Why do different countries use different plugs?

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I have been wondering why different country's use different style plugs. For example French plugs look very different to British Plugs.

I am just interested to know why?

Shouldn't the question be the other way around? I mean, the fact that they are different doesn't need an explanation. If they were all the same, then that would need an explanation.

Standards set by different groups will usually turn out different, unless there is some larger body making sure that they are the same.

I've been wondering the same thing myself.

It's obviously to keep the plug adapter manufacturers in business.

Not a bad idea when voltages are different! Same plug + different voltage = KABOOM!! !

Because people are not logical. Why can't they all talk to each other and sort out a standard system? What drives me crazy is why all mobile phones have different chargers? So we have two in our house, then every time you buy a new one, you need a new charger. Why can't they just make them all the same? Because of course it's all about generating money, at the expense of the environment and common sense. Grrr!

I agree. Threre are just so many things that could be standardized. I think some big companies want their customers to keep buying their products.

With the electricity plugs, I think it just developed separately and it's too hard to change one to another now. If we (here in Australia) were to adopt the US, UK or Asian plugs etc, then we would have to modify all electronic appliances and worse the sockets on the walls everywhere. Plus the voltage. And whose plug would be the standard?

It would be so nice if I could buy electronic stuff in my country and bring them here and use them without having to worry about voltage conversion etc.