National day

(Redirected from 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 a public holiday. Many countries have more than one national day. Denmark and the United Kingdom are the only countries without a national day. Britain abandoned Empire Day, while 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]

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

List of national days

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.

NationDateSignificance of this date
 Acadia (Canada)15 AugustAssumption Day was preferred over 24 June to remember that Acadians are descendants of France and a separate nation from the French Canadians.
 Afghanistan19 AugustIndependence from British control over Afghan foreign affairs in 1919. (see Afghan Independence Day)
African Union25 MayAfrica Day, Anniversary of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity
 Albania28 NovemberAlbanian Flag Day: Raising of the Albanian flag in Vlorë to announce the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912
 Alderney (British Islands)15 DecemberHomecoming Day, the return of the Islanders after the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II 1945
 Algeria5 JulyIndependence Day (Algeria) in 1962
1 NovemberRevolution Day, beginning of the Algerian War in 1954
 American Samoa (United States)17 AprilUS Flag Day, commemorates the date American Samoa became a US territory and first flew the US flag in 1900, as well as the date of adoption of the American Samoan flag in 1960.
 Andalusia (Spain)28 FebruaryCommemorates the date of the 1980 referendum on the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia that established the region as an autonomous community
 Andorra8 SeptemberOur Lady of Meritxell Day, patron saint of Andorra, signing of the Paréage of Andorra 1278
 Angola11 NovemberIndependence from Portugal in 1975
 Anguilla (United Kingdom)30 MayAnguilla Day; the beginning of the Anguillian Revolution in 1967
 Antigua and Barbuda1 NovemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1981
 Aragon (Spain)23 AprilSaint George's Day, patron saint of Aragon and his Crown. An XIII legend holds that during the battle of Alcoraz in 1096, Saint George appeared in support of Aragonese army force.
 Argentina25 MayMay Revolution, in 1810
9 JulyDeclaration of Independence, from Spain in 1816
 Armenia28 MayRepublic Day, independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic 1918
21 SeptemberIndependence from the Soviet Union recognised in 1991
 Aruba (Kingdom of the Netherlands)18 MarchFlag Day; adoption of the flag in 1976
 Ascension (United Kingdom)3rd Saturday in JuneKing's Official Birthday
 Asturias (Spain)8 SeptemberFeast of Our Lady of Covadonga, patron saint of Asturias
 Australia26 JanuaryAustralia Day, date of the founding of Sydney, the first British settlement in Australia, 1788
 Austria26 OctoberThe Neutrality Constitution of 1955
 Azerbaijan28 MayIndependence Day, independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic 1918
 Azores (Portugal)Pentecost MondayAzores Day, gaining autonomy within Portugal in 1976.
Pentecost may occur in late May or early June.
 Bahamas10 JulyIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1973
 Bahrain16 DecemberCoronation Day of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the first Emir of Bahrain, in 1961
 Balearic Islands (Spain)1 MarchCommemorates the date that the Statute of Autonomy establishing the Balearic Islands as an autonomous community became effective in 1983
 Bangladesh26 MarchIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Pakistan in 1971
16 DecemberVictory Day, commemorates the Surrender of Pakistan, ending the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971
 Barbados30 NovemberIndependence Day, from the United Kingdom in 1966. Also the anniversary of the formal proclamation of Barbados as a Republic in the Commonwealth in 2021.
 Basque Country (Spain)-No official National Day. From 2011 to 2013 it was 25 October
 Belarus3 JulyIndependence Day, liberation of Minsk from German occupation by Soviet troops in 1944
 Belgium21 JulyNational Day, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld takes the oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831
 Belize21 SeptemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1981
 Benin1 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
 Bermuda (United Kingdom)24 MayOriginally Queen Victoria's birthday; now "Bermuda Day" to celebrate the islands' heritage and culture
 Bhutan17 DecemberUgyen Wangchuck elected hereditary king in 1907
 Bolivia6 AugustProclamation of Republic (independent from Spain) in 1825
 Botswana30 SeptemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1966
 Brazil7 SeptemberDia da Independência, declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822
 British Empire24 MayQueen Victoria's birthday
 British Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)1 JulyTerritory Day, commemoration of the day on which BVI gained self-governing status within the limits of still being a British colonial possession.
