About This Quiz
Cultural norms and political maneuverings affect laws all over the world, and sometimes the legislative process gets downright weird. Can you match these strange laws to their country of origin?In the early 2000s, officials in Singapore recognized a widespread chewing gum littering problem. The result? A complete (and very serious) ban, one that's penalized by hundreds of dollars in fines.
Currency in Thailand features the king's portrait, a reason that makes it illegal to dirty the money with your feet. You can actually be thrown in jail for this crime.
When Canada began phasing out one-cent coins (something that many Americans yearn for) the government worried about people cashing in too many pennies at once. So for a time, it was very much frowned upon when customers tried to use more than 25 pennies at once.
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In the Philippines, there is indeed a crime called "unjust vexation." So if you do something incredibly annoying, you may be arrested and fined.
In 2013, China passed a law forcing children to regularly visit their elderly parents. The law was implemented in part due to China's aging population, which spurred widespread stories of elder loneliness and neglect.
On the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, public swearing is very illegal. Just ask rapper 50 Cent, who was forced to pay more than $1,000 in fines after swearing during a live performance.
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Greece officials tired of damage near famous, heavily visited monuments. So they prohibited women from wearing stiletto heels near sensitive areas.
In Denmark, society frowns on strange baby names. You can pick from one of the government's approved names or submit a petition insisting that "Sparklefoot" is the name that you think should be allowed for your offspring.
Thailand has some weird laws on its books, such as one that makes it illegal to leave home without wearing underwear. No word on how the police actually enforce this one.
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For a time, Switzerland was a fashionable place to go hiking in the nude. But some public backlash resulted in a law forcing people to cover up their privates while prancing through public lands.
Germany's famous high-speed highway, the autobahn, isn't meant for stopped vehicles. So if you make the mistake of running out of gas and have to pull over, you may receive a fine for your lack of situational awareness.
In Cambodia, the government doesn't like the potential for armed unrest of any kind, even if it's just celebratory water gun fights. You'll want to go elsewhere to shoot huge water blaster.
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In the Netherlands, public urination is a problem, and it's a health hazard, too -- each year, a few (probably intoxicated) people drown trying to pee in the canals. But if you're pregnant and can't hold it, by all means, pee freely.
You'd think that a European nation would be more liberal about men in skirts, but Italy frowns on the practice. It's unlikely that you'd be arrested for the act, but even if you're Scottish, you may want to reconsider your street attire.
In Switzerland, no one really wants to spend one of their weekend days staring at other people's laundry. So don't even try to hang those wet clothes outside on a Sunday.
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In Maldives, you're not allowed to publicly observe any religion other than Islam. It's also illegal to import Bibles into the country.
In France, you're supposed to have a portable Breathalyzer in your vehicle at all times. If you're caught driving without the device, you could face an immediate fine.
Jamaica has a reputation for reggae music and weed, but it's actually illegal to smoke marijuana there. So maybe just stick with rum this time around.
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United Arab Emirates, like some other Middle Eastern countries, heavily frowns on public affection. There, you can be tossed in jail for smooching with your significant other.
Locals in Grenada apparently got fed up with cruise ship tourists wandering city streets with their bellies (and other parts) hanging out. Police can fine people who stroll without proper attire.
Thailand has a very Buddhist culture that encourages the avoidance of intoxicants. It's why alcohol advertising is officially banned.
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It really should be illegal everywhere -- the moments when drivers blast through puddles and cause water to shower over people on sidewalks. And in Japan, you can receive a steep fine for doing so.
In Demark and other Scandinavian countries, headlights are a to be used at all times, even during the day. Turn them off and you'll risk a fine.
In some Asian countries, like Malaysia, it's illegal to carry durian fruit in public. Why? Because they smell awful -- a combination of a terrible chemical smell and rotting meat.
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In Barbados and Jamaica, the authorities really don't like anyone other than the police wearing camouflage. You can be fined for looking like you're going deer hunting.
Canada is aware that its culture is sometimes overshadowed by its large southern neighbor. Thus, legislators decreed that more than one-third of all music on radio stations must be made by Canadian artists like, you know, Justin Bieber.
In Russia, specifically Moscow, you can be fined for having a dirty car. The guidelines for a fine, however, are more than a little vague.
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Thailand has a raft of laws intended to protect the king's fragile ego. If you speak ill of the king in public, you can face punishment.
Nigeria has a conservative population and its government does not like cameras. Take pictures of official buildings and military installations at your own risk.
Thailand frowns on exposed skin in public. So if you want to go for a shirtless drive, consider Mexico instead.
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