The law is a funny thing, and all over the world a number of very strange laws indeed have cropped up over the years. Here is a quick rundown of 10 of the weirdest laws that have been created in countries around the world.
1. It is Against the Law to Chew Gum in Singapore
If you like chewing gum then you will want to avoid Singapore. It has been against the law to chew gum here since 1992 (unless it is nicotine gum, but even that requires a prescription).
2. It is Illegal to Reincarnate in Tibet without Permission
One of the most bizarre laws on the list is that Buddhist monks in Tibet are not allowed to reincarnate unless they have permission from the Chinese government first.
3. You Cannot Wear Camouflage Clothing in Trinidad and Tobago
Be careful what you pack when you travel to Trinidad and Tobago, especially if you are fond of camouflage-style clothing. Such clothing was made illegal here a number of years ago.
4. You Cannot Send Plastic Flowers to Nigeria
If you ever send items abroad you will know that some countries have a few quirky laws in place regarding what you can and cannot import. In one of the oddest examples, Nigeria does not allow the importation of plastic flowers.
5. It Is Illegal to Die in Parliament
If you die in Parliament in the UK, because it is a royal palace you are entitled to a state funeral. Dying inside is therefore not allowed, although this law is not thought to be strictly enforced.
6. You Have to Wear Underwear in Thailand
Walking through the street without wearing any underwear can get you into trouble in Thailand because it is illegal. However, quite how the law is enforced is not clear.
7. The Royals Own All Dead Whales
The Royal Prerogative of 1324 states that any whales that wash up on a British beach or are caught in its waters belong to the Crown. It sounds strange, but a fisherman in Plymouth almost got into trouble for trying to sell a sturgeon in 2004.
8. It is Illegal to Be Fat in Japan
Japan has a very low obesity rate, but how much of that is down to the law regarding the nation’s waistlines is unclear. Apparently, men over 40 must not have waistlines exceeding 85 centimetres. Women get slightly more leeway with 90 centimetres.
9. You Need a Licence to Send a Tent to Jordan
If you for any reason should want to send a tent to Jordan, make sure you have the correct paperwork in order because you need a licence first.
10. You Cannot Flush the Toilet After 10 p.m. in Switzerland
Travelling to Switzerland? Be careful how late you stay out eating or drinking because apartment dwellers in Switzerland are not supposed to flush the toilet after 10 p.m.
It’s a Strange World
These are some of the strangest laws from all around the world, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty more weird laws to find if you go searching, which may be worth your while if you are travelling abroad to avoid breaking any odd local laws.
John is a guest blogger from myParcelDelivery.com in the UK