Since the Islamic Revolution, the regime in Iran has been seen as extremely strict and oppressive: Sharia, fewer rights for women, the Ayatollah as the supreme leader that overrides the secular administration, and so on. However, it might be that other Islamic countries are even worse.

For instance, I gather that only the hijab is mandatory for women, not the chador. Basically, the hair must not be seen. But women go to university and seem to have a rather decent life, as long as they observe the dressing mandates.

Then, I see officials wearing normal Western suits, unlike in the Emirates, where those ridiculous ghutrahs are worn.

Make me quick lists of Arab countries in the Middle East, ranked or grouped by:

  • Women’s rights (clothing, driving, studying).
  • Modern or archaic clothing of men.
  • The strictness of Sharia.
  • The overall modernity on the streets (can kiss in public spaces, can wear shorts).

Make sure to include Iran in your lists. OK, they are not Arabs, but for comparison purposes…

Grok

The rankings/groups reflect the situation as of March 2026, based on ongoing enforcement variations, social realities, and recent developments (e.g., inconsistent hijab policing in cities like Tehran amid protests/economic pressures, but no legal repeal; some visible defiance in dress/PDA; men in suits common among officials).

Women’s rights (clothing, driving, studying)
All Middle East countries allow women to drive and attend university (Saudi Arabia lifted the driving ban in 2018; female university enrollment is high across the Gulf, often >50–70% of graduates in UAE/Saudi/Qatar/Bahrain). High female enrollment in Iran ~50–60%. No Arab country legally mandates the hijab or abaya (unlike Iran).

  • Most progressive (no mandatory covering, women commonly wear Western/modest clothes freely, high education/work participation): Lebanon, UAE, Bahrain.
  • Moderate (modest dress socially expected but not enforced; good university access): Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Egypt.
  • More conservative (abaya optional since ~2019, headscarf not required by law but common; strong emphasis on modesty): Saudi Arabia.
  • Strictest (mandatory hijab/head covering by law; arms/legs covered; enforcement inconsistent/variable by city, with visible defiance in Tehran but risks of fines/arrest/flogging; chador optional but hijab required): Iran, Yemen (and parts of Iraq/Syria).

Modern or archaic clothing of men
Iran’s officials and urban men predominantly wear Western suits/shirts/trousers (neckties once taboo but now seen; no widespread traditional robes like Gulf thobes).

  • Archaic/traditional (thobe/dishdasha/kandura + ghutra headscarf worn daily by most men, including officials): Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman (Gulf states).
  • Modern/Western (suits, shirts + trousers standard; galabeya occasional in rural Egypt): Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Iran (also common in Iraq/Syria).

The strictness of Sharia
Iran applies Sharia broadly (personal/family/criminal law), with hudud possible in theory; supreme leader (Ayatollah) has final say over secular elements. Sharia influences personal/family law almost everywhere, but criminal application varies.

  • Strictest (Sharia as main legal source; hudud punishments theoretically possible; theocratic oversight): Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen.
  • Moderate (Sharia mainly for family matters; criminal law largely secular or moderated, no routine hudud): UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq.
  • Least strict (secular system with separate religious personal laws for different groups): Lebanon.

Overall modernity on the streets (can kiss in public, wear shorts)
Iran has visible shifts in cities (some unveiled women, occasional PDA like hand-holding/kissing in parks), but risks remain; no shorts/revealing clothes tolerated publicly.

  • Most modern (Western dress common, shorts ok in cities, PDA like kissing somewhat tolerated in Beirut): Lebanon.
  • Liberal in tourist zones (shorts acceptable in malls/beaches if shoulders/knees covered; PDA limited but not heavily policed): UAE (especially Dubai), Bahrain.
  • Moderate (modest dress expected; shorts frowned upon in non-tourist areas; PDA rare and risky): Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Egypt (Cairo/Alexandria).
  • Strict (no shorts or revealing clothes; PDA can lead to fines/arrest; conservative everywhere): Saudi Arabia, Iran (enforcement variable, defiance growing in Tehran but morality police risks persist), Yemen (and conflict zones in Iraq/Syria).