 Brunei23 FebruaryNational Day, celebrating independence from the United Kingdom in 1984, which actually occurred on 1 January
 Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium)8 MayIris Day [fr; nl] - 8 May is during the blooming season of the iris (also called fleur de Lys), the symbol of the Region. Also, victory day over the Nazis in World War II and a former feast day of St. Michael, patron saint of the Region.
 Bulgaria3 MarchLiberation Day, autonomy within Ottoman Empire in 1878
 Burkina Faso11 DecemberProclamation of Independence in 1958
 Burundi1 JulyIndependence from Belgium in 1962
 Cambodia9 NovemberIndependence from France in 1953
 Cameroon20 MayNational Day, creation of a unitary state in 1972
 Canada1 JulyCanada Day, creation of a federal Canada from three British colonies in 1867
 Canary Islands (Spain)30 MayAnniversary of the first session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands in 1983
 Cantabria (Spain)28 July (unofficial)No official Regional Day; Cantabria Institutions Day commemorates the establishment of the province in 1778
 Castilla–La Mancha (Spain)31 MayAnniversary of the first session of the Cortes of Castilla–La Mancha in 1983
 Castilla y León (Spain)23 AprilAnniversary of the Battle of Villalar and the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1521
 Catalonia (Spain)11 SeptemberNational Day, commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714
 Cape Verde5 JulyIndependence from Portugal in 1975
 Cayman Islands (United Kingdom)1st Monday in JulyConstitution adopted in 1959 for the West Indies Federation[3]
 Central African Republic1 DecemberMade an autonomous territory within the French Community in 1958
 Ceuta (Spain)2 SeptemberPedro de Meneses, 1st Count of Vila Real becomes the first Governor of Ceuta after the 1415 Conquest of Ceuta
 Chad11 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
 Chile18 SeptemberThe first Government Junta is created in 1810
People's Republic of China1 OctoberNational Day of the People's Republic of China (Proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949)
Republic of China1 JanuaryFounding Day of the Republic of China, establishment of the Provisional Government in 1912
10 OctoberDouble Ten Day commemorating the 1911 Wuchang Uprising that led to abolishment of the monarchy and founding of the Republic in China in 1911
 Colombia20 JulyDeclaration of independence from Spain in 1810
Commonwealth of NationsSecond Monday in MarchCommonwealth Day
 Comoros6 JulyIndependence from France in 1975
Democratic Republic of the Congo30 JuneIndependence from Belgium in 1960
Republic of the Congo15 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
 Cook Islands4 AugustSelf-government in free association with New Zealand in 1965
 Costa Rica15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Croatia30 MayStatehood Day, multi-party Parliament was constituted in 1990
 Cuba1 JanuaryLiberation Day overthrow of the Batista regime in 1959
10 OctoberIndependence Day declared from the Spanish Empire in 1868
 Curaçao (Kingdom of the Netherlands)2 JulyThe first elected island council is instituted in 1954
 Cyprus1 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1960
 Czech Republic28 OctoberIndependence from Austria-Hungary (as Czechoslovakia) in 1918
 Côte d'Ivoire7 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
 Denmark5 June (unofficial)No official National Day; Constitution Day adoption of the Constitution of 1849.
15 JuneNo official National Day; Valdemars day adoption of flag 1219, and Reunion Day, Reunion of Denmark and North Schleswig 1920
 Djibouti27 JuneIndependence from France in 1977
 Dominica3 NovemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1978 and discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1493
 Dominican Republic27 FebruaryIndependence from Haiti in 1844
 East Timor20 MayIndependence from Indonesia in 2002
 Ecuador10 AugustProclamation of independence from Spain in 1809
 Egypt23 JulyRevolution Day, the revolution of 1952
 El Salvador15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 England (United Kingdom)23 AprilSaint George's Day, patron saint of England. Sometimes proposed as National Day.
