
Netherlands was one of the first countries to legalise prostitution in 2000

Prostitution has been legal in Switzerland since 1942 and is protected by the constitution But the first legal brothel didn't open until 1998.

Germany is Europe's 'biggest brothel' . While sex work was tolerated as early as the 1800s, the govt legalised it in 2002

Sex work has been legal in New Zealand since 2003.

In Australia, the legal status differs from state to state. It is decriminalised in some areas, and illegal in other parts.

Prostitution is completely legal in Austria. Prostitutes are required undergo periodic examinations, be 19 years old or older & pay taxes

Spain (Representational image)

In Bangladesh, male prostitution is illegal, but everything else is legal. Pimping and owning a brothel are also legal in the South Asian country.

Sex work is practiced openly in Thailand, but it is illegal and subject to fines and imprisonment

In United States, prostitution is illegal except in some counties

Sex work is legal in India, but there are certain limitations