Every country in the world has certain traditions that may seem a little bizarre to those visiting. It’s the cultural differences that make all of us unique. In this post, we have a shortlist of country-specific things that often leave travelers surprised.
Traditional clothing and architecture aren’t the only things that make each country stand out. From wooden bathtubs to deep frying Mars bars, check out a collection of things that are unique to certain countries right now!
1. Nepal’s Flag Is Non-Rectangular
The only modern country in the world with a non-quadrilateral flag is Nepal and it is said to derive from Hinduism.
2. Luxembourg’s Public Transportation Is Free
In 2020, public transport was made free for all locals and visitors alike.
3. Bathtubs Made Of Wood In Japan
The ofuro baths are for sitting and soaking in hot water. They are not frequently found in the world.
4. There’s A Lamborghini In The Italian Police Fleet
A few years ago, a Lamborghini was added to the police vehicle fleet in Italy. It’s probably quite fast and, well, impressive to look at.
5. In Scandinavian Countries, Parents Leave Their Kids To Nap Outside In Cold Temperatures
Most Scandinavian parents think that it’s healthier to expose their children to as much fresh air as possible. Therefore, they leave them outside to take their naps.
6. People In The UK Have A Competition To Roll After A Giant Cheese Wheel
The annually held Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling is a competition where people race down the 200-yard hill chasing a giant wheel of cheese.
7. In Japan, Traffic Lights Seem To Be Blue
As the word for green originally didn’t exist till later. ‘Blue’ was used to refer to both green and blue. Japan uses the bluest shade of green that is legally possible.
8. Colombians Drink Hot Chocolate Cheese
The sweet cocoa drink that consumed with savory cheese slices. And if you’ve tried it, you know that it’s quite delicious, but surely not common elsewhere.
9. The longest name
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu
This place in New Zealand. It said to have the longest name with 85 characters. Have you tried to pronounce it?
10. In Ecuador, The Trash Trucks’ Tune Is Similar To What Ice Cream Trucks Play In The USA
If you are visiting Ecuador, you might mistake the garbage truck tune with an ice cream tune and get highly disappointed.
11. In France, Milk Is Not Refrigerated
In France, most of the milk sold pasteurized at UHT (ultra-high temperature). Therefore, doesn’t have to be stored in cold.
12. In The Netherlands, Stairs Are Usually Very Steep And Narrow
To some foreigners, staircases in the Netherlands might look more like a health risk than anything. The buildings were built up rather than out, saving all the centimeters possible.
13. There Are ‘Bra Studies’ In Hong Kong
At Hong Kong polytechnic, you can major in Bra Studies, where Top Form manufacturer has its lab and factory.
14. In Italy Cappuccino Is More Of A Breakfast Drink
Italians associate milk with mornings; cappuccinos drunk as a morning beverage.
15. You Can Walk From The North To The South Of Monaco In About An Hour
Due to the size of this country, you can easily walk the length of the whole country. How convenient!
16. Fried Mars Bars Are A Thing In Scotland
This food item of questionable health value originated in Scotland in a fish and chips shop. It’s battered and deep-fried. Would you like to try it?
17. In Italy, Restaurants Include Service Charge
You are not expected to tip in Italy as it is quite normal for the service charge to be added to the bill.
18. In Thailand, There Is A Nationwide Water Fight In April
If you are into water fights as much as Thai people, you should participate in Songkran, the Thai New Year’s national holiday (13th of April). The water fight is a part of ritual cleansing during the celebration period.
19. Bamboo Poles As Drying Rails
Don’t be surprised to see clothing drying on bamboo poles in this country—the bamboo material is widely available, making it quite a popular tool to dry things.