Born on September 15

International Day of Democracy

A vote is a quiet kind of power.

Next: September 15, 2027

Where it comes from

The UN General Assembly established the International Day of Democracy in 2007, and it was first observed in 2008. The date marks the adoption on 15 September 1997 of the Universal Declaration on Democracy by the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

How it's celebrated

Parliaments hold open days and debates, civil-society groups run voter-education and youth events, and the UN Secretary-General issues a message on the year's theme. It is a day for discussion rather than festivity.

Did you know

The word 'democracy' comes from the Greek dēmos (people) and kratos (rule); Athens' assembly first met around 508 BC.

Read the full story of International Day of Democracy

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Virgo · August 23 – September 22 · Earth sign

Careful and kind, the one who notices what everyone else missed.

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