Metrication

Metrication, or metrification, is the process of converting from the various other systems of units used throughout the world to the metric or SI (Système International) system. This process was begun in France in the 1790's and spread over the following two centuries to all but four countries, representing 95% of the world's population. The process was completed in most of the world in the 19th and early 20th centuries, replacing numerous historical weights and measures. The countries of the former British Empire completed metrification during the second half of the 20th century, with Ireland recently completing metrication on 20th January 2005. Today only the UK, U.S., Liberia and Burma (Myanmar) have not fully metricated, although Liberia and Myanmar use it in practice and the UK is currently in the process of conversion. Only France, the US, UK and Japan saw any large scale popular opposition to metrication, the main objections being based on tradition, aesthetics and distaste for a 'foreign' system.

External links

For:

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• The Metrication Board of Ireland
• the United Kingdom Metric Association campaigns for a total metric switchover in the UK
• Timeline of metric system in UK
• U.S. Metric Association discusses progress of metrication in several countries.
• One Metre: Metric in Canada

Against:

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• Freedom to Measure discusses the freedom to choose a measurement system
• British Weights and Measures Association

Other:

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• Online Unit Converter - Conversion of many different units