The "unfriendly" Netherlands
By Moa Thorssell
Results from the Expat Explorer Survey rates the Netherlands as the world's most expat-unfriendly country.
The Expat Explorer Survey (4.127 expats, 100 countries) investigated the "ability to be friends with locals," "success in learning the local language," "capacity for integrating themselves into the community" and "ease in which they fit into the new culture."
Canada (ranking first for the second time in a row), Bermuda and South Africa were top rated as they offer high integration with locals. Note that more than 80 percent of the expats in these countries were native English speakers. Among the worst in welcoming expats were the Netherlands and India.
The Expat Explorer Survey is the largest independent global expat survey commissioned by the HSBC Bank International. The survey, now in its third year, took place from April to June (2010). Countries with less than 30 respondents were excluded and thus, results represent 25 countries in total.
World’s friendliest countries
› Canada
› Bermuda
› South Africa
› USA
› Australia
› Spain
› France
› United Kingdom
› Malaysia
› Germany
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Journalist with experience within news paper, magazine, tv, web and radio. Biggest interests: travelling, culture and poltics. Been living and working in London, Paris and now located in Amsterdam.Read more