Just in case you’re wondering why France is broke: not only do the French have the shortest workweek and the lowest retirement age — they also have the most days off.
According to a recent Harris Interactive survey the French have 37 paid holidays in 2008, compared to 14 days for Americans. This puts France at the top of the league for the 8th consecutive year.Workers in Mediterranean countries are generally well off: Italy (33) and Spain (30) follow France closely. The rest of Europe has to live with less than 30 paid holidays: the Dutch and Austrians have 28 days off, the Germans 27, and the Brits 26.
The survey also points out that the French are the least inclined to sacrifice holidays for their work: 20% — against 47% of Italians, 41% of Austrians, 49% of Dutch, 31% of Americans and 23% of Brits.
Despite that, the French are the most stressed people in Europe, taking more tranquillizers than anybody else. But that’s another survey…