In summary for comparison: Iran remains stricter than most Arab states on women’s mandatory clothing (hijab still legally required, though unevenly enforced in 2026 amid social pushback) and Sharia application (theocratic model), but matches or exceeds many on education/driving and men’s Western suits. Gulf states (UAE/Bahrain especially) offer far more street-level freedom (no mandatory covering, more PDA tolerance in zones), while Lebanon leads overall. Saudi Arabia has reformed but lags behind smaller Gulf peers and far behind Lebanon/UAE on modernity. Yemen is the outlier for strictness.

Mistral

Here are concise, comparative lists for Middle Eastern countries (including Iran) based on your criteria:

1. Women’s Rights (Clothing, Driving, Studying)

More rights:

  • UAE, Qatar, Oman: Women can drive, study, and work; hijab is not strictly enforced for non-nationals, but modest dress is expected.
  • Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia: Women have more freedom in clothing (hijab not mandatory), can drive, and study freely.
  • Iran: Women can drive and study, but hijab (covering hair) is mandatory; enforcement varies by city and political climate.

Moderate rights:

  • Saudi Arabia: Women can now drive and study, but must wear abaya (full-body cloak) in public; male guardianship system still restricts some freedoms.

Fewer rights:

  • Yemen, Afghanistan (Taliban-controlled): Full-body covering (burqa/chador) is mandatory; women’s education and movement are severely restricted.

2. Men’s Clothing: Modern vs. Archaic

Modern (Western suits common):

  • Iran, Lebanon, Turkey: Officials and businessmen often wear Western suits; traditional clothing is less common in urban areas.

Mixed (traditional + modern):

  • UAE, Qatar, Kuwait: Thobe/dishdasha (long white robe) is standard for locals, but Western suits are common in business settings.

Traditional (ghutra/keffiyeh, thobe dominant):

  • Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen: Traditional dress (thobe, ghutra) is the norm, even for officials; Western suits are rare outside expat circles.

3. Strictness of Sharia

Strictest:

  • Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan (Taliban): Sharia governs all aspects of life; harsh punishments for violations (e.g., mandatory hijab, gender segregation, alcohol bans).

Moderate:

  • UAE, Qatar, Kuwait: Sharia influences law but is less strict; some Western-style freedoms exist, especially for expats.

Least strict:

  • Lebanon, Turkey, Tunisia: Secular legal systems dominate; Sharia applies only to personal/family matters for Muslims.

4. Overall Modernity on the Streets (PDA, Shorts, etc.)

More modern:

  • Lebanon, Turkey, Tunisia: Public displays of affection (holding hands) are tolerated; shorts and Western clothing are common.

Moderate:

  • UAE, Qatar: PDA is illegal; modest dress required, but Western clothing is accepted in expat areas.

Strict:

  • Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen: No PDA; shorts are rare; women must cover hair/body; men must avoid sleeveless shirts in public.

Summary: Iran is more permissive than Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan in women’s education and men’s clothing but stricter than Lebanon or Turkey in Sharia enforcement and public behavior. The UAE and Qatar offer a middle ground, with modern infrastructure but conservative social norms.

Copilot

Here’s a clear, fast, comparative set of lists based on regional norms, legal frameworks, and observable social practice across the Middle East — including Iran. These are broad, reality‑based groupings, not moral judgments.
(Regional comparisons are synthesized from widely reported legal and social norms; the search results you triggered did not provide country‑by‑country detail, so the lists below rely on well‑established, non‑numerical comparative knowledge.)

🌍 1. Women’s Rights (clothing, driving, studying)

Most restrictive
  • Afghanistan (Taliban rule; extreme restrictions; no driving; no higher education)
  • Saudi Arabia (historically) but now significantly reformed; still conservative socially
  • Iran (mandatory hijab; women can study and work; driving allowed)
Restrictive but less so
  • Yemen
  • Iraq (varies by region; conservative social norms)
  • Syria (varies; war‑affected)
Moderate
  • Qatar
  • UAE
  • Oman
  • Kuwait
    Women can drive, study, work; clothing rules mostly social, not legal.
Most liberal
  • Lebanon
  • Jordan
  • Bahrain
    No mandatory hijab; high female education; social freedom varies but generally open.

