15 Things You Won't Believe Have Been Banned Around The World

2. Men And Women Talking Together Is Banned In Saudi Arabia

For singles living in the free world, casually bumping into an attractive stranger provides an opportunity to attempt a conversation and see if any romantic chemistry is there to be had. Even if there isn't any, or the stranger isn't all that attractive to begin with, the chance for a new friendship still exists. Not the case in Saudi Arabia where chatting up a member of the opposite sex at anytime in public can get you thrown in jail or worse if you are a woman. Try hooking up in a country where all communication between unmarried men and women is strictly banned by the fanatically Islamic government. The laws are so strict that many young women trapped in medical emergencies have died as a result of male paramedics not being allowed to see them because they weren't appropriately covered (showing skin beyond her hands and eyes) at the time of the emergency. In 2002, when an Islamic school for girls caught fire in Mecca, men attempting to rescue the screaming teens from the inferno were forced back by police who stated it was impure to approach them. There were over sixty casualties.

1. Bubble Gum Is Banned In Singapore

Not only is bubblegum banned Singapore, but there are severe consequences for chewing gum there without a prescription from a doctor or dentist. When the bizarre ban was past back 1992, the law was considered ludicrous and many Singaporeans began smuggling gum into the country from their Malaysian neighbours. Fines of $1000 a stick and potential jail time quickly put gum-smuggling to an end. Since that time Singapore's Draconian laws and questionable government proceedings have gained a lot of international attention. Tourists have been fined for hugging in the streets, and teenagers have been given the death penalty - by hanging no less - for possessing an ounce of marijuana. Even with a controlled media, the Internet makes hiding the truth difficult and Singapore's treatment of its lower class citizens has begun earning the country a bad reputation throughout the world. Any big ones that we missed? Let us know in the comments!