I think the majority of english peeps would say the same..

Last time we were back in the UK, admittedly 2008, I was amazed to be having genuine conversations with strangers all the time - really fun. My husband has been over several times including twice this year and was greatky impressed by friendliness and sociability of the people there.

The facts don't back that up. As a percentage of gdp, US residents give over 2x the amount as the Brits and 10x the amount of the French to charity.

http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/

Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.

That's so they can say they lent a hand but not actually do any work!

A tax-deductible donation is different from being there for somebody.

47% of Americans don't pay federal income tax but are some of the biggest givers as a percentage of their income.

Does that include contributions to churches?

Well maybe we can say we are as kind as each other just that going with a stranger to a hospital for example is more public (and therefore noticable) act of generosity than donating to charity. Both are worthwhile. Although a bit of TLC is sometimes needed more than cash, New Orleans and Haiti come to mind. A bit of cash more than love is more needed in other situations; the recent Pakistan floods 'need' more British donations for instance.

I'm sure it does.

And with some churches/religions, that isn't a choice

I also wonder how the data is compiled.

For instance, donations to churches.. I'm an atheist so am not a member of a religious congregation here in the US, or in England. I don't give a tax-deductible "tithe" to a church or anything. But, I like visiting churches in England (to check out the rood screen or whatever..) I always put a few pounds in the donations box. Is that loose change actually compiled and included in this comparative data? How about when I go to visit a cathedral in England; most of them charge for entry, £5 often. Is that an entry fee, a charitable donation, or part one, part the other?

Yes,I think the USA is a very giving country! Sadly it isn't always appreciated!!!.

Going back to England in 6 weeks.Looking forward to taking notes.

This reminds me of when I went to The Met in NYC and there's a 'suggested donation' of $10 I think. When the woman at the entrance asked us how much we'd like to 'donate' my friend didn't have any money so I said I'll cover it and got a 20 out. She looked at me blankly. So I put the bill under the perspex thingy and she kept staring at me.
"How much is your donation Sir?"
"O I'll pay 20 for both of us"
"How much is that each? How would you like me to split this Sir?"
"Ummm does it matter? 10 each, whatever, is that OK?"
"Well I need to put in the exact contribution per visitor"
"O right well I'd like to pay $10 for each of us"
"Are you together?"
"Liiiike 'together' together? No"
So she gave me $10 change for my 20 and I gave the $10 to my friend and he gave it to her.

We went through wondering whether it was us or her who was being an idiot. Probably all of us.

Yes it does. And to private educational establishments.

I do think Americans are generous in their charitable giving, but I would like to see the methodology of the country by country comparison before accepting it at face value.

What about Private Family Foundations? I note that they can "provide continuing employment and activity for your family members. "