👔 2. Men’s Clothing (modern Western vs. traditional)

Mostly Western suits in public life
  • Iran (officials wear Western suits; clerics wear religious garb)
  • Lebanon
  • Jordan
  • Iraq (politicians often in suits)
  • Syria
Mixed (traditional common, but suits also normal)
  • Saudi Arabia (thobe + ghutra common; suits in business settings)
  • Qatar
  • UAE
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain
  • Oman (dishdasha is standard)
Mostly traditional
  • Yemen (jambiya belts, traditional robes)

⚖️ 3. Strictness of Sharia (in law + enforcement)

Most strict
  • Afghanistan (Taliban interpretation)
  • Saudi Arabia (still strict but less than before MBS reforms)
  • Iran (Shia theocracy; morality police; mandatory hijab)
Strict but less aggressively enforced
  • Qatar
  • UAE (Sharia influences family law; criminal law partly secularized)
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
Moderate
  • Bahrain
  • Jordan
  • Iraq (varies by region)
Least strict
  • Lebanon (religious courts only for family law; otherwise secular)
  • Syria (Ba’athist secular tradition, though society conservative)

🏙️ 4. Overall Modernity on the Streets

(public affection, shorts, nightlife, mixed‑gender spaces)

Most modern / liberal
  • Lebanon (Beirut especially; nightlife; shorts; public affection tolerated)
  • UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi: shorts OK, mild PDA tolerated, alcohol legal)
  • Bahrain (liberal by Gulf standards)
Moderately modern
  • Jordan (Amman fairly relaxed)
  • Qatar (shorts OK; PDA discouraged)
  • Kuwait (conservative but not extreme)
Conservative
  • Oman (modest dress expected; PDA frowned upon)
  • Saudi Arabia (rapidly liberalizing; no morality police patrols; shorts now common; PDA still sensitive)
Very conservative
  • Iran (mandatory hijab; no PDA; men can wear shorts only in some contexts)
  • Iraq (varies; Baghdad somewhat open, south very conservative)
  • Yemen
  • Afghanistan

🧭 Quick Takeaways

  • Iran is not the most restrictive in the region — Afghanistan and historically Saudi Arabia are/were stricter.
  • Iran combines:
    • Strict ideology (mandatory hijab, morality policing)
    • High female education
    • Western clothing for men
    • Limited social freedoms (no PDA, modest dress)
  • Gulf monarchies are paradoxical: socially conservative but very modern in infrastructure.
  • Lebanon is the most socially liberal Arab country.

If you want, I can turn this into tables, rankings, or country‑by‑country profiles.

Gemini

Your assessment of the nuances in the Middle East is quite sharp. The region is not a monolith; it’s a spectrum where a “conservative” country like Iran can actually be more socially permissive in certain sectors (like education) than some of its “modern” Arab neighbors.

Here are the quick-reference lists you requested, grouped and ranked based on the current social and legal landscape of 2026.

1. Women’s Rights (Education, Driving, & Legal Status)

While Iran has a high female literacy rate, several Arab nations have recently overtaken it in terms of legal empowerment and workforce participation.

GroupCountriesCharacteristics
High EmpowermentUAE, Qatar, Saudi ArabiaNear 100% literacy; majority of university grads are women; Saudi Arabia has recently surged to the top for legal reforms (driving, travel without guardians).
The “Balanced” TierJordan, Lebanon, TunisiaHistorically high education and social freedom; fewer “religious police” vibes, though economic struggles can limit actual opportunities.
The Iranian ModelIranVery high education (60% of students are women), but “Gender Apartheid” laws persist. Mandatory hijab is enforced by law, and husbands still hold significant legal veto power over travel.
Strict/RestrictedYemen, Iraq (rural)High barriers to education due to conflict or tribalism; very limited legal protection for women.

2. Men’s Clothing: Modern vs. Archaic

You noted the “Western suit” vs. the “ghutrah.” This is often a matter of national identity rather than religious strictness.

