Countries That Drive on the Right
When you think about countries that drive on the right, you might immediately think of the United Kingdom or Australia. However, there are many other nations around the world that share this driving convention. In this article, we will explore the various countries that drive on the right, their unique driving habits, and the history behind this interesting practice.
Europe
Europe is home to a significant number of countries that drive on the right. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malta are the most prominent examples. These countries have a long history of driving on the right, with the UK adopting this convention in the 18th century. Here’s a breakdown of some other European countries that drive on the right:
Country | Capital | Population (approx.) |
---|---|---|
Andorra | Andorra la Vella | 77,000 |
San Marino | San Marino | 33,000 |
Monaco | Monaco | 38,000 |
Isle of Man | Douglas | 84,000 |
These small nations, while not as populous as their neighbors, have their own unique driving cultures and regulations.
Asia
Asia is another continent with a variety of countries that drive on the right. Some of the most notable examples include Japan, South Korea, and India. Here’s a closer look at these countries:
Japan: Japan has been driving on the right since the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The country’s driving culture is known for its strict adherence to traffic laws and high levels of road safety.
South Korea: South Korea also adopted the right-hand driving convention during the Meiji Restoration. The country’s roads are well-maintained, and drivers are generally well-trained.
India: India is one of the largest countries in the world, with a population of over 1.3 billion. Despite its size, India has a relatively low road fatality rate, thanks in part to its strict traffic laws and widespread use of helmets.
Africa
Africa has a number of countries that drive on the right, including South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Here’s a brief overview of these nations:
South Africa: South Africa has been driving on the right since the 19th century. The country’s road infrastructure is extensive, and drivers are generally well-trained.
Namibia: Namibia adopted the right-hand driving convention in 1990, following its independence from South Africa. The country’s roads are well-maintained, and drivers are generally well-trained.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe has been driving on the right since the 19th century. The country’s road infrastructure is extensive, and drivers are generally well-trained.
Australia and Oceania
Australia is the most prominent country in the Oceania region that drives on the right. New Zealand, the other major country in the region, also drives on the right. Both countries have a long history of driving on the right and have well-maintained road infrastructures.
North America
In North America, the United States and Canada are the two countries that drive on the right. The United States adopted this convention in the early 20th century, while Canada followed suit in 1920. Both countries have extensive road networks and well-trained drivers.
South America
South America has only one country that drives on the right: Brazil. Brazil adopted the right-hand driving convention in 1924, following its independence from Portugal. The country’s road infrastructure is extensive, and drivers are generally well-trained.
In conclusion, the practice of driving on the right is widespread across the globe, with countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, and South America all participating. Each country has its own unique driving culture and regulations, making for an interesting and diverse global driving landscape