 Equatorial Guinea12 OctoberIndependence from Spain in 1968
 Eritrea24 MayEritrean 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.
 Estonia24 FebruaryAnniversary of the Republic of Estonia on the date of its declaration of independence from the Russian and German Empires in 1918
 Eswatini6 SeptemberIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1968
 Ethiopia28 MayDownfall of the Derg Day, the Derg regime is defeated in 1991
 European Union9 MayEurope Day, commemorating the Schuman Declaration of 1950
 Extremadura (Spain)8 SeptemberFeast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Extremadura
 Falkland Islands (United Kingdom)14 AugustFalklands Day, first recorded sighting of the islands in 1592
14 JuneLiberation Day, Liberation from Argentinean occupation at the end of the Falklands War in 1982
 Faroe Islands (Denmark)29 JulyÓlavsøka (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 MarchIndependence Day, Referendum on independence from Yugoslavia in 1992
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)25 NovemberStatehood Day, formation of the State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1943
 Fiji10 OctoberFiji Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1970
 Finland6 DecemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Russia in 1917
 Flanders (Belgium)11 JulyFeestdag van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Battle of the Golden Spurs on 11 July 1302.
 Florida (United States)2 AprilPascua Florida is day or week (as declared by the Governor) celebrating the founding of Florida by Juan Ponce de León on 2 April 1513.
 France14 JulyBastille Day (known as la Fête Nationale in France), commemorating the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789[4]
 French Community (Belgium)27 SeptemberFrench Community Holiday
 French Guiana (France)10 JuneAbolition of slavery day
 French Polynesia (France)29 JuneInternal Autonomy day
 Gabon17 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
 Galicia (Spain)25 JulyNational day, commemorates the Feast of Saint James, patron saint of Galicia
 The Gambia18 FebruaryIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1965
 Georgia26 MayDay of First Republic, declaration of independence from Russia in 1918
 German Empire18 JanuaryProclamation of the German Empire on 18 January 1871 in the Palace of Versailles.
 East Germany7 OctoberRepublic Day, declaration of the German Democratic Republic in 1949
 German-speaking Community (Belgium)15 NovemberDay of the German-speaking Community
 Germany3 OctoberGerman Unity Day, unification of West Germany and East Germany in 1990
 Ghana6 MarchIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1957
 Gibraltar (United Kingdom)10 SeptemberGibraltar National Day, people of Gibraltar vote to reject Spanish sovereignty or association in 1967
 Greece25 MarchGreek Independence Day, start of the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821
28 OctoberOhi 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(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
 Grenada7 FebruaryIndependence from United Kingdom in 1974
 Guadeloupe (France)27 MayAbolition of slavery Day
 Guam (United States)21 JulyLiberation Day, American landing on Guam 1944, the beginning of the Battle of Guam
 Guatemala15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Guernsey (British Islands)9 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Guinea2 OctoberIndependence from France in 1958
 Guinea-Bissau24 SeptemberDeclaration of independence from Portugal in 1973
 Guyana23 FebruaryMashramani, declaration of the Republic in 1970
26 MayDeclaration of independence from the United Kingdom in 1966
 Haiti1 JanuaryDeclaration of independence from France in 1804
 Herm (British Islands)9 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Honduras15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Hong Kong (China)1 JulyTransfer of sovereignty to the PRC in 1997
1 OctoberNational Day of the People's Republic of China (Proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949)
 Hungary15 March1848 Revolution Memorial Day
20 AugustSaint Stephen's Day
23 October1956 Revolution Memorial Day
 Iceland17 JuneNational Day, founding of the Republic and dissolution of the personal union with Denmark in 1944
 India26 JanuaryRepublic Day, adoption of the Constitution of India[5] in 1950
15 AugustIndependence from the British Empire in 1947
2 OctoberGandhi Jayanti, birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) in 1869
 Indonesia17 AugustProclamation of Independence (Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan R.I.) from the kingdom of the Netherlands in 1945
 Iran11 FebruaryVictory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979
1 AprilIranian Islamic Republic Day[6]
 Iraq3 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1932
 Ireland17 MarchSaint Patrick's Day, the patron saint of Ireland
 Isle of Man (British Islands)5 JulyTynwald Day, annual festive outdoor meeting of the Tynwald (parliament)
 Israel5 IyarYom Ha'atzmaut, proclamation of independence from the British Mandate of Palestine in 1948
(date varies according to Jewish calendar on 5 Iyar.)
