Why Liberia and Burma Use the Same Measuring System as the US

Funny question!!! Too early in the morning, too late at night, or just too drunk—

In America, only the USA, Liberia, and Myanmar together do not use the metric system! However, the reasons for this are quite intriguing and involve a mix of history, politics, and cultural preferences.

The Historical Context

Liberia used the same measuring system as the US—known as the US Customary System (USCS)—because of its founding by former US slaves. This unique colonial influence set Liberia on a different measurement path.

Myanmar (formerly Burma), on the other hand, never adopted the USCS. Instead, it uses a blend of traditional Burmese measures and some British Imperial units.

Official Shifts and Transitions

Both Liberia and Myanmar have officially adopted the International System of Units (SI) as their measurement system. They are in the process of transitioning to this globally recognized system. In the United States, while the SI system is used extensively by the science, government, and military sectors, the US Customary System remains legal and common in everyday life.

Preferences and Practicalities

In the US, there is no significant need for the metric system in everyday life. People tend to prefer systems that are easier to work with mentally, such as those based on 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16. For example, gasoline gauges in European cars are often marked in halves, quarters, and eighths, whereas in the US, they might be marked in tenths, offering a slightly higher degree of precision without the need for such granularity in everyday use.

Historically, even with 10 fingers, most early cultures developed measuring systems based on 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16. These numbers are easier for the human brain to manipulate, making them ideal for practical use, especially in activities like cooking.

Advantages and Limitations

The metric system is highly advantageous when a high degree of precision is necessary, such as in scientific research, engineering, and certain industries. It excels in measuring very small or very large things, offering a consistent and precise scale.

However, for everyday use, the metric system requires more mental effort to work with compared to systems based on 12 or 16. Base-12 systems, in particular, are superior for human brain computing, as 12 can be easily divided by 2, 3, 4, and 6, making it ideal for measuring cups and other daily measurements.

Additionally, base-2 systems (binary) are highly effective for digital measurements, where quantities are always multiples of 2. This is why we see systems like two teaspoons in a tablespoon, two tablespoons in an ounce, eight ounces in a cup, and 16 cups in a gallon.

United States: A Unique Case

While the US has officially adopted the SI system, it has not made the USCS system illegal. This has led to a unique situation where the US is “biliterate” in measurements, using both the metric and USCS systems. This dual system offers the precision needed for science and technology while providing familiarity and ease for everyday life.

The Fahrenheit system is also more practical for everyday use, as 180 degrees between boiling and freezing is more intuitive for most people, compared to the 100-degree range in Celsius. The 60-degree span between 40°F and 100°F is a more relatable and practical range for daily temperature variations.

Conclusion

The reasons why Liberia and Burma use the same measuring system as the US are historical, cultural, and pragmatic. While the metric system offers precision and global uniformity, the US Customary System remains practical and familiar for everyday use.