Why America Is The Smiliest Country On Earth

In the USA a wide smile is almost exclusively interpreted as an expression of friendliness, but this isn’t true of all cultures. It turns out Americans are a particularly smiley bunch, and not just because of their famously stellar dentistry…

In 2015 a group of international researchers looked at how many “source countries” combined to create the citizenries of various nations around the world. Of course some places were more diverse, while others had remained fairly homogeneous over the centuries.

Next, the researchers interviewed communities from 32 countries to analyze what level of “feels” were publicly acceptable in their culture. They discovered that places with higher levels of diversity expressed emotions more freely, and with its legacy as an immigrant nation of approximately 83 source countries, America was the smiliest of them all.

Why the correlation between diversity and smiling? When the first-generation immigrant communities settled in America they didn’t speak the same language as their neighbors. In order to live harmoniously they had to get by on non-verbal communication—including international gesture of trustworthiness, the smile—and over time grinning simply became an ingrained part of American culture.

Other nations interpret and use smiles entirely differently. In less diverse nations smiling was reserved for friends and close acquaintances only (smiling at a stranger might give the impression you were flirting), and in countries that value social hierarchy, it was a tool to express superiority.

In Russia smiling without a cause is considered somewhat bizarre. So much so that when McDonald’s began to open fast food restaurants in the country, it had to coach its employees to provide service with a smile.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.