The world is full of strange rules and odd customs. From laws on goldfish and how much you may weigh to your exercise program and whether you may wear underwear! Countries are full of strange traps in which you can get stuck. Here are some of the strangest laws you should be aware of before you travel again!
England
In England, the queen owns all swans of the Cygnus olor species. She is the only one who may have this kind of swan killed to be eaten. This law dates to the Middle Ages when swans were considered a delicacy and were served only to the nobles. Anyone who eats one of the swans can face a fine of £5 000 or up to six months in prison. Of course, the law nowadays has more to do with protecting the swans that are a threatened species.
In England, it is also legal for a man to urinate in public, as long as it is on the back wheel of his car and his right hand is somewhere on the car!
Italy
In some towns in Italy, it is illegal to die. This is especially the case in towns where the community consists mostly of elderly people and the population is declining. In some towns, such as Sellia, residents must take “preventative measures” to prevent them from dying, for example, annual doctor appointments. Failure to do so may result in the person being fined.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, it is illegal to own only one goldfish. It is considered “inhumane isolation” to keep only one goldfish.
Thailand
In Thailand, it is illegal to leave your home without underwear. It is of course very difficult to enforce the law without police violating several other laws in their efforts to arrest suspects!
Russia
In Russia, it is illegal to drive around in the cities of Chelyabinsk and Moscow with a dirty car. If you break this law, you could be fined 2 000 roubles (about 30 euros).
Singapore
Singapore is known for its modern architecture and clean public spaces. One of the reasons for this is surely a law enacted in 1992 that stipulates that chewing gum is illegal. There is one exception, however: People who can prove that chewing gum has therapeutic value may chew it.
Scotland
Did you ever wonder if Scottish men wear underwear under their tartan skirts? According to an old law, the answer is no. The law stipulates that Scottish men who violate this law are fined two beers. That doesn’t sound like a bad fine!
Japan
In Japan, it is against the law to be overweight. The law was introduced with the aim of improving the health of their society. The government has set the maximum circumference for men’s waist at 85 cm and for women at 90 cm.
Bolivia
Are you a single lady? In that case, you may have as many alcoholic drinks in the city of La Paz as you want. However, if you are married, the law states that you may only drink one glass of wine because too much liquor can cause women to flirt. However, this law does not apply to men.
Burundi
If you go to Burundi, rather abandon your exercise program – it is illegal to jog there. This law was introduced in March 2014 by President Pierre Nkurunziza, who claims that jogging is just a trick of people to cover up suspicious activities. If you break the law, you could face jail time.
Laws are not always logical, but politicians may also have fun!
