Posted on 05/27/2005 2:08:29 PM PDT by anguish
Sweden has topped the rankings in an international survey of the top nation brands.
People around the world see the Swedish government as the most trustworthy administration in the world, the Swedish people as the world's most hospitable, and think of Sweden as the best place in the world to live and work.
The findings were made in the Anholt-GMI Nation Brands Index, a survey of 10,000 consumers in ten countries. They were asked for their impressions of the United States, Britain, Sweden, China, Italy, Germany, South Korea, Russia and Turkey.
The report's author, Simon Anholt, says Sweden is "almost universally admired".
"Its brand image boasts a rare combination of stable and responsible governance, honest and trustworthy people, successful cultural exports, a prime location for investment, and yet isn't seen as boring or predictable, but young and dynamic."
Sweden was followed in the rankings by Britain, with America sharing fourth place with Germany. Turkey and Russia prop up the bottom of the table, with many people having a particularly poor impression of Russia.
One measure in which Sweden did particularly well was hospitality. Swedes were viewed as the most hospitable people out of all the nationalities included in the survey, and Sweden (perhaps not coincidentally) was seen as the second most attractive tourist destination after Italy.
The respondents described Sweden as 'fascinating', 'exciting', and 'romantic'. Many of those questioned had heard of the Ice Hotel.
The report pointed out, however, that popular tourist destinations such as France and Australia had not been included in the survey.
Equally positive for Sweden was its high placing in the investment rankings. It was seen as the second most attractive place to invest in, behind the United States. When people were asked where they would most like to live and work, Sweden came out on top.
That Sweden came top in rankings of good government may come as something of a surprise to opposition Moderate Party leader Fredrik Reinfeldt, but he can take comfort from the fact that most people responding to the survey were probably judging Sweden from a position of complete ignorance.
"It is unlikely that many of our respondents would be able to name a member of the Swedish government, or identify the party currently in power: these scores are almost certainly pure brand image, and appear to require little substantiation," says Anholt.
Igrorance is definately bliss in this case, trust me.
>>>>I thought the Swedes were mostly known for early porn;<<<<
>> One measure in which Sweden did particularly well was hospitality. Swedes were viewed as the most hospitable people out of all the nationalities included in the survey,<<
Oh. Right. Hospitality. Is that what they're calling it these days?
I'm going to Sweden in two weeks. We're staying in Stockholm first, then we have train passes for the rest of Scandinavia.
What to see? What to do?
I admire your candor : )
I was shopping for a used car couple of years ago and called a few Volvo owners. One thing that struck me, they all sounded like they were selling their mother. "It is a wonderful, (with feeling) WONDERFUL car. I would (more feeling) NEVER think of selling it (segue to sobs)".
I ended up in a Camry.
Which pretty much amounts to the opinion of the President by a guy sitting in the back booth at Denny's.
I like visiting Sweden, but I'm sorry, the Swedes are NOT particularly friendly to a stranger in their midst.
Or maybe it was just something I said.
eat lots of lutefisk, ya sure.
But GM has really, REALLY, screwed up SAAB
Handsome Kevin got a little off track
Took a year off of college
And he never went back
Now he smokes too much
He's got a permanent hack
Deals dope out of Denny's
Keeps a table in the back
He always listens to the ground
Always listens to the ground
So I say
I say welcome
Welcome to the boomtown
Pick a habit
We got plenty to go around
Welcome
Welcome to the boomtown
All that money makes such a succulent sound
Welcome to the boomtown
What to see? What to do?That really depends on your interests. As I'm a culturally challenged wildlife-type of Swede, I might not be the best person to ask though. However, my favorite tourist places in Stockholm are the 'Old Town' with the Royal Palace (with embedded museums) and the Vasa Museum. Check this page.
LOL. I've never heard of this.
Go visit the Husqvarna factory. Did you know that they started out making firearms for the royals about 500 years ago?
sumpin' about those Swedish cars: can't get `em out of neutral . . .
in Saabs...it's called "Freewheeling"
I collect Swedish military stuff (guns, tools, etc) and it's generally a good value for the money. Don't buy their parkas, though, if you lift weights...they are sewn for men with very skinny arms and shallow chests.
If there was such a size as "Tall Extra Skinny", it would describe "Extra Large" Swedish military garments......
I've owned two volvos, a 142 and a 164; both were good cars, but not as good as their reputation (to be fair, it would be hard to be).
However, Volvos tend to rust. After Subaru, they're about the rustiest fleet on the road, which means that their vaunted safety is probably pretty well compromised by structural rot after a while. And of course, it looks like Hell.
Ping to the Swedish Ping List.
You did not waste time, my friend. Pics are required, especially for a post like this one! Thank you!
Ha hah hahahahaaa ha hah hahahah
heheh heh he he he
Cheers.
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