We’re a Nation of Sun, Surf and Pasta Lovers, says Michelin

We dream – so a Michelin survey tells us – of living in a country that has Australia’s climate, Italy’s cuisine and American nightlife. Our ideal world would be one with the relaxed culture of Spanish life, Italy’s art scene, and a level of friendliness that only the Americans can deliver. In fact, the only part of Britain we’d like to have in our utopia is the architecture.

Michelin Green Guides gained this insight after surveying 5,000 adults. ”The study shows if we had our ideal place to live, we would opt for a mix of cultures and climates,” noted a Michelin Green Guides spokesman. ”The findings show just how cosmopolitan we have become and this is down to travelling more than ever before – not just in Europe but worldwide too.”

The survey uncovered that climate was the most important consideration for those who dreamed of making a new life abroad. Cuisine was voted second most important, with almost a third opting for Mediterranean-style pizza and pasta dishes. The dream destination also included a coastline as rugged and eye-catching as New Zealand’s and a transport infrastructure like that in the USA.

When thoughts turned to romance abroad the women polled said they would like the men to be Italian looking while most men polled said they’d prefer to be surrounded by Swedish ladies. The survey also revealed Brits think Sweden is the sexiest nation in the world while the French have the best sense of style. Spanish was the language the voted language of choice – even though most of the survey sample were not currently able to speak it.

The Michelin Green Guide poll was conducted in the wake of an official report that revealed as many as 165,000 British citizens quit Blighty in search of a better life in 2008. Presumably very few of this number headed for Germany, which the 5,000 strong survey group nominated to be the world’s rudest country.