A team of economists has recently planned some 17 000 "missing wallets" in 40 different countries all over the globe, with different amounts of money. The researchers wanted to show that when money is involved, people are more likely to be deceptive. The study's results, however, made it clear that we still have a lot to learn about human behaviour.

The interesting findings of the report, published in Science newspaper, show that the higher the money inside, the more likely that the missing property will be returned to the rightful owner. A similar pattern was observed in 38 out of 40 study countries, but in Switzerland, Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark and Sweden), the Netherlands and Poland the highest rates of return were recorded. Swiss people returned over 70% cash-free wallets and almost 80% cash-free wallets, while Poles accounted for more than 60% empty wallets and almost 70% more precious wallets.

The researchers in a further "big cash" experiment raised the "missing" to €94, and they found that the wallets were returned even more often, in three countries - the United States, UK, and Poland. In total, over 70% of $94 wallets have been returned, while over 60% of the lower-value wallets have received back delivery.

The study shows Polish people to be an honest people. What other characteristics are you going to identify with?

It can easily be expected that the study demonstrated people's innate integrity. The researchers proposed however another fascinating hypothesis - we still want to see ourselves in a good light whilst we care for the well-being of others. How will we see if we keep the money?

Whatever the reason it's safe to end - it is highly likely that you will be identified and handed back if you ever lose your wallet in Poland.