As railways were adopted in other countries, the gauge selected was pragmatic; in some cases standard gauge was adopted, but many countries chose a different gauge as their national gauge, either by governmental policy, or as a matter of individual choice.
As railways were built in other countries, the gauge selected was pragmatic; the track would have to fit the rolling stock. In some cases standard gauge was adopted, but many countries or companies chose a different gauge as their national gauge, either by governmental policy, or as a matter of individual choice.