US is known for its cultural mix but lacks some experiences and customs common elsewhere. This slideshow explores 15 things rare in the US but found in other parts of the world.
In countries like the UK, Spain, and Japan, monarchs have political power. The US, however, rejected monarchy during the Revolutionary War, opting for a democratic republic.
Many developed nations have universal healthcare, but it's a contentious topic in America. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to provide universal coverage, facing many hurdles.
In many countries, the legal drinking age is 18 or even younger. In contrast, the minimum drinking age in the United States is 21, which is strictly enforced.
Efficient public transport is common in Europe, but in America, cars are usually needed due to limited public transport outside major cities, leading to higher car ownership rates.
In most developed countries, new parents get paid parental leave. But in America, there's no federal mandate for it, causing a struggle to balance work and family.
The American education system, marked by standardized testing and costly tuition, differs from those like Finland's, which heavily subsidizes education.
The US politics is two-party, dominated by Democrats and Republicans. This often polarizes views and limits minority party representation. In countries like Sweden and Germany, multiple parties form coalitions to govern.
Despite many mass shootings and calls for stricter gun control, the US Constitution's Second Amendment safeguards the right to bear arms, unlike most countries with highly-regulated gun laws.
America is seen as a melting pot but still has regional tensions. Conversely, Japan and South Korea's homogeneous population strengthens national identity.
Despite most countries using the metric system, America sticks to the imperial system, creating confusion and challenges in international trade and travel.
Many countries offer up to six weeks of paid vacation time a year. There's no US federal mandate, with workers often getting less than two weeks per year.
Football, commonly known as soccer in the US, is a popular sport worldwide. However, in America, American football is the most watched and played sport.
Healthcare costs in the U.S are high. Other countries have more affordable, accessible systems with free or heavily subsidized healthcare for citizens.
In America, free speech is protected by the First Amendment with few restrictions. In contrast, some countries limit free speech, often using explicit and implicit censorship.