  • Primarily Western (Suits/Jeans):
    • Iran: Ties are rare (seen as a symbol of the West), but open-collared Western suits are the standard for officials.
    • Lebanon & Jordan: Highly Westernized; suits in offices, casual streetwear elsewhere.
    • Egypt: A mix, but urban centers are dominated by Western attire.
  • Primarily Traditional (Thobe/Ghutrah):
    • The Gulf (UAE, Qatar, Saudi, Kuwait): Wearing the Kandura or Thobe is a point of immense national pride and “prestige” rather than being “backwards.” It’s the formal “tuxedo” of the desert.
  • The Hybrid:
    • Oman: Men almost always wear the Dishdasha but pair it with a unique colorful cap (Kumma) or turban, rarely the white ghutrah.

3. Strictness of Sharia Law

This ranks how much “Religious Law” overrides “Civil Law.”

  1. Saudi Arabia & Iran (Tie): Both use Sharia as a primary basis for the legal system. In Iran, the Supreme Leader can override anything; in Saudi, the Quran is technically the Constitution.
  2. Qatar & UAE: Use a “Dual System.” Sharia handles family/personal matters (divorce, inheritance), but civil/commercial courts handle the rest.
  3. Jordan & Egypt: “Mixed Systems.” Sharia influences family law, but the criminal and civil codes are largely based on European (French) models.
  4. Lebanon: A mosaic. Laws are divided by sect (18 recognized religions); there is no single “Sharia” for the whole country.

4. Street Modernity & Social Taboos

This is where the “vibe” on the street matters.

  • The “Shorts & Sun” Zone (Most Liberal):
    • UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi): You can wear shorts and bikinis at the beach/mall. Kissing in public is still technically a “no,” but a peck is often ignored.
    • Lebanon: The most “European” feel. Nightclubs, alcohol, and public affection are common in Beirut.
  • The “Modest Modern” Zone:
    • Jordan & Egypt: Shorts are okay for tourists, but locals rarely wear them. Public kissing is a major taboo and can lead to harassment.
  • The “Mandatory Modesty” Zone:
    • Iran: No shorts for men in public (though common in gyms). Public affection is risky.
    • Saudi Arabia: No longer requires the Abaya for women, but “modest dress” is still the law. Public displays of affection (PDA) remain culturally forbidden.

Summary Perspective

You are right that Iran feels “modern” because of the Western-style clothing and high female education. However, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have arguably surpassed Iran in the last 5 years regarding legal freedoms for women (driving, traveling without permission, and choice of dress). Iran remains unique because its “oppression” is highly visible (the mandatory headscarf), whereas in the Gulf, the “traditional” look is often a voluntary choice of cultural pride.

Would you like me to compare the specific penalties for “morality crimes” between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

Kimi

Based on my research, here are the comparative rankings you requested. Iran is indeed more “moderate” than many assume, while some Arab states have either reformed rapidly (Saudi Arabia) or remain extremely strict (Afghanistan, though not Arab).

1. Women’s Rights (Clothing, Driving, Education)

Most Restrictive → Most Liberal

RankCountryKey Status
1AfghanistanBurqa mandatory, no schooling beyond age 12, no driving for women
2Saudi ArabiaAbaya “modest dress” required (not strictly black/full coverage), driving allowed since 2018, full university access
3IranHijab mandatory (hair covered), chador not required; full driving and university rights; women in STEM/medicine common
4Kuwait/QatarHijab not legally mandatory but socially expected; full education/employment rights
5UAENo legal dress code for women; hijab optional; full rights, though social pressure in emirates like Sharjah
6Jordan/LebanonNo legal restrictions; hijab optional; women in parliament/professions
7TunisiaHijab banned in state institutions until 2011; now legal but not required; most liberal women’s code in Arab world

Iran’s position: Your intuition is correct. Iran requires only hair covering (hijab), not the full black abaya (Saudi) or burqa (Afghanistan). Women drive, vote, hold parliamentary seats, and dominate university enrollment in sciences. The morality police enforcement is the oppressive element, not the legal baseline.

2. Men’s Clothing (Modern vs. Archaic)

Most Traditional/Religious → Most Western

RankCountryOfficial/Male Elite Dress
1Saudi ArabiaThobe + ghutra/keffiyeh standard for officials; Western suits rare in government
2UAE/Qatar/KuwaitGhutra + white thobe ubiquitous; Western business attire in Dubai private sector only
3IranWestern suits normal for officials; clerics wear robes/turbans, but secular government wears ties
4JordanMix of suits and traditional; King Abdullah in military uniform or suits
5Lebanon/TunisiaFull Western dress; suits standard for politicians
6Syria (pre-war)Suits dominant in urban areas; military uniforms

Iran’s position: You are correct. Unlike the Gulf Arabs, Iranian officials (even conservative ones) typically wear dark Western suits. The clerical establishment wears robes, but the administrative state looks like any other bureaucracy. This is a legacy of the Shah’s modernization and the Islamic Republic’s attempt to maintain “republican” legitimacy.

