20 Things People Get Wrong About Countries, According to Locals
Certain ideas become so deeply ingrained that breaking the stigma can be difficult, even when they’re completely false. While every country does have its own unique traditions, history, and local customs, these can sometimes be misinterpreted by outsiders.
Recently, a Reddit thread sparked a lively discussion among users eager to debunk persistent myths that continue to circulate despite having no basis in reality. Keep reading to discover some of the most common misconceptions that residents wish others would stop believing about their country.
#1
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The Netherlands – Contrary to popular belief, most people in the Netherlands don’t regularly smoke pot, and cannabis isn’t technically legal—it’s just decriminalized under specific conditions.
Additionally, the stereotype of locals wearing wooden shoes is outdated, and the idea that the country is mostly made up of farmers stuck in the 19th century (thanks for that one, Marvel) is far from accurate. Big cities also don’t have “no-go zones” as some misconceptions suggest.
#2
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The United States – A common misconception is that Americans think they’re better than everyone else. While there are certainly individuals who might fit that stereotype, many Americans actually have a deep respect for other cultures and a genuine curiosity to learn more about the world beyond their borders.
#3
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Germany – A widespread misconception is that all of Germany is like Bavaria, as most German stereotypes are based solely on Bavarian traditions. Despite being a relatively small country, Germany has a rich diversity of traditions, customs, and dialects that can change dramatically within just a 2- to 3-hour drive. Each region has its own unique cultural identity, far beyond lederhosen and pretzels.
#4
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United Kingdom – A common misconception is that everyone in the UK loves the royal family and gets offended by any criticism of them. In reality, a significant portion of the population supports the idea of abolishing the monarchy, especially when compared to previous generations. Opinions on the royal family are diverse and often reflect generational, regional, and personal differences.
#5
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Ireland. We’re not all alcoholics who eat nothing but potatoes.
#6
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France – It might not be a myth, but the stereotype of French people wearing berets is definitely outdated and overblown. In reality, hardly anyone in France wears a beret, and the association has become more of a cliché than a reflection of everyday life.
#7
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#8
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United States – The phrase “land of the free” is often used to describe the USA, but the reality is more nuanced. While the country upholds many democratic values, it is considered a flawed democracy and typically ranks in the high teens on various global freedom indices. So, while freedom is a core ideal, the reality doesn’t always align perfectly with the slogan—especially when you look at it from a more technical or global perspective.
#9
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Mexico – A common stereotype is that everyone in Mexico eats tacos constantly, wears a sombrero, has a mustache, and is named Juan. In reality, Mexico is a diverse country with a rich culture, varied cuisine, and people who come from many different backgrounds and lifestyles. While tacos are a beloved dish, the clichés don’t reflect the everyday lives of most Mexicans.
#10
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Scotland – Many people believe that wild haggis is just a myth invented to trick tourists. However, wild haggis is actually a real animal—though its numbers have declined significantly over time, making sightings rare. For those who are skeptical, you can see one on display at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, helping to dispel the misconception of their nonexistence.
#11
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The Netherlands – A common misconception is that the country is called Holland. In reality, Holland refers to just two of the country’s 12 provinces: North Holland and South Holland. These provinces are popular tourist destinations, which is likely why the name gets mistakenly used to refer to the entire country.
#12
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Norway – There are a few persistent myths about Norway that just won’t go away:
- Vikings had horns on their helmets – This popular image is pure fiction, popularized by 19th-century operas like Wagner’s. In reality, there’s no historical evidence that Viking helmets ever had horns.
- Polar bears roam the streets – Unless you’re in Svalbard, you won’t find polar bears casually wandering around Norwegian cities.
- The midnight sun is a different sun – This one’s particularly amusing. The midnight sun isn’t a different sun; it’s the same sun visible for 24 hours during summer in parts of Norway due to the Earth’s tilt.
#13
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United Kingdom – The idea that British food is terrible is an outdated stereotype. While it might have had some truth 20 years ago, British cuisine has experienced a renaissance over the past decade and a half. Chefs now embrace bold flavors and seasoning, and London has become a global culinary hub, boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city outside of Paris.
What’s frustrating for many Brits is that jokes about British food often target “poverty meals” like beans on toast. These dishes weren’t created for their gourmet appeal—they’re affordable staples during tough times. Mocking them overlooks the socioeconomic reality that drives their popularity, especially when food insecurity is a global issue, with millions relying on food banks in countries like the U.S.
#14
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Italy – While some might think it’s just a stereotype, the truth is… Italians really do eat pasta on a daily basis. It’s not just a cliché—it’s a delicious part of everyday life and deeply ingrained in Italian culture. From simple spaghetti aglio e olio to elaborate regional specialties, pasta is more than just food—it’s tradition, comfort, and pride served on a plate.
#15
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Japan – The image of Japan as a land of endlessly polite and friendly people isn’t entirely accurate. While social norms often encourage smiling and politeness, it doesn’t always reflect true feelings—sometimes, those smiles mask frustration or dislike due to social pressure.
The country’s work culture is also notoriously harsh, with little work-life balance and high expectations of long hours. Corruption exists within the government, much like in other countries, and the high cost of living, combined with overcrowded cities, has contributed to a declining birth rate.
As for anime, while it’s globally celebrated, in Japan, it’s still largely considered a niche hobby—often viewed as “nerdy” even by locals. Japan is an amazing place to visit for a few weeks, but living there can be incredibly challenging, especially if you don’t speak the language.
#16
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The myth that America is the land of opportunity.
#17
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United States – A common myth is that America was founded for religious freedom. While this is partly true for some groups, like the Pilgrims, the reality is more complicated. The Pilgrims themselves were often intolerant zealots, expelled from other countries due to their rigid beliefs and unwillingness to accept differing viewpoints.
Moreover, they weren’t the ones who truly “started” America. That credit goes to the Jamestown Colony, established primarily as a business venture. In reality, the early foundations of the U.S. were as much about corporate wealth expansion as they were about freedom—if not more so.
#18
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France – The stereotype of the French being cowards or surrendering easily is both unfair and historically inaccurate. For centuries, France was one of the most dominant military powers in the world, and many military terms still used today have French origins because of this influence.
While the collapse in 1940 during World War II was a low point, it doesn’t erase France’s extensive military history, including its pivotal role in helping the United States win its independence during the American Revolutionary War.
It’s especially frustrating when this stereotype is perpetuated by those unaware of France’s significant contributions to global military history—and particularly ironic considering France’s essential role in securing early U.S. victories.
#19
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Romania – The whole vampire stereotype, thanks to Dracula and Transylvanian folklore, has gotten a little out of hand. In reality, no one’s bumping into vampires on the streets—your friend Vlad hasn’t seen one in centuries (and probably never will).
What’s even cooler is that Romania’s national anthem literally kicks off with “Wake up from your slumber of death”—so if anything, Romanians are more about shaking off the undead myths than living them.
#20
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Iceland – The myth that Icelanders use an app to check if they’re related before dating is wildly exaggerated. While the “Incest Spoiler” app did exist, it was created as a joke by a group of students, poking fun at how extensive Iceland’s genealogical records are.
In reality, Iceland’s birth records are so thorough that many Icelanders can trace their family lineage back over 33 generations, all the way to figures like Úlfur Óargi, born in 740. So, while the app was real, no one actually uses it seriously—people just rely on those incredibly detailed family records if they’re ever unsure.
