Holidays on 3rd November

Dominica Independence Day

This day marks independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. The Spanish first found the island, but didn’t make a serious effort to colonise due to a lack of national resources. The French showed an interest in the 17th century and established the first permanent European settlement in 1690. British gained possession in 1763 in accordance with the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years’ War, though it wasn’t until 1805 that the French gave up repeated attempts to recapture the island. In 1871, it became part of the British Leeward Islands removing the local control on the island. In 1978, it gained independence.

Micronesia Independence Day

This day in 1982 was when the newly formed Federated States of Micronesia became fully independent and entered into a free association with the USA. The Pacific islands of Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae voluntarily joined together to form the modern Micronesian federation in 1979 as they no longer wished to be part of the general Pacific Trust Territory that the US had controlled since the end of World War Two.

Panama Separation Day

This day celebrates the independence of Panama from Colombia in 1903. After the country gained independence from Spain in 1821 it became a department within the Republic of Greater Colombia. They wanted to become their own nation, coming close in 1831 when Ecuador and Venezuela left Gran Colombia. In 1903, Colombia and Panama disagreed on whether the USA should be allowed to build a canal across Panama. With the support of the USA, Panama broke away from Colombia in 1903.

UAE Flag Day

This day was first launched in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and the Ruler of Dubai. It was launched to remember the significance of the founder of the state, His Royal Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.