It sounds just like Dublin these days except instead of posters telling us to greet strangers, we have notices telling us how racist we are!
When I was growing up here it was a very friendly city. You could go for a short walk and have 10 conversations. Now everyone is either not from around here or they have earbuds and a blank stare. I'm old school and still greet everyone, though I'm sure one day soon I'll be reported to the police for over-friendliness.
Dubliners still chat to strangers (although it has been a few years since I last visited). The contrast with Norway is staggering..