Football: The Way to a Nation’s Heart

England, my home country, is playing its second World Cup match today. St. George’s flags are everywhere, and there is a palpable excitement in the air as the nation wills its players on to glory.

For the last game against the USA some 20+ million people tuned in to watch the match on TV – not bad, considering the population of England is only 51 million, and that of the UK as a whole 61 million. And if England do well and progress through the competition that number will keep on rising.

True, not everyone likes football. But in Britain – and indeed in many other countries around the world – you’d be hard pushed to find a more common cultural reference point.

And when it comes to moving abroad these cultural landmarks are crucial. National obsessions – whether they are sports or politics or music – are important parts of the social fabric. As an expat, learning something about them helps you understand the mentality of the people around you. It helps you integrate with them. It’s a way to strike up conversations, make friends, feel involved. And hopefully have a good time.

So take an interest in whatever fixates the population of your chosen country. You’ll find it a huge help.

Related posts:

1. Your Moving Abroad Location Checklist
2. Searching for a Better Life Abroad?
3. Expat Allegiances
4. Immigration and the UK’s Population Growth
5. Migration and the UK Coalition