For those of you that are Introverts you might feel that the world was built for extroverts. With open offices, ongoing networking events, and a culture of constant sociability it can be very draining for Introverts. But the world is large, and not every country operates that way. Some countries have cultures that naturally align with introversion. These places are quieter, more reflective, with greater respect for personal space and depth of social connection.
By using our Big Five personality database, which covers Extraversion scores across 80 countries, we identified the ten nations with the lowest average Extraversion scores. These are the places where reserved and thoughtful people may find the cultural environment most compatible with how they naturally are.
First what does low Extraversion mean for countries: A low average Extraversion score does not mean a country is unfriendly, cold, or unwelcoming. It means the population tends to be more reserved, quiet, and thoughtful. Introverts prefer deeper personal connections over large group socializing, they value personal space, as well as communicating with more restraint and thought than cultures that score higher on this trait.
For introverts, these tendencies often feel comfortable and familiar. When the culture matches your natural style, you spend less energy adapting and more energy living and thriving.
The following rankings are based on average Extraversion scores from our personality database. Lower scores indicate greater average introversion within a country's population. Scores are measured on a scale of 0 to 100.
| Rank | Country | Extraversion Score | Score (Visual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finland | 30 | |
| 2 | Eritrea | 33 | |
| 3 | South Korea | 34 | |
| 4 | Nigeria | 35 | |
| 5 | Taiwan | 36 | |
| 6 | Bangladesh | 38 | |
| 7 | Algeria | 39 | |
| 8 | Russia | 40 | |
| 9 | Zimbabwe | 41 | |
| 10 | Sweden | 42 |
Finland's position at the top of this list will surprise nobody who has spent time there or studied Nordic cultures. Finns have a famous relationship with silence. Silence is not considered awkward but comfortable, respectful, and honest. Personal space and time for yourself are also deeply valued. Social interactions in Finland tend to be purposeful, genuine, and meaningful rather than performative or an act. For introverts who find constant small talk exhausting, Finland offers a rare cultural permission to simply be quiet and respectful.
Three African nations appearing in a list of the world's most introverted countries can challenge common assumptions. Some notable African cultures are often associated with communal, socially vibrant ways of life and many are. But Extraversion as measured by the Big Five reflects specific behavioral tendencies around assertiveness, talkativeness, and seeking social energy, which can vary significantly even within cultures that are collectively oriented. These results are a reminder that introversion and communal values are not mutually exclusive. A society can prioritize community while its members express themselves in more measured ways.
Eritrea's appearance near the top of this list is one of the most unexpected findings in our dataset. Though we wanted to note something important/// Since achieving independence in 1993 Eritrea has been under oppressive and authoritarian rule during that time. During that time the president, Isaias Afwerki, has effectively banned large gatherings, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of political expression, as well as other freedoms and human rights. We believe that Eritrea’s low Extraversion score is partly caused by the oppressive rule. While we could have removed Eritrea from the list because of the oppression, we wanted to include the country for informational purposes and awareness.
South Korea's position in the top three is more culturally significant than it might initially seem. Korean culture places important emphasis on hierarchy, restraint in public, and measured social behavior. This is especially important in professional and formal settings, though it also affects areas where self-expression is encouraged like in the Arts. The concept of "nunchi," the art of reading a room and responding with sensitivity rather than boldness, is deeply embedded in Korean social norms. While Korean cities like Seoul are energetic and fast paced, the foundational social culture often rewards careful observation over constant self-expression, which many introverts find naturally comfortable.
Nigeria's low Extraversion score is perhaps the most counterintuitive and surprising entry on this list. Nigeria is known globally for its vibrant music, entrepreneurial energy, and expressive cultural celebrations. However, the Big Five model measures specific behavioral dimensions of personality. Nigeria's score suggests that beneath the cultural vibrancy, many Nigerians exhibit measured personality tendencies. This may reflect the influence of Nigeria's diverse ethnic cultures. Many of which emphasize respect, restraint, and listening over assertive self expression in personal conversations.
Taiwan fits comfortably in this list for those familiar with East Asian cultural norms. Like South Korea and Japan (which also scores relatively low on Extraversion), Taiwan's social culture emphasizes modesty, thoughtfulness, and careful listening. Taiwanese people are regarded as warm and genuinely helpful, though this warmth tends to express itself through acts of consideration rather than outward social performance. For introverts who value authentic connection without the pressure of constant social energy, Taiwan could be an ideal location for those wanting an introverted population with a high standard of life.