3. Strictness of Sharia Law

Strictest Application → Secular/Civil Law

TierCountriesCharacteristics
ExtremeAfghanistan, Saudi ArabiaHudud punishments (amputation, execution for apostasy), religious police, no separation of powers
StrictIran, Sudan, YemenSharia-based but with civil code elements; “Islamic Republic” constitutional framework; religious oversight of all laws
ModerateUAE, Qatar, KuwaitSharia for family/inheritance law only; civil/commercial courts; alcohol licensed; no religious police
MinimalJordan, LebanonCivil law dominant; religious courts for personal status only; no state enforcement of morality
SecularTunisia, TurkeyCivil code completely; banned religious political parties (historically); no Sharia in legal system

Iran vs. Arabs: Iran’s Sharia is systematically enforced (velayat-e faqih—supreme clerical authority), but Saudi Arabia’s was historically socially stricter (public beheadings, no cinemas until 2018). Post-2017 Saudi reforms have relaxed social Sharia while maintaining political absolutism.

4. Overall Modernity/Public Freedoms

(Can you kiss in public? Wear shorts? Buy alcohol?)

RankCountryPublic KissingShorts (men)AlcoholNotes
1LebanonYesYesLegal“Paris of the Middle East”
2TunisiaToleratedYesLegalSecular heritage, tourist zones liberal
3JordanDiscreetlyYes (tourist areas)Licensed barsSocially conservative but legally permissive
4UAE (Dubai)No (illegal)YesLicensed venues only“Fake modernity”—laws strict, enforcement selective
5IranNo (illegal)Yes (men)BannedNo PDA, but men wear shorts; underground parties common
6Saudi ArabiaNo (illegal)NoLegal since 2018Rapid liberalization (concerts, cinemas), but still no PDA
7Qatar/KuwaitNoNoIllegal (Kuwait) / licensed (Qatar)Very conservative public sphere
8EgyptNo (technically illegal)Yes (tourists)Legal (beer/wine)Laws lax, social norms strict; harassment common

Key insight: The UAE (especially Dubai) markets itself as modern but maintains strict Sharia-based public decency laws—kissing can get you arrested. Iran bans alcohol completely but is paradoxically more tolerant of male casual dress and (discreet) social mixing than Gulf states.

Summary: Iran’s Paradox

Your observations are accurate: Iran is an outlier—not because it’s “free,” but because its oppression is different from Arab models:

  • More liberal than Gulf states: Women in universities, Western suits on officials, no mandatory face veil, functioning civil society (under constraints).
  • More oppressive than secular Arabs: Mandatory hijab (actively enforced), no alcohol, supreme clerical rule, brutal suppression of dissent.

The Gulf Arabs (UAE, Saudi) practice “performative modernity”—skyscrapers and concerts while maintaining strict social control. Iran practices “ideological rigidity” with accidental urban liberalism (educated population, Persian cultural pride resisting Arabization).

Most restrictive overall: Afghanistan (not Arab, but relevant).
Most surprisingly liberal: Tunisia (Arab, secular, post-revolution).
Most hypocritical: UAE (Dubai’s image vs. legal reality).

DeepSeek

Your intuition captures a real and fascinating paradox about Iran. While the state enforces strict religious laws, especially regarding female modesty, the society itself often feels more “modern” in its daily textures than some of its Arab neighbors. Below are the quick lists you requested, placing Iran alongside its regional counterparts for a clearer comparison.

Here is a comparison of Middle Eastern countries based on your specific criteria. As you noted, Iran is included for its unique theocratic model, which blends modern state structures with deep clerical oversight.

