Since the Federal Government added one more day to the ongoing Eid-El-Fitr holidays, many Nigerians have condemned it, saying it’s a waste of productivity.
It may be recalled that the FG had slated Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays, but because the Kingdom of Saudi said the Eid would now take place on Wednesday, Nigeria added Thursday as a public holiday also.
Across the world, various countries enjoy a multitude of public holidays, each reflecting their cultural, religious, and historical diversity.
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.
However, despite insinuations that some African countries are inundated with public holidays, no country on the continent makes the top 10 in holidays, with Morocco coming in as 11th on the ranking.
Among nations worldwide, Cambodia holds the record for the highest number of public holidays, boasting a total of 28 observed annually.
Following closely, Sri Lanka has 25 public holidays, while both India and Kazakhstan observe 21.
Colombia, the Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago each celebrate 18 public holidays, while China and Hong Kong have 17.
In Nigeria, there are around 11 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 according to World Atlas
- Cambodia – 28 public holidays
- Sri Lanka – 25 public holidays
- India, Kazakhstan – 21 public holidays
- Colombia, Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago – 18 public holidays
- China, Hong Kong – 17 public holidays
- Thailand, Turkey, Pakistan – 16 public holidays
- Japan, Malaysia, Argentina, Lithuania, Sweden – 15 public holidays
- Indonesia, Chile, Slovakia – 14 public holidays
- South Korea, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Taiwan, Nepal – 13 public holidays
- Finland, Russia – 12 public holidays
- Singapore, Italy, Denmark, France, UAE, Morocco, Czech Republic, Luxembourg 11 public holidays
Source: PUNCH
