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Is Sunday or Monday the First Day of the Week? Regional Differences Explained

Discover which day is considered the first day of the week worldwide and why it varies between Sunday and Monday.

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Video transcript

The start of the week varies by region and context. In many parts of the world, especially in the U.S., Sunday is considered the first day of the week. However, in European countries and ISO 8601, Monday is deemed the first day of the week. Check your local customs or specific contexts, such as work schedules or calendars, to determine the standard in your area.

Questions and answers

  1. Why do some countries consider Sunday as the first day of the week?

    Many countries, including the U.S., traditionally view Sunday as the first day due to religious, cultural, and historical reasons tied to the Judeo-Christian calendar.

  2. What is ISO 8601 and how does it define the first day of the week?

    ISO 8601 is an international standard for date and time representation that defines Monday as the first day of the week to maintain consistency across countries.

  3. How can I determine the first day of the week used in my region?

    Check local government or calendar customs, workplace schedules, or digital device settings, as these typically reflect your region's standard for the week start day.

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