How many countries use miles per hour?

Miles per Hour: A Global Perspective

Miles per hour (mph) is a commonly used unit of speed in several countries around the world. However, its prevalence has diminished over time due to the widespread adoption of the metric system.

Anglo-American Dominance

Traditionally, mph has been the standard unit of speed in English-speaking nations, such as the United Kingdom and the United States. This stems from the historical use of the imperial system of measurement in these countries.

Associated Territories and Former Colonies

The influence of mph extends beyond mainland Anglo-American nations to their associated territories and former colonies. For instance, countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which once formed part of the British Empire, continue to use mph along with metric units.

Metric System Expansion

In recent decades, the metric system has gained widespread acceptance as the international standard for measurement. As a result, many countries have transitioned to using kilometers per hour (km/h) as their primary unit of speed. Countries such as France, Germany, and Japan have embraced the metric system for all practical purposes.

Exceptions to the Rule

Despite the global adoption of the metric system, there are a few notable exceptions where mph remains the preferred unit of speed.

• Liberia: Liberia is the only African country that does not use the metric system and instead employs mph.
• Myanmar: Myanmar is one of the few Asian countries that have not fully adopted the metric system, and mph is still widely used there.

Gradual Adoption of Metric System

Even in countries where mph is still prevalent, there is a gradual shift towards adopting the metric system. For example, the UK has officially adopted the metric system, but mph is still used for road speed limits and some other applications.

Conclusion

While mph remains a significant unit of speed in Anglo-American nations and their territories, its use is gradually declining due to the global acceptance of the metric system. However, it is likely that mph will continue to be used alongside metric units in certain countries for the foreseeable future.