If you have the opportunity to travel to various places around the world, you will notice that some countries excel in certain areas to the extent that the world looks to them for inspiration and even learns from them.
1. Toilets in Japan
Japanese people often use smart toilets with automatic lids.
It may seem odd to start this list with something like toilets, but many foreigners visiting Japan have confirmed that the facilities in this land of the rising sun are on a completely different “level.”
If you have never experienced the wonders of toilets in Japan, you are missing out on a masterpiece of the world. Japanese toilets often come equipped with automatic lids, heated seats, and various water pressure settings for washing. Some high-end models even include dryers and sound systems to provide a relaxing experience while taking care of business.
2. Vending Machines in Switzerland, China, and Japan
In some countries, vending machines offer a much wider variety of products.
Vending machines are popular worldwide, but in most places, they only sell common items like bottled water, ready-to-eat meals, or snacks.
However, in certain countries, vending machines are much more diverse. You can find cheese vending machines in Switzerland, bread and pizza vending machines in various Asian countries, and even live crab vending machines in China.
In addition to special items, vending machines in Japan are also equipped with heating and cooling functions. For just a few yen, people can enjoy a warm and delicious cup of coffee.
3. Biking in the Netherlands and Denmark
In these two countries, streets are designed with bicycles as the priority mode of transport.
Biking in the capitals of Amsterdam and Copenhagen is a completely different experience compared to biking in any other city around the world. This is because the streets are designed with bicycles as the priority mode of transport.
Bicycle lanes are often separated from car lanes for safety reasons, and there are even overpasses specifically for bicycles, along with multi-level bike parking. This encourages many people to bike even during the cold winter months.
No wonder the residents of these countries are known for their active lifestyles and maintaining great physiques.
4. Immaculately Clean Streets in Singapore
The streets of Singapore are virtually free of litter.
If you have ever had the chance to visit Singapore, you will notice that this country is almost obsessed with cleanliness and environmental care. They even impose heavy fines for littering or smoking in prohibited areas.
Thanks to a large cleaning workforce and great public awareness, the streets of Singapore are virtually free of litter, with neatly trimmed bushes and spotless interiors in all buildings. The citizens of this country value cleanliness to the extent that the government banned chewing gum in 1992.
5. High-Speed Trains in South Korea, China, Japan, and Europe
These trains travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h and are rarely late.
If anyone has ever experienced riding on a Japanese bullet train, they will likely agree that it is a fantastic mode of transportation that far exceeds cars. These trains travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h and are rarely late. This is why many people living in large cities choose not to buy cars, saving money while also protecting the environment.
6. Green Living in Sweden
Sweden has the highest renewable energy usage.
Sweden was ranked by Sustainability magazine as the “greenest” country in the world in 2021. According to the magazine, Sweden has the highest renewable energy usage and the lowest carbon emissions. By 2045, this country aims to reduce emissions by 85% to 100%.
More than half of the energy consumed is produced from renewable sources. Sweden has also reduced emissions through the use of electric buses, smart roads, and urban farming. Sustainability is further achieved through food banks and extensive recycling systems.
7. Work-Life Balance in Italy
People in Italy enjoy the best work-life balance.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), people in Italy enjoy the best work-life balance. It is no surprise that the most important aspect of a healthy work-life balance is the amount of time people do not spend at work and their leisure time.
Italian workers have the most time for leisure and personal activities in surveys. Only 3% of employees in this country work long hours (50 hours or more per week). In comparison, 10.4% of American employees work long hours, placing the USA much lower in the rankings (29th out of 41 countries surveyed).
8. Hospitality in Portugal
Portugal is the friendliest country for foreign residents worldwide.
According to the 2022 Expat Insider survey, which targeted expatriates living abroad, Portugal rose 9 places to claim the title of the friendliest country for foreign residents globally.
This sunny country warmly welcomes foreigners, with 36% of respondents stating they felt at home immediately—almost double the global average (19%). When asked if they could stay in Portugal forever, nearly half (47%) answered yes.
According to a Dutch expatriate, the Portuguese “care for one another.” Nearly 4 out of 5 foreigners (79%) consider the Portuguese to be friendly, and about 1/3 (29%) say that locals make up the majority of their friend groups—a significantly higher figure than the global average of foreign residents (19%).
