The way men all over the globe model and
don their facial hair varies slightly with every region and is largely
governed by cultural and religious influences. Moustaches are often
considered a mark of manhood, pride or masculinity. AskMen’s list of the top ten mustache-dense countries enlightens us on the global density of the mustache trend.
India
Moustaches hold great cultural
significance in India and are considered a mark of masculinity. With a
population in excess of 1 billion and an estimated 80 percent of
mustached males in southern India, the country is most definitely one of
the top moustache-dense nations in the world.
Mexico
The origin of the Mexican moustache
culture may lie in the mingling of cultures after the Spanish Conquest
of the region in the 16th century. It is speculated that
because moustaches were uncommon among the natives, the progress brought
by the Spanish rule may have caused them to be deemed somewhat of a
status symbol.
Pakistan
The significance of growing moustaches
is one of many cultural similarities between Pakistan and India. A vast
majority of famous Pakistani figures – sportsmen, politicians,
presidents and prime ministers – have had moustaches. A prominent
example would be the revered national poet Mohammed Iqbal.
Germany
Moustaches are considered a symbol of
pride in Germany. The country is home to several eminent mustached men
the likes of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and Albert Einstein and is
one of the most avid and prominent participant countries in the World
Beard and Moustache Championships.
Iran
The abundance of Iranian men sporting
facial hair can be credited to a mix of religious and cultural
influences. Soccer star Ali Daei, the ayatollah and the current
president are among prominent local figures that don full beards or
sport moustaches.
Egypt
Facial hair is a norm in most
Muslim-majority nations owing, only in part, to religious influences.
Egypt has the most populous Muslim community among African countries.
Prominent Egyptian politicians and government officials the likes of
President Nasser and President Anwar El Sadat have donned moustaches.
Turkey
The number of clean-shaven Turkish men
has increased since Turkey’s endeavors to delve deeper into European
economy. However, facial hair still remains an integral part of the
Turkish culture.
United States of America
It is estimated that there are currently
around 10 million mustached men in America. At the World Beard and
Moustache Championships held in Anchorage, Alaska, in May 2009, USA
topped the medal table, securing a medal in every single moustache
competition.
Hungary
The popularity of the moustache trend in
Hungary can be highlighted by the fact that the country has its own
category of facial hair in the World Beard and Moustache Championships
called The Hungarian or “Wild West” moustache.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s moustache dense population
may be credited to past Soviet Union influence. The country’s culture
may have changed slightly in the past few years but the moustache trend
has sustained, landing Bulgaria a spot on this list.
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