The metric system, known for its universal adoption and simplicity, is used by nearly every country in the world. However, Myanmar, Liberia, and the United States stand out as the only three countries that have not officially adopted this system. Instead, they continue to use the imperial system, which is based on older English units of measurement.
The imperial system includes units such as pounds for weight, miles for distance, and gallons for volume. One of its defining characteristics is that it often relies on units that are not as straightforwardly divisible by 10. For example, a mile is made up of 5,280 feet, and a pound consists of 16 ounces. This can make calculations and conversions between units less intuitive and more cumbersome compared to the metric system, where everything scales by powers of ten.
The reasons for not adopting the metric system vary by country. In the United States, the imperial system is deeply ingrained in the society and culture, making the switch to a different system challenging and potentially costly. It's used in daily life, industry, and government. Although the U.S. Metric Act of 1866 legally recognized the metric system, and the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 declared it the preferred system for trade and commerce, the implementation has been gradual and partial. Various sectors, like science and medicine, predominantly use metric measurements, but others such as transportation and retail sometimes use imperial units.
In contrast, the situations in Myanmar and Liberia are influenced by their own unique historical, economic, and political contexts. Both countries have expressed intentions to convert to the metric system in order to align with global standards and facilitate trade and international relations, but progress has been slow. Economic challenges, political instability, and priorities may contribute to the delayed adoption of the metric system.
The persistence of the imperial system in only three countries is a fascinating example of how historical choices and cultural habits can shape national policies long into the future. Despite the global prevalence of the metric system and the practical benefits it presents, these nations' continued use of the imperial system serves as a reminder that change, especially on a large scale, requires significant motivation, coordination, and effort.
