In this roundup of 10 stereotyped views we take a look at how countries picture each other beyond the usual clichés. Covering every continent except North America, we present ten of the most intriguing perceptions, ordered by the level of mutual animosity.

10 Swedes — Norwegians

The Swedish tend to view Norwegians as upbeat, open‑minded, almost naïve country bumpkins. They also find the Norwegian language charming and the people good‑looking. In turn, Norwegians see Swedes as condescending, arrogant and overly proper. Both sides, however, share a belief that the other is a bit dim‑witted. A classic joke is the Swedish‑made “Norge muggen,” a mug with its handle on the inside – supposedly designed by a Norwegian for the sheer irony. Ask a Norwegian about Swedish mugs and they’ll claim the design includes a hole in the bottom for “easier drinking.”

Historically, the rivalry runs deep: Sweden ruled Norway from 1814 until 1905 and almost went to war to keep it. When Norway struck oil in the 1960s, Sweden fell behind economically, prompting many Swedes to seek work across the border where wages are higher. Despite the negative stereotypes, today the two nations enjoy friendly relations.

9 New Zealander — Australians

According to Australia’s tabloid coverage, the “carping Kiwis” see Aussies as hostile. A Queensland Sunday Mail story titled “If you don’t like it, leave” reported that merely 1% of New Zealand immigrants described Australians as caring, friendly, and hospitable. The surprise for many Australians is that Kiwis—especially those living abroad—are aware of Australia’s notorious immigration detention centres, which hold people for years and receive little coverage in the Australian media.

Nevertheless, the average Australian enjoys Kiwi company. While Australians often tease the New Zealand “accent,” many find it appealing. Some even masquerade as Kiwis while traveling, much like some Americans who sport a Canadian flag on their backpacks. Aussies recognize they’re seen as loud and obnoxious, whereas Kiwis are viewed as peaceful and kind.

8 English — Welsh/Scottish/Irish

The Welsh harbour the most enduring dislike of the English, branding them as arrogant and imperialist—a perception that isn’t unfounded. Historically, English imperialism has left a sour taste, and even encyclopaedias once directed readers to “See England” for Wales. The English, in turn, stereotype the Welsh as simple, rustic, and unintelligent.

Irish Anglophobia is largely historical, rooted in past massacres. Today, the Irish most resent the English for Brexit, perceived arrogance, and football hooliganism, as well as binge‑drinking and street‑singing. Yet the Irish do appreciate English music and humour. The English view the Irish as rustic, untrustworthy alcoholics.

The Scottish also see the English as arrogant and imperialist, though the sentiment has softened. A lingering mistrust stems from an inferiority complex, while the English see Scots as rough‑shod, with a penchant for deep‑fried chocolate bars and other eccentricities.

7 Nigerians — South Africans

The citizens of Africa’s two economic powerhouses are fierce rivals, even if their leaders cooperate. Nigerians view South Africans as their main continental competitors, labeling them entitled and lazy. In 2019, Nigerians condemned xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg where locals targeted economic migrants, urging South Africans to work harder to stay ahead.

South Africans, on the other hand, often see Nigerians as criminals—“drug lords, human traffickers and online scammers.” They also resent wealthy, Western‑educated Nigerians for “stealing” top jobs. Interestingly, Kenyans share a similar view of Nigerians, accusing them of taking women and businesses, though with less violence.

6 South Koreans — North Koreans

South Koreans hardly think about their northern neighbours. This indifference stems from desensitisation to the nuclear threat; the younger generation especially sees North Koreans as a distant, almost unrelated group. Only about 5.4% of South Koreans in their twenties feel North Koreans share their ethnicity.

North Korean propaganda deliberately distorts the image of the South. Anything with a “southern” vibe—like the slang term “oppa” for boyfriend—is banned. K‑pop, public displays of affection, and even certain hairstyles are prohibited. Young North Koreans are urged to stay “faithful to the calling of their country,” a message that paradoxically hints at admiration for the South despite the restrictions.