 Italy2 JuneFesta della Repubblica, Italy is made a republic in 1946
 Jamaica6 AugustIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1962
 Japan11 FebruaryNational Foundation Day, Jimmu, the first emperor, is crowned in 660 BC
 Jersey (British Islands)9 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Jordan25 MayIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1946
 Kazakhstan16 DecemberKazakhstan Independence Day, independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Kenya12 DecemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1963; (Jamhuri Day), made a republic in 1964
 Kiribati12 JulyIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1979[7]
 Kosovo (Disputed)17 FebruaryUnilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008
 Kurdistan (Iraq)21 MarchNowruz, Persian New Year, celebrated on the spring equinox
 Kuwait25 FebruaryNational Day, anniversary of the 1950 coronation of Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, who won Kuwait's independence from the British Empire eleven years later
 Kyrgyzstan31 AugustIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Laos2 DecemberNational Day, declaration of the People's Republic in 1975
 La Rioja (Spain)9 JuneAnniversary of the approval of La Rioja's Statute of Autonomy establishing it as an autonomous community
 Latvia18 NovemberProclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia, independence from the Russian Empire in 1918
 Lebanon22 NovemberLebanese Independence Day from France in 1943
 Lesotho4 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1966
 Liberia26 JulyProclamation of the Republic: independence from the United States in 1847
 Libya24 DecemberAnniversary of Libyan independence in 1951
 Liechtenstein15 AugustFeast of the Assumption and birth of Prince Franz Joseph II in 1906
 Lithuania16 FebruaryLithuanian State Reestablishment Day, declaration of independence from the Russian and German Empires in 1918
 Lombardy (Italy)29 MayLombard League defeats the imperial army of Frederick Barbarossa in the Battle of Legnano
 Luxembourg23 JuneGrand Duke's Official Birthday
 Macau (China)1 OctoberNational Day of the People's Republic of China (Proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949)
20 DecemberTransfer of sovereignty to the PRC in 1999
 Madagascar26 JuneIndependence from France in 1960
 Madeira (Portugal)1 JulyMadeira Day, day of autonomy within Portugal in 1976
 Madrid (Spain)2 MayDos de Mayo Uprising, part of the Peninsular War, a civilian rebellion against the French occupation of the city
 Malawi6 JulyIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1964; declaration of the Republic in 1966
 Malaysia31 AugustHari Kebangsaan, independence from the United Kingdom (as Malaya) in 1957. Also known as Hari Kebangsaan (National Day) in Malay.
16 SeptemberMalaysia 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.
 Maldives1 Rabi' al-AwwalIndependence from the Portuguese Empire in c.1573 (date varies according to the Islamic Calendar)
 Mali22 SeptemberIndependence from the Mali Federation in 1960
 Malta31 MarchFreedom Day, withdrawal of the last British troops from Malta in 1979
7 JuneSette Giugno, bread riot of 1919 in which 4 Maltese men died
8 SeptemberVictory 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 SeptemberIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
13 DecemberRepublic Day, adoption of the republican constitution of 1974
 Marshall Islands1 MayConstitution Day, adoption of the Compact of Free Association in 1979
 Martinique (France)22 MayAbolition of slavery day
 Mauritania28 NovemberIndependence from France in 1960
 Mauritius12 MarchIndependence Day - Independence from the United Kingdom in 1968; formation of the Republic in 1992
 Mayotte (France)27 AprilAbolition of slavery day
 Melilla (Spain)17 SeptemberAnniversary of the 1497 Conquest of Melilla by the Duke of Medina Sidonia
 Mexico16 SeptemberGrito de Dolores, beginning of the War of Independence from Spain in 1810
