A country becomes more interesting and develops more quickly when its population includes a mixture of nationalities and cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

I definitely agree with the statement that cosmopolitan societies are better for the overall progress of a country. That is perhaps why nations such as the U.S.A., Canada and Australia, which are primarily multi-cultural societies, enjoy great prosperity, stability and harmony. In the following paragraphs I shall provide arguments to support my views.

A culturally and ethnically diverse country is so fascinating because there are many different lifestyles reflecting different ethnic origins in it. In a multi-cultural society one can enjoy a variety of unique traditions and customs which is very exciting and adds spice to life. One has more options when it comes to leisure activities. For example, when you want to get together with families, friends or co-workers, you can visit a Chinese restaurant serving cheese chilly and Manchurian or an Italian one serving pizza and pasta. Of course, there are more ethnic foods with exotic flavours available, all depending on your personal preferences. It is the same case with other kinds of entertainment. Even if you just walk on the street, you can see people wearing their traditional outfits of different ethnic styles.

A multi-cultural society can also bring a wide variety of benefits to a nation in terms of economic development. To begin with, the majority of immigrants from different cultural backgrounds are high achievers, including experts, scholars, engineers, business people and other well-trained people. Their arrival means an inflow of expertise, experience, investments as well as a dynamic labour force, which are all key factors to the increase of competitiveness, efficiency and productivity of a nation’s economy.

What is more, the new arrivals know very well the importance of respecting the local traditions and customs. Therefore, they co-operate and collaborate well with the natives. They work very harmoniously side by side in offices, factories and schools. In addition, with a rich blend of peoples, cultures and lifestyles, people in multi-cultural societies tend to be more open-minded and tolerant of other people’s customs and religions.

To sum up, when a nation has a population consisting of different nationalities and cultures, it has many unique advantages which make life there more interesting and society develops quickly. So, it has a magical attraction for so many people all over the world.