5 Arabs — Persians (Iranians)

Confusing a Persian for an Arab is considered a grave insult, prompting websites like PersiansAreNotArabs.com. Iranian scholar Sadek Zibakalam claims most Iranians harbour hatred for Arabs, remembering the 1,400‑year‑old defeat at the Battle of Qadisiyyah. Iranian officials often trash Arab neighbours, even joking that a gust of air could wipe the UAE off the map, and have mock‑celebrated the UAE’s 35‑year history with 35‑candle cakes.

Arabs, however, pride themselves on a heritage that predates the Persians. They view Iranians as fire‑worshipping infidels, while Iranians see Arabs as nomadic barbarians. The US State Department reports that Arabs still label Iranians as “heretics,” “liars,” and “snakes.” Nonetheless, Iranians enjoy better relations with Qatar and Oman than with Saudi Arabia, and many Arabs, like Egyptians, assert a distinct ancient culture alongside Arab identity.

4 Ukrainians — Russians

Despite political tensions, Ukrainians generally hold a favourable view of ordinary Russians, directing their grievances at the government—especially Putin’s attempts to erase Ukrainian identity by dubbing the two peoples “one.” Throughout conflicts, Ukrainian sentiment toward Russians remains surprisingly positive, varying by region: western Ukrainians are the most amicable, while easterners are more mixed.

Russians, influenced by state propaganda, often regard Ukrainians as a non‑country lacking genuine culture. Stereotypes paint Ukrainians as “khokhly”—rustic, provincial, criminal, and perpetually drunk. A classic Russian caricature is Svirid Holokhvastov from the play “Chasing Two Hares,” described as a cunning, pseudo‑intellectual figure.

3 Brazilians — Paraguayans

Across South America, everyone loves Brazil—except Paraguayans. Paraguayans see Brazilians as imperialist, accusing them of defrauding Paraguay for centuries, dating back to Portuguese expansion. The Triple Alliance War (1864‑1870) saw Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay invade Paraguay, resulting in 60% casualties, including over 90% of Paraguayan men, and loss of a quarter of the nation’s land, such as Mato Grosso. Brazil occupied Paraguay for six more years, dictating its politics until independence.

Modern economic disparities have seen Brazilian settlers—known as “brasiguayos”—buy cheap Paraguayan land, displacing locals. Brazilians view themselves as benign compared to other BRIC powers, yet brasiguayos describe Paraguayan peasants as an irrational mob, even suggesting diplomatic efforts are a waste of time and that they should be “treated like a bad woman, with a stick.”

2 Indians — Pakistanis

According to Pew Research, most Indians, regardless of background, view Pakistan as a primary threat. The 1947 Partition did little to ease tensions; instead, it intensified rivalry over the contested Kashmir region, a potential flashpoint for nuclear conflict. Among all regional challenges—Lashkar‑e‑Taiba, Naxalites, China—Pakistan tops the list for Indians.

Conversely, Pakistan sees India as its greatest threat, yet many Pakistanis are eager to improve people‑to‑people relations. Indians travelling to Pakistan—dubbed “India’s estranged midnight twin”—often report warm hospitality and generosity, noting that locals seem “just like Indians but still the perpetual ‘other.’” Unfortunately, such warmth is not always reciprocated when Pakistanis visit India.

1 Chinese — Japanese

China’s Social Attitude Questionnaire reveals that the dominant feeling toward Japan is contempt. This sentiment is ingrained early: Chinese children learn about Japanese war crimes in school, see Japanese “sadists” in films, and hear grandparents refer to Japan as “devils.” Only about 8% of Chinese hold a favourable view of the Japanese.

Japanese sentiment mirrors this hostility: merely 7% of Japanese view China positively. Most Japanese see the Chinese as loud, unruly, and even dirty, doubting their ability to flush a toilet. Direct contact is scarce—only 3.5% of Japanese have ever spoken to a Chinese person, and a mere 1.5% have visited China.

Given these deep‑seated grudges, it’s no surprise that China and Japan claim the top spot on this list of 10 stereotyped views.