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The Strangest Laws in the World That Will Make You Smile.

Singapore, German, Greece, Venice, South Korea, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Spain, USA

By StoryScribePublished 11 months ago 5 min read
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Throughout history, governments have enacted laws to regulate society and maintain order. While most of these laws are necessary, some laws are peculiar, unique, and downright strange. These laws often leave people scratching their heads and wondering how they can possibly be enforced. In this article, we will look at some of the strangest laws from around the world.

Chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore.

Singapore has a reputation for being a clean and strict state, and they take their laws seriously. One of the laws that many find peculiar is the ban on chewing gum. The law was enacted in 1992 as a way to keep public spaces clean and prevent gum from being stuck on floors, walls, and public transportation. However, over the years, the law has been relaxed, and now chewing gum can be purchased in pharmacies and prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.

Running out of gasoline on the German Autobahn is illegal.

The German Autobahn is known for its speed limits, as well as the unrestricted use of gasoline on the highway. This law was introduced in 1974 as a way to reduce traffic jams and accidents caused by stranded vehicles. If you run out of gasoline on the Autobahn, you can be fined up to 70 euros, and your car may be towed.

Wearing high heels on the Acropolis in Greece is prohibited.

Greece is famous for its ancient ruins and historical landmarks, and the Acropolis is one of the most renowned. However, if you plan to visit the Acropolis, you should leave your high heels at home.

In Venice, feeding pigeons is prohibited.

Venice is known for its canals, gondolas, and, of course, pigeons. However, feeding pigeons is illegal, and you can be fined 700 euros if caught. The law was enacted in 2008 as a way to control the pigeon population and maintain cleanliness in the city.

Using selfie sticks is illegal in South Korea.

Selfie sticks have become popular worldwide, but if you plan to use them in South Korea, think again. In 2014, the government passed a law banning the use of selfie sticks in certain public places, including museums, palaces, and stadiums. The law was introduced to prevent damage to historical artifacts and ensure public safety.

Dying is prohibited in Longyearbyen, Norway.

Longyearbyen is a small town in Norway, and dying is prohibited there. The law was introduced in the early 1950s as a measure to prevent the spread of diseases. The town cemetery stopped accepting new bodies in 1918 because permafrost prevented decomposition. As a result, anyone who is terminally ill is transported out of the town to die elsewhere.

Flushing the toilet after 10:00 PM is prohibited in Switzerland.

Switzerland is known for its cleanliness, tranquility, and strict adherence to the law, even when it comes to flushing toilets. In many apartment buildings, it is forbidden to flush the toilet after 10:00 PM to avoid noise and disturbance to neighbors. This law is enforced in many cities, including Zurich and Geneva.

In Barbados, wearing camouflage clothing is prohibited.

Barbados is a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean Sea, but if you plan on wearing camouflage clothing, think again. Wearing camouflage clothing is prohibited in Barbados, and you can be fined up to $50. The law was enacted in 1980 to prevent people from impersonating military personnel and causing confusion.

In Thailand, selling or importing chewing gum is prohibited.

Similar to Singapore, Thailand has a ban on chewing gum. The law was enacted in 1992 as a way to keep public spaces clean and prevent gum from being stuck on floors and walls. However, unlike Singapore, there are no exceptions for medical reasons, and importing or selling chewing gum can result in fines or even imprisonment. Although this is rare in Thailand, chewing gum can still be purchased in nearby convenience stores like 7-Eleven.

In Arizona, USA, hunting camels is prohibited.

Arizona is a state in the southwestern United States where hunting camels is prohibited by law. This law dates back to the 1800s when the US government imported camels for transporting goods across the desert. Eventually, the camels were released into the wild, and while they are no longer used for transportation, hunting them remains illegal.

Wearing armor is prohibited in the Parliament building in London, United Kingdom.

The Parliament building in London is the home of British politics, and they have their fair share of peculiar laws. One of them is a ban on wearing armor. This law traces back to the Statute of 1313, which prohibited people from wearing armor in the royal palace or Parliament.

In Kentucky, USA, carrying ice cream in your back pocket is prohibited.

In Kentucky, it is prohibited to carry ice cream in your back pocket. This law was introduced in the early 1900s as a way to prevent horse thieves from luring horses with sweet treats. While the law is rarely enforced today and seems nonsensical, it still remains on the books.

In Barcelona, Spain, it is prohibited to wear a bikini in public places.

Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, but if you plan on wearing a bikini in public places, you can be fined. The law was enacted in 2011 as a way to maintain public decency and prohibit people from wearing swimwear in public.

In Portugal, it is prohibited to urinate in the ocean.

Portugal is a beautiful country with a long coastline, but if you plan on relieving yourself in the ocean, think again. It is prohibited to urinate in the ocean in Portugal, and if caught, you can be fined up to 2500 euros. The only question is how one can be caught in the act. The law was enacted as a means to maintain water quality and protect the environment.

In conclusion, the world is full of strange and quirky laws that puzzle people. While many of these laws may seem unnecessary or odd, they often have a historical or cultural context that is important to understand. It is important to respect the laws of the countries we visit, even if we don't always understand them.

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