#21: Norway

Annual count of international tourists: 5.65 million

Tourism revenue: $6.6 billion

Norway, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offers breathtaking landscapes, from vibrant houses to majestic fjords and verdant mountains. Yet, it surprises many as being labeled among the world’s rudest countries, a misinterpretation rooted not in demeanor but in cultural nuances.

The Norwegian ethos of strong independence and self-assurance often leads to minimal use of pleasantries like ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ which might be perceived as rudeness by foreigners but is simply a cultural characteristic.