5 Top Countries To Live In As An Introvert
Japan
Japan has one of the biggest but loneliest cities in the world, Tokyo. But it is only lonely if you are an extroverted Westerner. Japanese culture in general is very reserved. This is the complete opposite of Western Culture.
Introverts often get criticized in the Western world due to being unfairly labeled as “Antisocial”. This kind of label forces introverts to conform and become more extroverted.
The pressure of talking to people just for the sake of it and appearing to be a people person does not exist in Japan. Introverts are free to roam and be their genuine introverted selves without the pressures of extroverted Western culture.
Sweden
If it is the solitude you are looking for then Sweden is the place for your introverted nature. Speaking of nature, most of Sweden is covered in nature. Sweden has a rule about setting up shop in a tent in any location as long as rules aren’t broken. This would be considered a homeless act back in the West.
Scandinavians tend to have introverted tendencies. Personal space is a big thing in Sweden. One traveler stated that he saw a group of people spread at a bus stop. The group treated each other as if it was the early stages of the 2020 pandemic.
This sounds like an introvert dream but the downside is that it makes it challenging to connect with other like minds.
Finland
Finland is very similar to the Upper Midwest in North America, miserably cold and always snowing. This factor alone creates moody and socially distant people. The Finnish culture is generally known not for keeping in touch with family members.
Introverts are definitely guilty of this. The balancing act of keeping in touch with everyone can be an overwhelming task for introverts. When visiting other countries with strong family values, this can be awkward. Try explaining to someone of a different culture who is family oriented that you don’t really keep in touch with family.
As an introvert, you will be free of this painful social custom in Finland.
Lithuania
It has been said that foreigners are perplexed why Lithuanians don’t use coffee or tea time to engage in small talk like some of their European counterparts. Vilnius would be a perfect destination for many introverts who have a do not disturb combined with a nomadic lifestyle.
Introverts tend to be on the creative side and more than likely would choose a career that requires a lot of alone time. Depending on the type of work, working remotely attracts many introverts.
Vilnius is ranked 5th for most remote work-friendly cities. This is due to the city’s ecosystem. The combination of these factors of no pressure to socialize and remote work makes this a place of value for introverts.
Poland
Introverts are great listeners and observers. Polish people are generally good listeners and have a tendency to be observant and people watch like a hawk. Unlike some other countries in Europe, being flashy and superficial is unlikely by the locals.
Another great thing about cities in Poland specifically Warsaw, is that the city isn’t overcrowded like other Western European countries. Crowded places are a nightmare for introverts. Less crowded spaces give introverts mental energy and clarity.
“It felt really bad not being able to make connections. But with some people, my mind was just blank, and I didn’t know what to say. Small talk wasn’t natural to me”
‘introverted’ Iga Swiatek
Take “introverted countries” with a grain of salt. Obviously, there are exceptions. Focus more on the cultural norms that will align with your introverted tendencies.
