Americans do the same thing, though not usually to complete strangers. Once you are considered a "friend" though, they may start giving unwanted advice about how to run your business, how to treat your wife and kids, etc. More than advice though, I would say America is the land of opinions. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks their opinion is important and equally valid. We also have a saying: "Opinions are like assh*les. Everyone has one and they all stink."