 Micronesia3 NovemberIndependence from the US-administered UN Trusteeship in 1979
 Minas Gerais (Brazil)21 AprilHanging of Tiradentes in 1792
16 JulyElevation of the village of Mariana to the status of city.
 Moldova27 AugustIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Monaco19 NovemberAccession of Prince Albert II to the throne in 2005
 Mongolia26 NovemberRepublic Day, proclamation of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924
29 DecemberIndependence Day, this day commemorates the independence from China in 1911.
 Montenegro21 MayIndependence from Serbia and Montenegro in 2006
13 Julyrecognised as independent at the Congress of Berlin in 1878
 Montserrat (United Kingdom)3rd Saturday in JuneKing's Official Birthday
 Morocco18 NovemberAccession of Muhammad V to the throne in 1927
 Mozambique25 JuneIndependence from Portugal in 1975
 Murcia (Spain)9 JuneAnniversary of the approval of the Region of Murcia's Statute of Autonomy establishing it as an autonomous community
 Myanmar10th day of TazaungmonCommemorates the anniversary of the first university student strike at Rangoon University in 1920

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

 Namibia21 MarchIndependence from South Africa in 1990
 Nauru31 JanuaryIndependence from the Australia, NZ, and UK-administered UN trusteeship 1968
 Navarre (Spain)3 DecemberFeast of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint of Navarre
   Nepal19 SeptemberConstitution Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution in 2015
 Kingdom of the Netherlands27 AprilKing's Day, King Willem-Alexander's birthday in 1967
5 MayLiberation Day, end of German occupation in 1945
 New Zealand6 FebruaryWaitangi Day, signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840
 Nicaragua15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
 Niger18 DecemberRepublic Day, made an autonomous state within the French Community in 1958
 Nigeria1 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1960
 Niue19 OctoberSelf-government in free association with New Zealand in 1974
 Norfolk Island (Australia)8 JuneBeginning of permanent settlement of the island by migrants from the Pitcairn Islands in 1856
 North Korea15 AugustLiberation from Japanese rule in 1945 (Chogukhaebangŭi nal)
9 SeptemberDay of the Foundation of the Republic in 1948[8]
10 OctoberParty Foundation Day in 1945
 North Macedonia2 AugustRepublic Day, proclamation of statehood in 1944 and proclamation of Kruševo Republic in 1903 during the Ilinden Uprising
8 SeptemberIndependence Day (Den na nezavisnosta), declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)17 MarchSt. Patrick's Day; a public holiday sometimes associated with Irish nationalism
12 July"The Twelfth" commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690; a public holiday associated with Ulster unionism
 Northern Mariana Islands (United States)8 JanuaryCommonwealth Day, the constitutional government takes office in 1978
 Norway17 MayConstitution Day, the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in Eidsvoll 1814
 Oman18 NovemberNational Day of Oman, independence from Portugal in 1650 and the 1940 birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said who reigned 1970–2020
 Pakistan23 MarchPakistan Day, the Pakistan Resolution passed in Lahore in 1940. Pakistan became a Republic in 1956 with the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.
