WESTERN COUNTRIES

(Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany)

PEOPLE
Some people refer to Switzerland as a “small village,” where most people are friendly, and
they frequently greet each other. Many things define Switzerland as a country, from its
traditional food, picturesque lakes, and many mountains to its people. So, what are Swiss
people like, and what are some of their characteristics?

 PUNCTUALITY
If there is something that the Swiss take quite seriously is punctuality. For Swiss people, a
punctual person is considerate, and with their punctuality, they show respect for the
other person. Apart from Switzerland’s people, its trains are the epitome of punctuality;
they’re always on time.
 POLITENESS AND FRIENDLINESS
The Swiss give the impression of people who live in the same village when you see them
greet their neighbors every time they see them. One typical Swiss characteristic is that
they consider greeting people they meet in public spaces polite. However, they respect
discretion and privacy, and strangers are not usually expected to talk to each other.
Switzerland However, when it comes to friendliness, the same rules do not apply. They might be
hesitant to make friends with foreigners at first, although once you break down the
friendship barrier, they are the warmest people you will meet.
 HOMELIFE AND PARENTING
An interesting thing about home life in Switzerland is that many Swiss people take off their
shoes before entering their houses. Therefore, if you’re visiting a Swiss friend, make sure
to ask them if you should take your shoes off. Keep in mind that this is not a formality—
sometimes, the answer to that question will be yes. But, don’t worry, most probably your
friend will offer you a pair of slippers. Another part of their life at home is Swiss parenting,
and it is not very unusual or different from other countries in Europe. What is distinctive is
that Swiss parents are hesitant to hand their children to childcare providers. Mothers of
young children don’t usually work full-time, and something prevalent is grandparent care.
 MONEY AND TIPPING
As most people know, discussing sex, religion, or politics with people you don’t know well
is not advisable. In a country such as Switzerland, where there is no wage transparency, a
subject that shouldn’t be brought up is money. Therefore, if you wish to be invited back to
your Swiss friend’s house, avoid asking them about their salary. As far as tipping in
Switzerland goes, it’s a little different than in the US. You don’t necessarily have to tip the
waiter who served you all night, the taxi driver, or the hairdresser in Switzerland. The
Swiss usually round up the amount of money they’re paying for a coffee or a drive.
If you’re planning to have a party in Switzerland, it is expected of you to inform your
neighbor. If you’re planning to invite someone over, you should do it beforehand and not
at the last minute.
Portugal
Germany It is true that many Germans tend to place punctuality as a high priority. Hence the global
observation that German trains often run perfectly on time. German people tend to be thrifty,
be sensible, and respect one another’s privacy, and they typically respect the structure and
laws of society to an above-average degree.

 HARDWORKING
German people, disciplined and efficient and often spend their time thinking quite
practically about how a problem should be solved.
 HUMUROUS
In a more cynical way but they are not stiff and humorless like many people think they are.
 They love a joke and will laugh and smile when one is told.
 WELL-ORGANISE
They have everything ahead of them well-planned in advance. They simply love to
structure every day so they know what they are expected to do by others as well as what
they want to do.
 PANCTUAL
Something unexpected holds them up. This means if you have a designated appointment
time with a German be their 5 minutes early as this will impress them. They will be most
offended if you arrive late.
 TRADITIONAL
As traditions are important to Germans. There tend to be annual events that traditionally
take place on the same date, at the same time and at the same place year after year.
 CREATIVE
As Germans are well known for their abilities to create new things. You may see a small
sensor that is designed to detect rainwater on the windscreen of your car which
automatically switches the wiper on. This could well be a German invention as creativity is
what Germans are famous for.
 THINKERS
As they are adept at just sitting down and looking at something while trying to calculate
how it works. This could range from a pen to a printer to a tire to a subway car and even
something as commonplace as a zipper. This ability interconnects with their flair for
creativity that makes them the envy of the world.

RELIGION
Switzerland
Portugal
Germany

CULTURE
Switzerland
Portugal
Germany

EDUCATION
Switzerland
Portugal
Germany

SOCIETY
Switzerland
Portugal
Germany