Singaporeans pose while blowing bubbles in this early January 1992 photograph
Singaporeans pose while blowing bubbles in this early January 1992 photograph taken a few days before the city state banned gum. Singapore may partially lift its decade-long ban on chewing gum as part of a new trade deal with the [United States], but locals say the ban should be scrapped entirely. [The United States and Singapore said on November 19, 2002 they had largely finalised a free trade agreement which covered services, telecommunications, investments, tourism -- and even modifications to the curb on gum imports.] Picture taken early January 1992. REUTERS/:Luis D'Orey

Governments in various countries in the world ban various things. While it vastly depends on the culture an individual country follows, there are certain bans that evoke surprise to the rest of the world. Here are some of those.

Valentine's Day (Saudi Arabia)

The government of Saudi Arabia abides by a strict Islamic culture, which is often accused of discouraging Western values. Valentine's Day apparently promotes the Western way of celebrating love. The day, including anything red sold for the occasion, is banned in Saudi Arabia.

Reincarnation without Permission (China)

One may find it baffling to know that something like reincarnation is controlled by the government in China. The Chinese government passed a law in 2007 on the "Management Measures for the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism." The law made it illegal for Buddhist monks to reincarnate without the government's approval.

Ponytails (Iran)

Iran is another country that follows a strict version of Islam. Western haircuts like ponytails are banned in the country. Men in Iran are not allowed to have ponytails. Additionally, they are also not allowed to have other "western" hairstyles like mullets and spikes.

Claire Danes (Philippines)

U.S. actress Claire Danes was reportedly banned from entering Manila after she had made harsh comments about the capital of the Philippines. Danes apparently said that Manila was weird and smelt of cockroaches. Films of the actress were removed from the city as she was denied any future entry.

Mobile Phones (Cuba)

Cuba did not allow common public to use mobile phones until 2008. During Fidel Castro's tenure, mobile phones were only used by high ranking government officials. Raul Castro lifted the ban in March 2008.

Chewing Gum (Singapore)

Singapore banned chewing gum in 1992. As a step to keep the public places in the city clean, the government banned the sale and the import of chewing gums. However, chewing gums with therapeutic value was allowed in 2004. Only doctors can prescribe and sell those gums.

Pornography with 'Smaller' Women (Australia)

The Australian Classification Board reportedly discouraged pornographic material featuring women with smaller breasts and refused to give certification. According to some politicians, such women may encourage paedophilia.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au