14 AugustIndependence Day, independence from the British Empire in 1947
 Palau9 JulyConstitution Day, adoption of the Constitution in 1980
1 OctoberIndependence Day, full independence in 1994
 Palestine15 NovemberDeclaration of Independence in 1988
 Panama3 NovemberSeparation Day, independence from Colombia in 1903
 Papua New Guinea16 SeptemberIndependence from Australia in 1975
 Paraguay14 MayIndependence Day (Día de Independencia), declaration of independence from Spain in 1811
 Peru28 JulyDeclaration of independence from Spain in 1821
 Philippines12 JuneAraw ng Kalayaan, declaration of independence from Spain in 1898
 Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom)3rd Saturday in JuneKing's Official Birthday
 Poland3 May3 May Constitution Day, celebrates the declaration of the Constitution of 3 May 1791, first constitution of its kind in Europe
11 NovemberŚwięto Niepodległości (Independence Day), restoration of independence from Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia in 1918
 Portugal10 JunePortugal Day, officially the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, death of national poet Luís de Camões in 1580
 Puerto Rico (United States)25 JulyConstitution Day, establishment of Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1952; formerly Invasion Day, day of the American invasion in 1898
 Qatar18 DecemberQatar National Day, the assumption of power by Emir Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878
 Québec (Canada)24 JuneSaint-Jean-Baptiste Day, feast day of John the Baptist, the patron saint of French Canadians
 Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)20 SeptemberExpulsion of the Brazilian Army from Porto Alegre at the Farroupilha Revolution, followed by a Declaration of Independence on 1836.
 Romania1 DecemberGreat Union Day, unification with Transylvania and achievement of the Great Union in 1918
 Russia12 JuneRussia Day, Declaration of State Sovereignty in 1990
4 NovemberUnity Day, celebrates the end of Time of Troubles
 Rwanda1 JulyIndependence from Belgium in 1962
 Réunion (France)20 DecemberAbolition of slavery day
 Saba (Kingdom of the Netherlands)1st Friday in DecemberSaba Day celebrates, on the first Friday in December, the adoption of the flag of Saba in December 1985
 Sabah (Malaysia)31 AugustSabah 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 JuneKing's Official Birthday
 Saint Kitts and Nevis19 SeptemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1983
 Saint Lucia22 FebruaryIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1979
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines27 OctoberIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1979
 Samoa1 JuneIndependence Day, independence from New Zealand in 1962
 San Marino3 SeptemberFoundation of the city by Marinus in year 301 (traditional date); also is the St. Marinus Day.
 Sardinia (Italy)28 AprilSardinian revolution and expulsion of Piedmontese Viceroy and Sardinian-Piedmontese officials from Cagliari, capital and largest city of Sardinia
 São Paulo (Brazil)9 JulyConstitutionalist Revolt against Vargas Regime in 1932
 Sarawak (Malaysia)22 JulySarawak Independence Day, independence from United Kingdom before joining Malaysia along with Sabah and Singapore on 16 September.
 Sark (British Islands)10 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
 Saudi Arabia23 SeptemberSaudi National Day, renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932
 Scotland (United Kingdom)30 NovemberSaint Andrew's Day, patron saint of Scotland
 Senegal4 AprilIndependence from France in 1960
 Serbia15 FebruaryStatehood Day, start of the Serbian Revolution against Ottoman Empire in 1804; Constitution Day, adoption of the first Constitution in 1835[9]
 Seychelles18 JuneNational Day, adoption of a multi-party democratic constitution in 1993
 Sierra Leone27 AprilRepublic Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1961
 Singapore9 AugustNational Day, independence from Malaysia in 1965
 Sint Maarten (Kingdom of the Netherlands)11 NovemberSint Maarten's Day[10]
 Slovakia1 JanuaryDay of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic, this day commemorates when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993
 Slovenia25 JuneStatehood Day, declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
 Solomon Islands7 JulyIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1978
 Somalia1 JulyIndependence from Italy and unification with Somaliland in 1960
 Somaliland (Disputed)18 MayDeclaration of independence from Somalia in 1991
26 JuneIndependence of the State of Somaliland from the United Kingdom in 1960
 South Africa27 AprilFreedom Day, first democratic general election in 1994
 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (United Kingdom)3rd Saturday in JuneLiberation from Argentina at the end of the Falklands War in 1982 and King's Official Birthday
