2021.04.15 FTN News
Despite travel restrictions last year, there were over 10.7 million Google searches made globally in the last 12 months for ‘nude beaches’, ‘nude resorts’ and ‘sunbathe nude’.
The majority of those searches were made by the USA, Japan and Brazil. However, when population size is accounted for, the people that want to sunbathe naked the most are from Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.
Swimwear brand Pour Moi has investigated the nudity laws of all the countries around the world to find that 39 countries permit nude sunbathing, but 38 categorically do not! And the others have ambiguous rules.
Sunbathing topless, or partially naked, is received very differently around the world, with religious and cultural histories making a big impact on how acceptable or offensive it is deemed. Even within a single country, like the USA for example, different regions have very different stances and laws on naturist activity.
Public nudity laws can become confused with the rules surrounding naked sunbathing, with many countries saying public nudity is illegal, but they are actually OK with topless sunbathing. For most nations, the ‘intention to offend’ is the main thing that differentiates trying to catch some vitamin D without tan lines, versus someone streaking or flashing.
Founder of Pour Moi Michael Thomson says “We know a lot of our customers like to ditch their swimsuit when they sunbathe, and with tentative steps being made towards international travel opening up, we wanted to help people find out where you can and can’t go topless when you sunbathe. We’re a UK company and Brits are stereotyped as being quite prude, but it’s not true, a lot of us love to embrace more naturist ways in the sunshine! It’s been fun comparing which countries are most interested in sunbathing naked, versus what the actual nudity laws are in that country.”
The worldwide map categorises countries into four colours. The 38 countries in red are ones where public nudity of any kind, even non-offensive public topless sunbathing, is completely unacceptable or illegal. Countries coloured green (39) are those which are pretty relaxed about public topless or nude sunbathing, allowing it in multiple official and unofficial locations.
The 29 countries marked in amber indicate laws that are ambiguous or contradictory, or where there are very limited places to naked sunbathe – these places will require a bit more research before taking off your swimsuit. For example, in Tunisia (amber) topless sunbathing is deemed OK in some private hotels and resorts but is generally unacceptable on public beaches. Or, in Costa Rica (amber), whilst public nudity is technically illegal, there are unofficial naturist resorts and beaches.