Bangladesh, as one of the world's most densely populated countries, presents an interesting paradox: despite the constant proximity of people with a high population density, its Extraversion score suggests a population that tends toward reserved, and measured personality expression. Bangladeshi culture places high value on respect, deference to elders, and careful social navigation. These qualities are associated with measured social behavior rather than expressive social behavior. The contrast between the population density of the environment and the inward nature of its people is a fascinating example of how culture and personality can diverge from what geography might predict.
Algeria, North Africa's largest country, scores relatively low on Extraversion in a way that reflects both its cultural and historical context. Algerian social norms tend to emphasize restraint, family privacy, and measured public behavior. These set of values have been shaped by a unique blend of Berber, Arab, and French cultural influences. Social life in Algeria is often centered around close-connected families rather than broad social networks. This way of life in Algeria aligns with introverted tendencies, even in a society where community bonds run deep.
Russia's appearance on this list aligns closely with what many tourists and researchers have observed about Russian social culture. Russians are often perceived as cold and closed off, but this is a cultural style rather than a reflection of a lack of personal warmth. The Russian cultural tradition makes a clear distinction between how one behaves with strangers versus close friends and family. With familiar company, Russians are known for deep, intense, and generous social connection. For introverts who prefer fewer but deeper relationships, Russia's social tendencies may be ideal and provide more value than extroverted societies.
Zimbabwe's position on this list, like Nigeria's, challenges assumptions about African cultures as uniformly extroverted. Though we also wanted to note something important/// For nearly 30 years Zimbabwe was under oppressive rule by Robert Mugabe from 1987 to 2017. During that time several terrible things happened to Zimbabweans with worsening health conditions, worsening economic conditions, suppression of human rights, and other things. Political opponents and critics of Mugabe were threatened, beaten, imprisoned, and even killed during that time. While Mugabe was removed in 2017, parts of the previous way of rule continue today. Like Eritrea we could have removed Zimbabwe from the list entirely, but we wanted to include them for information and awareness purposes.
Sweden's inclusion in the top ten will surprise few people for those familiar with Scandinavian culture. Like neighboring Finland, Sweden has a social culture that prizes personal space, independence, and quiet competence over clear sociability. The Swedish concept of "lagom", meaning roughly "just the right amount," not too much nor too little, captures an essential part of Swedish social norms. Swedes tend not to seek attention, boast about their achievements, or fill silence with meaningless talk. For introverts, this cultural restraint and poise can feel like a relief from extroverted countries.
Just Missed the Rank: Japan, New Zealand, Ukraine
It is important not to conflate introversion with coldness or social animosity. Several of the countries on this list are consistently rated among the world's most livable, happy, and welcoming nations. Introversion simply describes a tendency for lower stimulation social environments and more measure self-expression. Warmth and gratitude are just expressed differently.
For introverts who have spent their lives feeling out of sync with the social expectations around them, discovering that entire national cultures operate closer to how an introvert naturally acts can be genuinely surprising.
Africa makes its mark. Four African nations appear in the top 10 most introverted countries. This finding challenges oversimplified narratives about African social culture and underscores the value of looking at data rather than stereotypes.
East Asia is well represented. South Korea and Taiwan both appear, consistent with what researchers and tourists have observed about East Asian cultures. Social harmony, measured expression, and respect for hierarchy tend to shape the reserved social behavior in East Asia.
Scandinavia still has a presence. Finland and Sweden both appear in the top 10, confirming the region's reputation for reserved social culture. However, eight of the ten most introverted countries are outside Scandinavia entirely.
The gap from extroverts to introverts is significant. The most introverted country (Finland, 30) scores 36 points below the most extroverted (Mexico, 66). That is a substantial cultural difference, the equivalent of moving from one end of the personality spectrum to the other.
The Extraversion scores used in this article come from the wheresmypersonality database, which draws on Big Five personality research and cross-cultural psychology studies. Scores represent average population tendencies within each country and should not be interpreted as applying to every individual. There is room for variability. These rankings are best understood as broad cultural tendencies rather than absolute national characteristics. The scores presented are approximations.
Knowing which countries are most introverted is a starting point. But your ideal location depends on all five personality traits and not just Extraversion. Take the free quiz to find your true match across 80 countries, US states, and cities.
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