ Elgenius, Gabriella (2019). "National Days in Nation Building: Similarities and differences". Symbols of nations and nationalism : celebrating nationhood. Basingstoke, Hampshire. pp. 94–132. ISBN 9781349590476.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. ^ "Constitution Day in Cayman Islands in 2022". Office Holidays. Archived from the original on 15 July 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  4. ^ "Bastille Day – 14th July". Official Website of France. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014. Commemorating the storming of the Bastille on 14th July 1789, Bastille Day takes place on the same date each year. The main event is a grand military parade along the Champs-Élysées, attended by the President of the Republic and other political leaders. It is accompanied by fireworks and publics [sic] dances in towns throughout the whole of France.
  5. ^ "India celebrates Republic Day". news.com.au. 26 January 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  6. ^ "Iran Islamic Republic Day". AnnivHol-2000. p. 55. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
  7. ^ "Kiribati National Day in Kiribati in 2021". Office Holidays. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  8. ^ Hunter, Helen-Louise (2008). "The Society and Its Environment". In Worden, Robert L. (ed.). North Korea: A Country Study (Fifth ed.). Washington: Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress. p. 85. ISBN 978-0-8444-1188-0.
  9. ^ "Serbia Observes Constitution Day – Constitution Day in Serbia: February 15th". aglobalworld.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  10. ^ "Public Holiday Schedule". www.sintmaartengov.org. Archived from the original on 1 November 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2020.