People who are born and bred in the southern Dutch province of Limburg regard those from other parts of the Netherlands as more threatening than ‘foreigners’ according to research into the Limburg identity.

The survey, carried out for local paper De Limburger and the Limburg museum, also showed that while over 80% of Limburgers consider themselves to be hospitable and welcoming, most outsiders find it much more difficult to feel at home.

The local language, landscape, carnival and the Limburg vlaai  are key elements that make the province what it is, according to the 561 people who took part in the survey. Newcomers, however, put the landscape top of the list.

The survey was carried out to promote a new exhibition on Limburg’s DNA at the museum, which runs until February.