«The Norwegian man-hug is more a show of strength than a greeting and is usually a painful experience for the smaller of the two. There is nothing more important to Norwegians than enjoying the great outdoors. Happily, they have a lot of outdoors to enjoy. Foreigners brought up with the belief that relaxing involves lounging on the sofa may find leisure time in Norway challenging.» What makes the Norwegians Norwegian? A witty guide to the views and values that shows why their way is the Norway.»

Forewarned is forearmed — an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations, almost guaranteed to cure xenophobia. This guide to understanding the Finns explores their national characteristics with humor and style.

After the considerable success of The Xenophobe's Guides series, which uncovers the quirks and curiosities of other nations for xenophobes (people who fear foreigners) a series of phrase books is now being launched for the 'xenolinguist' — people who are afraid of speaking a foreign tongue. When visitors are traveling abroad, they have to expect to meet foreigners. Most of these foreigners will not speak English. The Xenophobe's Phrase Books series aims to help users overcome this setback and cope with the unexpected difficulties that may arise should they need to communicate with the natives.

After the considerable success of The Xenophobe's Guides series, which uncovers the quirks and curiosities of other nations for xenophobes (people who fear foreigners) a series of phrase books is now being launched for the 'xenolinguist' — people who are afraid of speaking a foreign tongue. When visitors are traveling abroad, they have to expect to meet foreigners. Most of these foreigners will not speak English. The Xenophobe's Phrase Books series aims to help users overcome this setback and cope with the unexpected difficulties that may arise should they need to communicate with the natives.

To many, the American is a strange creature: brash, loud, and a tad on the prideful side. This is a straightforward guide to all things American that explains mannerisms, food choices, attitudes, and a bevy of other idiosyncratic characteristics with plenty of wit. Perfect for novices to the country or Yankees looking for a bit of self-analysis, this is a no-holds-barred look at the red, white, and blue.

Appearances are deceptive Never make the error of underestimating the Aussies. They love to portray a casual disregard for everything around them, but no-one accidentally achieves a lifestyle as relaxed as theirs. Logic down under Aussies will twist any statistics to their own ends. One statistic doing the rounds was that 40% of drivers in accidents had been drinking. Since this left 60% of drivers who hadn't had a drop, but who still had accidents, it must obviously be safer to drink and drive. Let's talk strain. The Aussies are not subtle and neither is their language. They will say what they mean. The problem is that the words they use don't always mean what they say. For example: blue — someone who has red hair; you're right — you are absolutely super; it's a bit warm — it is probably 120F in the water bag (water bags are always hung in the shade); that'd be right — I don't believe it either. Out in the outback Nature is the biggest single influence on the Aussie attitude. And a very harsh and unforgiving influence it is. Reality, totally uncontrollable, is never far outside the suburban limits.

France is a country that eats, drinks and breathes philosophy. There is not a farmer, fisherman, waiter, car-worker, shop assistant or housewife who isn't a closet Diderot or Descartes, a Saint-Simon or a Sartre. French politicians look smart because power itself is chic, attractive, seductive, and one should dress to look the part. The French electorate would never allow any government to intervene in their lives if it were shabbily dressed.

Soulful sadness A common trait among Swedish people is a deeply felt svarmod, a dark melancholy born out of long winters, high taxes, and a sense of being stuck far out on a geo-political and socio-economic limb. They brood a lot over the meaning of life in a self-absorbed sort of way without ever arriving at satisfactory answers. Love all The Swedes indulge in sport for leisure and sex for pleasure. Some people treat sex as a sport in order to combine leisure with pleasure, and thus save time and energy. Nurture nature The Swedes have a dream: to save Nature from Man. This is more than just a vision — it's as close to a passion as the Swedes ever get. Net loss Becoming rich in Sweden has never been easy. As Ingmar Bergman found out, even millionaires can have difficulties making ends meet when income tax is levied at 102%.

After the considerable success of The Xenophobe's Guides series, which uncovers the quirks and curiosities of other nations for xenophobes (people who fear foreigners) a series of phrase books is now being launched for the 'xenolinguist' — people who are afraid of speaking a foreign tongue. When visitors are traveling abroad, they have to expect to meet foreigners. Most of these foreigners will not speak English. The Xenophobe's Phrase Books series aims to help users overcome this setback and cope with the unexpected difficulties that may arise should they need to communicate with the natives. Lose your linguistic inhibitions. Speak German in plain English. This book includes phrases like: I would like to see the manager, You mean I have to pay for the froth on the beer as well, and Do you work out, gorgeous, or is that your natural build?

Speak Italian in plain English. This tongue-in-cheek guide includes informative yet cheeky phrases such as 'Excuse me, there's a horse's head in my bed' and 'Does your older brother need to come too'?

A guide to understanding the Chinese which dispels or confirms preconceived prejudices with humor and insight.