👗 Women’s Rights (Clothing, Driving, Studying)

CountryClothing MandateDrivingStudying
IranHijab (headscarf) and modest clothing legally mandatory. Enforcement can be strict but fluctuates. Chador is traditional but not legally required for all.Legally permitted. Recent 2026 legislation formalized the issuance of licenses to women, ending a long-standing de facto ban.Full access to all levels of education; women make up a significant portion of university students and professionals.
Saudi ArabiaAbaya (loose black cloak) required in public. Hijab is mandatory. Modest dress is strictly enforced, though there has been some recent social relaxation.Legally permitted since June 2018. A major reform under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Full access to education, including universities. Increasing participation in the workforce is a key goal of recent reforms.
UAEModest dress expected. The abaya is traditional and common for local women, but not legally enforced for Emiratis or visitors. Hijab is a personal choice.Legally permitted. Women frequently drive and even work in professional driving roles.Full and equal access to education at all levels.
QatarModest dress is expected. The abaya is common for local women, but the law is less strictly enforced on non-Gulf residents compared to Saudi Arabia.Legally permitted.Full access to education.

👔 Modern or Archaic Clothing of Men

CountryTypical Men’s Attire
IranOverwhelmingly modern Western suits, shirts, and trousers. The necktie, a Western symbol, is common. This shift has deep historical roots, dating back to modernizing movements in the late Qajar and Pahlavi eras. Traditional ethnic clothing is usually reserved for specific cultural or tribal contexts.
UAETraditional Kandura (also called Dishdasha) is the national dress—a long white robe worn with a Ghutra (headscarf) and Agal (black cord). This is the standard attire for Emirati men in all settings, from daily life to formal events, and is a powerful symbol of cultural pride. Western suits are worn primarily for international business.
QatarSimilar to the UAE, the Thawb (or Kandura) is the standard national dress for Qatari men, worn with a Ghutra. It is a symbol of national identity and worn nearly universally.
Saudi ArabiaThe Saudi Thawb is the national dress. It is distinct for its crisp, shirt-like collar and buttoned cuffs, often tailored for a sharp, formal look. It is worn by men of all classes and is a ubiquitous part of daily life.

⚖️ The Strictness of Sharia (as State Law)

CountryLevel of Strictness & Implementation
Saudi ArabiaExtremely High. Sharia is the foundation of the legal system. The country has recently seen significant social reforms (e.g., women driving, curbing religious police powers), but the underlying legal framework remains deeply conservative. Public expressions of other faiths are prohibited.
IranVery High. The legal system is based on Sharia, overseen by a clerical Supreme Leader. Enforced morality laws include compulsory hijab and segregation of unrelated men and women in some contexts. However, there is often a visible gap between state law and public practice.
QatarHigh, but with a dual system. Sharia influences personal status and family law. There is a separate civil law for commercial matters. The society is accustomed to a large expatriate population, leading to a more visibly diverse public sphere.
UAEHigh, with a modernized legal framework. The legal system is a mix of Sharia and civil law. While Islamic in foundation, it is applied with a focus on economic openness and tolerance for other cultures, particularly in global hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

🌇 Overall Modernity on the Streets (Public Displays, Shorts)

CountryStreet-Level Atmosphere
UAE (esp. Dubai)Very High. A cosmopolitan, globalized environment. In major cities, you will see a huge diversity of dress, from shorts and t-shirts to full abayas. Public displays of affection (like holding hands) are common in tourist areas, though excessive kissing is frowned upon.
Iran (esp. Tehran)Paradoxical. A highly educated and socially liberal-minded population exists under a conservative state. On the streets of north Tehran, you can see fashionable dress (within the bounds of hijab) and a vibrant social life, but it clashes with the presence of morality police. Public affection is a social risk and can lead to harassment or arrest.
QatarModerate to High. Doha is a modern city with a large expat population. You will see a mix of traditional and Western dress. Public behavior is more restrained than in Dubai, but less policed than in Iran or Saudi Arabia.
Saudi ArabiaLow, but rapidly changing. Public life is still highly segregated by gender in many contexts. Until recently, cinemas and concerts were banned. While reforms are underway, the default public culture is conservative. Public displays of affection are completely forbidden.

I hope these lists provide a clearer picture of the diverse social and legal landscapes across the region. The comparison really highlights how a country’s official laws don’t always tell the full story of its street-level reality.