10 Unique Rules and Systems Around the World That Will Surprise You

We often think that rules and systems are pretty much the same everywhere. But some countries have really interesting laws, traditions, and systems that distinguish them from others. Often, it reflects the history, culture, and priorities of the nation. Here are some interesting examples of countries with some interesting systems and rules that will amaze you.

1. UAE: Strict Moral Laws

The United Arab Emirates has laws governing personal behavior in public. Public displays of affection, drinking alcohol outside licensed venues, or even swearing in public can attract heavy fines or jail time. These laws are based on the country's commitment to Islamic principles and the need to maintain order in a fast-developing society.

2. Switzerland: Direct Democracy in Action

Switzerland operates a unique form of direct democracy, where citizens vote on major national issues several times a year. Citizens can also propose laws through initiatives, and any change to the constitution must be approved by a referendum. This hands-on approach ensures that the population has a direct say in how their country is run.

3. Japan: The “Lost and Found” Culture

Japan has a great system for lost items. Chances are if something is lost in Japan, you'll eventually get it back. The Kōban (police boxes) system allows the citizens to submit a lost item, and the police do their best to find its owner. It's one of the aspects reflecting Japan's culture of honesty and respect.

4. Germany: The Dual Education System

This hybrid model integrates class training with experience in a specific workplace. A major component of this is the Ausbildung from Germany, a model under which students learn a skill and get paid a stipend in exchange for it. That is the reason Germany boasts a very high-skilled labor force.

5. Bhutan: The Only Carbon Negative Country

Bhutan can be termed unique in the sense that it measures Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its index of citizen welfare above GDP growth. It is a distinction that has been earned for being the world's only carbon-negative country through stringent environmental policies, extensive forest cover, and commitment to renewable energy.

6. Singapore: Ban on Chewing Gum

Singapore is clean, but did you know that it prohibits the sale of chewing gum? This was done in 1992 to keep public spaces clean, especially the city's efficient public transport system. Visitors often find this rule both amusing and impressive.

7. New Zealand: A Country with Two Official Names

Officially, New Zealand has two names: "New Zealand" and "Aotearoa," the Māori name meaning "Land of the Long White Cloud." This depicts how the country tries to retain and promote its indigenous Māori culture.

8. North Korea: Total Control

North Korea is one of the world's most isolated and controlled systems. Everything from the television programs people are allowed to watch to accessing the internet - which barely exists - is managed by the state. It is all a manifestation of the ideology of self-reliance, called Juche, as well as the government's need to have control.

9. Iceland: The Naming Committee

The Naming Committee in Iceland is unique in that it accepts or rejects baby names. The name must follow the grammar rules of Icelandic and be in line with the cultural traditions. If a name does not make the list, parents need special permission to use it.

10. Saudi Arabia: Weekend Days Are Friday and Saturday

Saudi Arabia takes the weekend to be on Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday because it is consistent with the Islamic traditions where Friday is a day of prayer.

These examples show how diverse the world’s rules and systems can be. They remind us of the beauty of cultural differences and the importance of understanding them when traveling or interacting globally. Every country’s system reflects its identity, and learning about them can expand our horizons.

If you want know about this kind of blog you also can see this one 

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What’s the most surprising rule you’ve encountered? Let me know in the comments below!