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Why do Americans refrigerate eggs while most of the world doesn't?

Those from outside the US might find it puzzling that we always store our eggs in the fridge. In fact, besides our country, Japan, Australia and Scandinavia, most countries throughout the world—don't. So what gives? First of all, American eggs are required by law to be washed and processed, to reduce the risk of contracting the foodborne illness salmonella. In the US, chickens also aren't required to be vaccinated against salmonella, hence why their eggs must be washed. The problem is, by washing the eggs, a natural thin protective cuticle on its exterior gets cleaned off. And the purpose of that cuticle is to prevent bacteria from entering the egg! So once that protective layer is gone, our eggs must be constantly refrigerated.