 South Korea1 MarchDeclaration of independence from the Empire of Japan in 1919
15 AugustLiberation from Japanese rule in 1945 (Gwangbokjeol); declaration of the Republic in 1948
3 OctoberGaecheonjeol, ancient Korea founded in 2333 BC
 South Sudan9 JulyIndependence Day, independence from Sudan in 2011
 South Vietnam26 October1955 South Vietnam referendum created First Republic of Vietnam replacing State of Vietnam
1 November1963 South Vietnam coup d'état created Second Republic of Vietnam replacing First Republic of Vietnam
 Soviet Union7 NovemberOctober Revolution Day, commemorating the Great October Socialist Revolution in 1917
 Spain12 OctoberFiesta Nacional de España, Columbus' discovery of the Americas in 1492
 Sri Lanka4 FebruaryIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 under the name of Ceylon
 Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)9 JanuaryProclamation of the Republic, separate from Bosnia and Herzegovina and part of Yugoslavia, in 1992
 Sudan1 JanuaryIndependence from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Egypt in 1956
 Suriname25 NovemberIndependence Day, independence from the Netherlands in 1975
 Sweden6 JuneNational Day: election of Gustav Vasa as King of Sweden in 1523; adoption of the constitutions of 1809 and 1974
  Switzerland1 AugustNational Day, alliance between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden against the Holy Roman Empire in 1291
 Syria17 AprilEvacuation Day, end of French colonial rule in 1946
 São Tomé and Príncipe12 JulyIndependence from Portugal in 1975
 Tajikistan9 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Tanzania9 DecemberIndependence Day, independence from British rule in 1961
 Tatarstan (Russia)30 AugustDeclaration of independence from the RSFSR in 1990
 Thailand5 DecemberBirthday of Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927
 Togo27 AprilIndependence from the French-administered UN trusteeship in 1960
 Tonga4 JuneEmancipation Day abolition of serfdom 1862; independence from the United Kingdom in 1970
4 NovemberNational Day 1875
 Transnistria2 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Moldova in 1990
 Trinidad and Tobago31 AugustIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1962
 Tristan da Cunha (United Kingdom)3rd Saturday in JuneKing's Official Birthday
 Tunisia20 MarchDeclaration of independence from France in 1956
 Turkey29 OctoberRepublic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı), adoption of a republican constitution in 1923
 Turkmenistan27 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Turks and Caicos Islands (United Kingdom)30 AugustConstitution Day, adoption of a constitution in 1976
 Tuvalu1 OctoberIndependence Day, independence from the Gilbert Islands (Kiribati) in 1975 and from the United Kingdom in 1978
 Uganda9 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1962
 Ukraine15 JulyStatehood Day, commemoration of the Christianization of Kievan Rus'
24 AugustIndependence from the Soviet Union in 1991. See Independence Day of Ukraine
 United Arab Emirates2 DecemberNational Day, formation of the federation of seven emirates on independence from the United Kingdom in 1971
 United Kingdom3rd Saturday in June (unofficial)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 Nations24 OctoberUnited Nations Day, an annual commemorative day, reflecting the official creation of the United Nations on 24 October 1945
 United States4 JulyIndependence Day, first 13 States declare independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain (1776).
 United States Virgin Islands (United States)31 MarchTransfer Day, transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917
 Uruguay25 AugustDeclaration of Independence from Brazil in 1825
 Uzbekistan1 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
 Valencian Community (Spain)9 OctoberAnniversary of the creation of the Kingdom of Valencia in 1238
 Vanuatu30 JulyIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom and France in 1980
 Vatican City11 FebruaryFoundation of Vatican City, signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929
 Venezuela5 JulyIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Spain in 1811
 Vietnam2 SeptemberNational Day, declaration of independence from France and Japan in 1945
 Wales (United Kingdom)1 MarchSaint David's Day, feast day of patron saint of Wales
 Wallonia (Belgium)3rd Sunday of SeptemberDay of the Walloon Region
 Yemen22 MayUnity Day, North and South Yemen are unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990
 Yugoslavia29 NovemberDay of the Republic, celebrating the anniversary of the second session of AVNOJ, paving way for the establishment of the second Yugoslav state
 Zambia24 OctoberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
 Zimbabwe18 AprilGranting of independence by the United Kingdom in 1980; it had previously declared independence as Rhodesia on 11 November 1965

See also

References