First day of the week in different countries

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Around half of the world’s population begins its week on Sunday. Monday is the first day of the week for the other half.

Almost all countries in the Americas start their week on Sunday, while countries in Europe and Oceania overwhelmingly begin on Monday.

In Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, the week begins on Saturday and ends on Friday. This is because Friday is considered a holy day in Islam, and it is the day of congregational prayer.

Each country’s first day of the week is depicted on the world map below.

Why Is Sunday the First Day?

The adoption of Sunday as the first day of the week has historical and cultural roots that date back centuries. Here are some key factors that contributed to Sunday becoming the first day:

• Religious Significance: Sunday’s prominence can be traced back to the influence of religious practices. In many cultures, Sunday is considered a sacred day due to its association with the Sun, which has been revered in various religions throughout history. In particular, Sunday holds religious significance in Christianity, as it is traditionally regarded as the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Early Christians observed Sunday as the Lord’s Day, and its importance gradually spread across different regions.
• Roman Influence: The Romans played a significant role in establishing the seven-day week that we use today. They named the days of the week after celestial bodies and gods. Sunday was named after the Sun (Sol) and was considered the first day of the week in the Roman calendar. The Roman seven-day week was adopted by various cultures in Europe and later influenced the Gregorian calendar.
• Christian Tradition: As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the practice of observing Sunday as the primary day of worship gained prominence. Early Christian communities held religious gatherings, including worship services, on Sundays in commemoration of the Resurrection. Over time, this practice became more widespread and solidified Sunday’s position as the first day of the week.
• Legal and Cultural Developments: The influence of Christian traditions and the adoption of Sunday as the day of rest by many Christian-majority nations led to legal frameworks that reinforced Sunday’s status. Laws and regulations were established to observe Sunday as a day of rest, often referred to as the “Sabbath” or “day of rest” in various countries. These laws further ingrained Sunday as the beginning of the week in those regions.

Why Is Monday the First Day?

The choice of Monday as the first day of the week in certain cultures and countries can be attributed to a variety of factors, including historical, cultural, and religious influences. Here are some key reasons why Monday became the first day of the week in some contexts:

• Astrological and Mythological Influence: Monday was associated with the Moon in many ancient cultures, including those of the Near East and Europe. Monday derives its name from the Old English word “Monandæg,” which means “Moon’s day.” The Moon has been revered in various mythologies and is believed to influence human lives significantly. As a result, Monday was assigned the position of the first day of the week in these cultural and linguistic traditions.
• Judeo-Christian Tradition: In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath, or Shabbat, is observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening as a day of rest and worship. Following the Sabbath, Monday became the beginning of the regular workweek in Jewish communities, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Europe.
• Industrial and Labor Movements: During the industrialization era, labor movements in some countries advocated for the adoption of a shorter workweek with Saturday and Sunday as days off. This shift aimed to provide workers with rest and leisure time. Consequently, Monday was positioned as the first day of the workweek in these regions.
• International Standards: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) established ISO 8601, a widely used international standard for date and time representation. ISO 8601 designates Monday as the first day of the week in order to provide consistency and facilitate international communication and data processing.