[the_af]

Public bathrooms can be disgusting in many first world countries.

I wonder if the true mark of civilization will eventually be clean public bathrooms. It cannot be that hard because some select countries have managed to do it. Too few though.

[tokioyoyo]

Cultural, if I’ll be honest. Until kids are taught and indoctrinated in school that public cleanliness is net good for everyone, hard to see it change.

[chrischen]

Vietnam is arguably less developed than China, but their bathrooms are way cleaner on average.

[the_af]

Good to know. I've heard bad things about public restrooms (from travelers I know) about both China and India, though this information may be outdated.

I was worried about Vietnam, but this is encouraging. I always wanted to visit.

(Don't worry, I understand what "on average" means, and I also understand it varies from location to location).