Around 75 countries — about a third of the world — drive on the left side of the road, a pattern closely (though not perfectly) tied to former British colonial history. Here are the countries that drive on the left.
Major Left-Driving Countries
- United Kingdom, Ireland — where left-hand driving originated in its modern form
- Japan — one of the few major left-driving countries with no British colonial history
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka — all former British colonies in South Asia
- Australia, New Zealand
- South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia — most former British colonies in Southern and East Africa
- Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore — Southeast Asian nations that drive on the left
- Caribbean nations including Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago
See geography and other details for these countries on our Rankings page.
Where the Left-Right Split Came From
Left-hand driving traces back to medieval Europe, where riders and horse-drawn traffic often kept to the left so right-handed swordsmen could keep their weapon arm facing oncoming traffic. The British Empire formalized left-hand driving as law and exported it across its colonies, which is why the practice today closely — though not perfectly — traces old imperial boundaries. Napoleon, by contrast, pushed right-hand traffic across much of continental Europe, and countries that were part of the French sphere of influence largely retained that standard.
Notable Exceptions
Japan is the most notable major economy that drives on the left without a British colonial history — a convention formalized during the Meiji era, reportedly influenced by early railway engineering advice from British experts. A handful of former British colonies, including the United States (a British colony until 1776) and Canada, switched to right-hand driving over time for practical alignment with continental neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of the world drives on the left?
Roughly a third of the world’s countries — about 75 nations — drive on the left side of the road.
Why does Japan drive on the left despite never being a British colony?
Japan adopted left-hand traffic during its rapid modernization in the late 1800s, influenced by early British involvement in building its railway system.
Do all former British colonies drive on the left?
No — the United States and Canada are notable former British colonies that switched to right-hand driving over time, mostly for practical alignment with neighboring countries and trade partners.
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