6 Countries Marking a National Day in June

June brings a kings' election, a republic and several African independence dates. Six countries in our catalog mark a national day this month. Here they are in calendar order.

June 6 — Sweden

Sweden's National Day recalls two moments on the same date: the election of Gustav Vasa as king on June 6, 1523, which ended Sweden's place in the Kalmar Union, and the adoption of a new Instrument of Government on June 6, 1809.

June 12 — Philippines

On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from Spain at his family home in Kawit, Cavite, where the newly made national flag was unfurled and the national anthem was performed.

June 17 — Iceland

Iceland's National Day marks the founding of the republic on June 17, 1944, which ended the union with Denmark. The date was chosen because it is the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson (1811–1879), the leader of the Icelandic independence movement.

June 25 — Mozambique

Mozambique declared its independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975, with Samora Machel as its first president, after an armed independence struggle led by FRELIMO that began in 1964.

June 27 — Djibouti

Djibouti became independent from France on June 27, 1977, after a May 1977 referendum in which almost every voter backed independence. Hassan Gouled Aptidon became its first president.

June 29 — Seychelles

Seychelles became an independent republic within the Commonwealth on June 29, 1976, after negotiations with the United Kingdom that both political parties supported.

Each of these countries has its own flag story and designs in our catalog. Browse the collections: Sweden, Philippines, Iceland, Mozambique, Djibouti, Seychelles — 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, July, August, September, October, November and December.