LONDON, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
We really don't know from where in the world we originate. That's the message from a global survey, which shows 6 out of 10 Brits believe the maximum number of countries to which they can trace their ancestry back is two. In reality, we are much more diverse, and a DNA project now reveals exactly how much. Travel search site momondo.co.uk reveals more.
Where are you from? It's a simple question most of us answer without hesitation. A global survey conducted among 7,200 people in 18 countries, including 400 Brits, now shows that 6 out of 10 Brits think the most you can trace their ancestry back to is two countries. But if you think you're from just two countries, you're likely mistaken.
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DNA analysis: We are more diverse than most people think
According to Brad Argent, spokesperson at AncestryDNA - the world's largest provider of personal DNA testing, our origin and inner geographical map is far more complex.
Argent states: "The findings from the survey confirm our experience with people who want to understand their DNA genealogy profile. Most people are very surprised when they find out their geographical background is more diverse than expected. We, on average, have genetic roots in four global regions, which far exceeds the general notion of two countries."
And momondo is pleased DNA insights can lend context to its global survey.
"With the survey we wanted to find out whether people knew of their ancestry. We hypothesized people may have underestimated their ancestral diversity. It all indicates we are more connected to the rest of the world than we realise - it is our aim to focus on this message," says Lasse Skole Hansen from momondo.
Hansen further elaborates: "We have therefore initiated a project with AncestryDNA to give people from all over the world the opportunity to take a DNA test and thus find out where they actually come from," concludes Lasse Skole Hansen.
DNA Journey: Visit the countries you originate from
As part of the initiative, momondo in April 2016 invited 67 ordinary people from all over the world to take part in a project, which was documented on film. People were offered to take a DNA test to find out more about their ancestry. And they spoke of their hopes of what the tests would uncover. Some weeks later they were invited back, and their results were revealed.
"The project confirmed many of us do not know our full ancestry. It also showed knowing how diverse we in fact are can be an eye-opener and even change our view of who we are and who people from other nations are," says Lasse Skole Hansen from momondo.
Find out your own DNA
Now 500 people worldwide will get the opportunity to take a DNA test, reveal their own DNA genetic origins and thus find out where they come from. Among them, one winner will get the opportunity to take a DNA journey and visit the regions from which they originate.
Watch the DNA Journey film here
Read more here (link goes live 8 am June 2nd)
About the survey
The survey is based on responses from 7,200 respondents, including 400 respondents from each of the 18 countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA.
Data collected through the research company Cint's online population panels in each country. Respondents are representative selected according to sex, age and region.
About momondo
momondo.co.uk is a free, independent and global travel search site that compares billions of prices on flights, hotels and car hire. Headquartered in Copenhagen, momondo serves travellers across 32 international markets. momondo's mobile applications are available for free for iPhone and Android. momondo has won industry accolades for 'Best Meta Search Website' and 'Best Use of Social Media' in 2014, followed again by 'Best Meta Search Website' in 2015, at the prestigious Travolution Awards in London. To download the momondo press pack, please click here.
About Ancestry
Ancestry, the leader in family history and consumer genomics, harnesses the information found in family trees, historical records, and DNA to help people gain a new level of understanding about their lives. Ancestry has more than 2.3 million paying subscribers across its core Ancestry websites and more than 1.5 million DNA tests have been completed. Since 1996, more than 17 billion records have been added, and users have created more than 80 million family trees on the Ancestry flagship site and its affiliated international websites. Ancestry offers a suite of family history products including Archives, Fold3, Newspapers.com and AncestryDNA sold by its subsidiary, Ancestry.com DNA, LLC.
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