12 Countries Marking a National Day in September

September is the month of Latin American independence, and it also brings dates from Europe, Oceania and Africa. Twelve countries in our catalog mark a national day this month. Here they are in calendar order.

September 7 — Brazil

Brazil's Independence Day marks September 7, 1822, when Prince Pedro declared independence from Portugal beside the Ipiranga brook near São Paulo. Portugal recognized it in 1825.

September 8 — Andorra

Andorra's National Day is the feast of Our Lady of Meritxell, its patron. According to tradition, villagers found a statue of her beside a wild rose blooming in the winter snow. The General Council declared her patron of the country in 1873.

September 15 — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

These five countries share a date: the Act of Independence of Central America, ratified on September 15, 1821, proclaimed their separation from the Spanish Empire. Honduran scholar José Cecilio del Valle wrote the text.

September 16 — Mexico

Mexico's Independence Day recalls the Grito de Dolores on September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo called his parish to take up arms against Spanish rule. Independence was only secured eleven years later.

September 16 — Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia on September 16, 1975, after about 70 years of Australian administration. Michael Somare became the first prime minister, and the new flag with the bird of paradise was raised that morning.

September 21 — Belize

Belize became independent from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981, with George Price as its first prime minister. It is the only mainland Central American country that is a Commonwealth realm.

September 21 — Malta

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1964, ending about 164 years of British rule. George Borg Olivier led the negotiations.

September 30 — Botswana

Botswana, formerly Bechuanaland, became independent from the United Kingdom on September 30, 1966, with Seretse Khama as its first president. The colors of its flag stand for its people, racial harmony and water.

Each of these countries has its own flag story and designs in our catalog. Browse the collections: Brazil, Andorra, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Belize, Malta, Botswana — or explore the story behind any country's flag on our free Flag Story Cards page.

More national days by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November and December.