The Global Trend Away from DST
In recent decades, the global trend has been away from daylight saving time. While DST adoption peaked in the mid-20th century, over 30 countries have abolished it since 2000 as research into its costs has grown and public opinion has shifted.
Major Countries That Abolished DST
Russia (2014)
Russia experimented dramatically with DST. In 2011, President Medvedev abolished the autumn clock change, putting Russia on permanent summer time. This caused problems — dark winter mornings that lasted until 10 AM in Moscow. In 2014, President Putin reversed course, returning Russia to permanent standard time. Russia has not observed DST since.
Turkey (2016)
Turkey abandoned DST in 2016 and adopted permanent UTC+3, effectively staying on permanent summer time. Turkey's stated reasons included energy savings and alignment with business in the Middle East and Gulf regions.
Brazil (2019)
Brazil had observed DST in its southeastern states since 1931. President Bolsonaro's government abolished it in 2019, citing studies showing minimal energy savings and the disruption DST caused to agriculture and daily life.
Mexico (2022)
Mexico abolished DST for most of the country in 2022. However, the northern border zone (close to the U.S.) retains DST to remain synchronized with U.S. states across the border — an example of how economic integration can override domestic policy preferences.
Smaller and Regional Abolitions
Numerous other countries and territories have abolished DST over the years, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia — all in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Parts of Indiana in the U.S. that historically did not observe DST were eventually brought into compliance, though this was a standardization rather than abolition.
Standard Time or Summer Time?
When a country abolishes DST, it must choose which time to stay on permanently: standard time (aligned with the sun) or the DST offset (one hour ahead of standard). Russia chose standard time; Turkey chose the DST offset (permanent summer time). Sleep researchers strongly prefer standard time for public health reasons.
Why Are More Countries Abolishing DST?
- Growing medical evidence of health harms during transitions
- Modern research showing minimal energy savings
- Public frustration with twice-yearly disruption
- Increased remote work and digital connectivity reducing the need for synchronized daylight