Though European nations may be forging closer links, their inhabitants continue to differ from each other in the most surprising ways. With a keen eye, some serious scolarship and a witty pen the author answers questions such as: what can you tell from a nation's swear words?; why are the English such noisy kissers?; why do Germans enjoy traffic jams?; what is the best way to insult an Italian?; and why do people tell Irish jokes?