America is renowned for its unique blend of cultures, traditions, and laws. While it shares many similarities with countries around the globe, certain experiences, phenomena, and customs are almost exclusive to other parts of the world.
The diversity across continents is immense, from how people interact with one another to the food they eat, from governance styles to societal norms. This slideshow explores 15 intriguing things you might encounter almost anywhere else but are largely absent or vastly different in the United States, shedding light on the fascinating tapestry of global variance.
Monarchy
In many countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and Japan, ruling monarchs still hold significant political power. However, a monarchy system was rejected in America during the Revolutionary War, and the country became a democratic republic instead.
Universal Healthcare
While many developed countries have some form of universal healthcare, the idea of a government-run healthcare system is highly debated in America. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was a major step towards providing universal coverage, but it remains a divisive issue and has faced numerous challenges.
Legal Drinking Age
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.
Public Transportation
In many European countries, efficient public transportation systems are the norm. In America, however, a car is almost necessary due to the lack of comprehensive public transportation options outside major cities. This situation leads to higher rates of car ownership and dependency on automobiles.
Paid Parental Leave
In most developed countries, new parents are entitled to paid parental leave to care for their newborns, but in America, there is no federal mandate for paid parental leave, leaving many families struggling to balance work and family responsibilities.
Educational System
The American education system is unique in many ways, from the emphasis on standardized testing to the high cost of college tuition. In some countries, like Finland, the government values and heavily subsidizes education.
Political System
The American political system is two-party, with the Democratic and Republican parties dominating the political landscape. This can lead to polarizing views and limited representation for minority parties.
Multiple parties hold significant power in some nations, like Sweden and Germany, and coalitions are formed to govern.
Gun Laws
Despite numerous mass shootings and calls for stricter gun control laws, the Second Amendment of the US Constitution protects the right to bear arms. This right is not the case in many other countries, where gun ownership and availability are highly regulated.
Cultural Homogeneity
While America is known as a melting pot of cultures, regional differences and tensions exist between groups. In contrast, countries like Japan and South Korea have a more homogeneous population, leading to a strong national identity.
Metric System
While most countries have adopted the metric system, America continues to use imperial units for measurements. This difference can cause confusion and challenges in international trade and travel.
Official Language
Unlike many countries, America does not have an official language at the federal level. English is widely spoken and used in government and education, but it is not legally required to be the sole official language.
Paid Vacation Time
Paid vacation time is a standard in many countries, with some nations offering up to six weeks of paid leave per year. There is no federal mandate for paid vacation time in America, and workers often receive less than two weeks of paid leave per year.
Soccer Dominance
Football, or soccer as it is commonly known in America, is the most popular sport in many countries. However, in America, football (American football) reigns supreme and is the sport that is most watched and played.
Affordable Healthcare
Healthcare costs in America are notoriously high, but many other countries have more affordable and accessible healthcare systems. In some nations, citizens even receive free or heavily subsidized healthcare.
Limit to Freedom of Expression
In America, free speech is protected by the First Amendment. There are few restrictions on how people can express themselves. Conversely, some countries have strict limitations on freedom of expression and speech. Explicit and implicit censorship are common tools governments use in some nations.
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This article was produced on Inspired by Insiders.