re: I have travelled the world, and the most inhospitable, unhappy people I've

I think it's mainly a difference in culture. Russians are more reserved than Americans and usually won't smile or say hi when passing by; they keep a serious demeanor. I see how this can come off as being unhappy or inhospitable to us and other foreigners but when they are with their family and friends they are just like us.

Some of the happiest people I know are Russians.