What Europeans Really Think Of Each Other

June 11, 2008

Europe is the third most populous continent (with its population of 710 million inhabitants) after Africa and Asia, but also the world’s second-smallest in terms of area. So it’s no surprise that the 48 European nations haven’t always lived in piece and harmony together – and animosities remain until this very day.

I had to really laugh out loud when I found this great blog post on Daily Candor about the characteristics of all the different Europeans and what they think of each other – a “basic backgrounder for Americans”, as the author describes it. Here’s a little excerpt of some of Europe’s nationalities:

The French
Disliked by some Spanish (particularly the Catalonians), for being arrogant. One woman from Barcelona told me, “Come on, who really likes the French? Nobody!” The Swiss don’t like the fact that they have contempt for authority and are lazy.

The Italians
Most of the stereotypes are positive, but mostly because of the food. Northern Europeans consider them lazy and flaky, and maybe incapable of managing anything right.

The Germans
Germans are considered industrious but uptight and humorless, by just about all the other Europeans. (…) The food is considered uninspired, too. The most anti-German sentiments are among the Dutch and Danish, who just hate them from invading their countries too often.

The Dutch
The Dutch, like the Scandinavians, have an enviable economy and social order that’s admired by southern European countries. However, they do have a reputation of being self-righteous “know-it-alls” and very similar to their German cousins in terms of their rigidity.

The Swiss
Considered extremely rigid, even by the Germans. Blunt to the point of being rude, the Swiss probably have the least likely reputation for being characterized as “friendly” or “warm”. (…) The German-speaking Swiss are more like the Germans except even more stiff, rigid and cranky.

The British
About half of the British would be really angry at being called European, so that should provide an apt starting point. They are considered polite, but maybe a bit two-faced (hence “Janus Britain”) and snobby.

The Belgians
Considered idiots by both the Dutch and the French. Belgians, in turn, consider the Dutch to be a bunch of cranky assholes, and French stuck-up.

I can only say – it’s all true! And being a native Swiss, there must be a reason why I relocated to the United States long time ago…

10 Interesting Insights About Internet Use In Europe

December 4, 2007

Did you always wanted to know how internet savvy the Europeans really are? Here are a couple of interesting facts – fresh off the press and provided by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European communities:

• Internet access across the EU is increasing, with 54 per cent of households having access of some sort, compared 49 per cent last year.
• The highest proportions of households with internet access were recorded in the nordic countries: Netherlands (83%), Sweden (79%) and Denmark (78%).
• The UK, usually know as internet savvy and technologically advanced, is trailing the Nordic leader with 67%.
• 57% of individuals had used internet search engines.
• 50% had sent e-mails with attachments.
• 30% said they kept viruses and spyware off their computers.
• 25% of individuals had taken part in chatrooms, newsgroups or online discussions.
• 15% had used the internet to make phone calls.
• Peer to peer file sharing for exchange of movies and music had been used by 13%.
• Only 10% had created a web page.

Despite the fact that most of these numbers are lower than the ones in the United States, this study proves that internet access is gradually extending across the 27 states of the European Union – especially broadband connections have risen sharply.