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>It seems very odd that the government would dictate four consecutive weeks

Because summer vacations are part of the culture, and considered important. That rule allows families to take long holidays together, with other families, etc.

I realize that it's a foreign idea... but this is a foreign place.

The government doesn't dictate when you take your vacation. They only dictate that if you want four consecutive weeks of vacation during the summer no company is allowed to deny it. Your employer is however allowed to say that you get your four weeks any time during that period. Most people typically vacation in July so the whole country basically closes down then.

You're not required to take it then, but it's your right to take 4 weeks in this period if you want to.