Brazilians tend to be warm, fun loving, and free spirited. They also have a reputation for being outgoing and enjoying the company of others. At the same time, Brazilians are known to be hard working. One’s ability to acquire possessions is an important marker of social status, as is going to college.

Czechs value education, cleverness, modesty, and humor. Czech humor can be difficult for foreigners to understand at first. Joking about politics or government leaders was an important defense for the people under communist rule to relieve the tension in their lives. Moravians and Slovaks tend to be friendlier and
more lighthearted than the Bohemian Czechs, who are more reserved. Czechs see themselves as realists; they also have a strong sense of irony, which can sometimes come across as pessimism.

The French measure success by educational level, family reputation, and financial status, as demonstrated through their housing, cars, and other material possessions. Among the most patriotic people in the world, the French are extremely proud of their culture, heritage, and way of life. This patriotism fosters a general expectation that visitors have some knowledge of French and show appreciation for French culture. The
French are often reserved and private but tend to be more hospitable outside Paris. Politeness is valued, and S’il vous plaît (Please) is a common phrase.

Germans tend to be industrious, honest, thrifty, and orderly. They appreciate traits such as punctuality, privacy, intelligence, and skill. They often have a strong sense of regional pride, a fact the federal system of
government recognizes and accommodates. World War II broke down class distinctions because most people lost their possessions and had to start over again. Germany emerged as a land of freedom and opportunity after the war.

Hungarians tend to be proud that their country experienced a form of democracy before most other nations. Even during the communist regime, Hungary was considered one of the most open and prosperous countries in Eastern Europe. It was one of the first to announce sweeping reforms and was able to accomplish them without violence or serious upheaval. 

Because of improved economic and social conditions in southern regions and the influence of the media, differences between northern and southern Italians are diminishing. However, some regional attitudes remain, and Italians still refer to one another by their city of origin (Milanese, Roman, Florentine, etc.). Adopting practices of their German and Austrian neighbors, people in the industrialized north traditionally value
punctuality, reliability, organization, and economic success. They often are less relaxed and view time as a resource not to be wasted. They take pride in having a low tolerance for criminality and public corruption. Southerners are appreciated for their warm character and friendliness. They enjoy a leisurely life and tend to take their time doing business. Family values prevail in the south and are often more appreciated than economic success.

Japanese society is group oriented. Loyalty to the group (business, club, etc.) and to one’s superiors is essential and takes precedence over personal feelings. In business, loyalty, devotion, and cooperation are valued over aggressiveness. Companies traditionally provide lifetime employment to the “salary-man” (full-time male professional) who devotes long hours of work to the company. Devotion to the group is central to the Japanese lifestyle. For example, someone with a cold usually wears a face mask to help ensure nobody else catches their cold. Japanese tend to avoid conversation topics that can be divisive, especially topics such as politics and religion. It is uncommon for people to discuss their personal lives with coworkers, except among those they consider to be close friends. 

Polish people value individualism, practicality, and self-reliance (exercised on an extended-family level). They place great emphasis on the family, tradition, and education. Poles are generally outspoken, especially in private circles. They are straightforward and realistic, sometimes cynical. People value generosity and do not
highly regard those who are not willing to share their time, resources, or power.

Spaniards, particularly those in urban areas, tend to place a high value on what others think of them. Peer and family pressure often strongly influence behavior. Personal pride and appearance—making a good impression and meeting social conventions and expectations—are considered extremely important. People commonly seek to project an impression of affluence and social position. Regional identities and devotions are strong.

Turkey is often described as a bridge between East and West. Because Turks have interacted with Europe and Asia for centuries, they have incorporated features from both areas into their culture. Most Turks are proud of the achievements of their modern state as well as the accomplishments of their ancestors, who ruled great empires. Turks are generally patriotic, and most consider their society to be progressive, Europe-leaning, and strongly influential in the region. They often feel misunderstood by European
and other Western nations; many wish their country to be seen as modern, ethnically diverse, tolerant, and democratic.