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I've been sifting through the various data available online (the HDI, Privacy International, more general political information websites etc.) in an attempt to uncover a nation which might be best disposed to, shall we say, free-thought.

Now, I'm a UK passport holder who has lived in France for nearly 4 years, which I consider a mild improvement as far as free and secular living is concerned - although I should point out it has its problems. Every time I turn on British news I see more disturbing plans afoot, today the Guardian reports on drones to monitor civilian action like protesting and fly-posting. Hm.

So, where else, in people's experience, might be an attractive option to the camera-shy, politically progressive, secular and free-thinking among us? I only really know Italy well enough to comment further - a wonderful place with an utterly bonkers political sense. I hear Portugal and Spain are improving all the time. Any thoughts?

edited Jan 24 at 11:54

rjstelling♦♦
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asked Jan 23 at 4:53

MGW Lahiffe
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Sten Oomen · Answer 1 · 2010-01-23 12:53:30Z UTC

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Try The Netherlands and Belgium, they're pretty active...

http://www.skepsis.nl

Netherlands best option, here in The Netherlands there are a lot of free spirits.

Mrs. Sten Oomen - The Netherlands

answered Jan 23 at 12:53

Sten Oomen
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	Woohoo, I'm packing now! – Skrivener Jan 23 at 18:40
	The Netherlands is always the first name mentioned, must be a good sign! Let's hope rising sea levels don't cause you too many problems... – MGW Lahiffe Jan 25 at 12:26
	Stack Excahnge is not a forum or message board. Answers should be well research and sources cited where possible. If there is an explanation on another site please summerise it in your answer in addition to just providing links. Refer to the skepticexchange.org/faq – rjstelling♦ Jul 10 at 19:15

Skrivener · Answer 2 · 2010-01-23 07:12:12Z UTC

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Born and grew up in Australia - it used to be a good candidate, but internet filtering?? I'm currently in the US (8 years), nuff said. How about Wales or Scotland? Somewhere in South America? Canada might be an option.

answered Jan 23 at 7:12

Skrivener
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	Here is a nice video on internet censorship: babelgum.com/3021436/… – rjstelling♦ Jan 23 at 15:36
	Ominously, the video didn't work... And I've heard a lot of complaining coming from Australians recently on this subject, a rapid decline seems to have occured Down Under, which is a shame. New Zealand gets a lot of good reviews, though. I come from the Welsh border - it is a lovely part of the world, but there's very little political or social difference from England, in truth. Scotland is a different story - I'd very much like to see Scottish independence and how it works, I'd be quite optimistic about it...and happy Burns' Night, while we're at it. – MGW Lahiffe Jan 25 at 12:30
	Also, Canada is often mentioned, although I hear their censorship laws are oddly draconian, and there's a recent and consistent shift to a more 'American' way of thinking going on in government. I don't know a lot about South America, but it doesn't scream 'freethought' at me immediately - any examples? I'm going to back Portugal for now, might try six months in Lisbon and see what that's like. – MGW Lahiffe Jan 25 at 12:34

Mark Z. · Answer 3 · 2010-01-26 13:18:41Z UTC

I haven't researched or compared it , really, but Switzerland seems pretty okay. We're a conservative country in many ways, but none extreme and importantly civil liberties are really highly valued here. We have little to no censorship (what we do have is mostly imported e.g. videogames from germany) and there's usually a legal way to get around it. I've never seen a single ad for homeopathy nor seen someone advertising it, so woo seems to be weak around here...

What are the most Skeptic friendly Countries?

3 Answers