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Whether you are travelling in Europe or further afield, planning a longer stay abroad, or even wanting to emigrate, one thing is always important: how friendly the people are at your vacation destination or in your destination country. After all, we often fondly remember the helpfulness or surprising invitations from locals.
In April of this year, Remitly, a digital provider of financial services, commissioned a study to determine which nations are the friendliest in the world. More than 3,000 people from all over the world took part and answered questions on a survey platform.
Participants were asked whether they take time for others, like to help, care about others, etc. Points were awarded for this; the higher the participants’ score, the “friendlier” these people were generally rated. Of course, the results heavily depend on personal self-assessment and the respondents’ honesty.
10. Belgium
The maximum number of points that could be achieved was 40, and the Belgians surveyed scored 32.5 points—putting them in tenth place out of 25 nations. Belgium, with its capital Brussels, where the European Union and NATO have their headquarters, is a popular travel destination and a top destination for emigration and work.
According to the ranking, you can not only look forward to delicious chocolate, tasty beer, picturesque old towns like Bruges, and lots of nature but also to courteous locals.
9. Estonia
The Estonians scored slightly better than Belgium in the survey, 32.58 points out of 40. Although travellers in Estonia sometimes feel that the locals are rather aloof, they are not lacking in politeness and hospitality. You will realize this as soon as you ask for help.
These are good prerequisites if you plan to visit the exciting capital, Tallinn, or, for example, the Estonian islands, many of which are still insider tips.
8. Germany
Germany ranks eighth among the top 25 friendliest countries, with 32.66 out of a maximum of 40 points. If this surprises you, according to the survey, Germans like to be hospitable, whether to travelers or new citizens.
This is good news for visitors to Germany from other countries and for Germans themselves, who want to explore their country from Glücksburg in the far north to Sonthofen in the far south.
7. Canada
If you’ve ever been to Canada, you’ve probably noticed that most locals are extremely friendly. They scored 32.84 points out of 40 in the survey, putting them in seventh place.
So if you are planning a trip to Canada, be it to metropolitan areas such as Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver; to the wild nature of the Yukon, or to remote Nunavut, you can be sure of the people’s hospitality. And that’s not all: Canada is also very popular for emigration!
6. Australia
Australia ranks sixth with 33.13 out of 40 points, just ahead of Canada. Perhaps you have already been there yourself, been welcomed as a “mate,” and felt the importance of friendliness and friendship in Australia.
According to Remitly, this hospitality is not surprising, as Australia is a classic country of immigration—people have internalized what it means to be new. That’s why you can look forward to openness and empathy on your trip to Sydney, the red heart of Australia, the wild nature of the north, or wherever else you go in Australia.
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5. Sweden
The Swedes scored 33.30 out of 40 points, putting them in fifth place. Travelers in Sweden often initially have the impression that the locals are very reserved, but there is no shortage of hospitality and helpfulness.
So, if you associate Sweden, first and foremost, with a Bullerbü idyll, you’re not entirely wrong (in some places). This is a good basis for your next visit to Stockholm or Gothenburg or a trip into Sweden’s nature, be it to Dalarna, the Höga Kusten, or distant Swedish Lapland.
4. Mexico
Cheerfulness and hospitality are two keywords that travellers and expats often associate with Mexicans. The survey also confirmed that they are very friendly, scoring 33.47 out of 40 points.
So if you plan a trip to Mexico City, the popular Yucatán Peninsula with its dream beaches, famous pyramids, or other highlights of Mexico, you will surely meet courteous, friendly locals.
3. Croatia
According to the survey, Croatia is one of the two friendliest countries in Europe, with 33.5 out of 40 points. The popular vacation destination is not only known for its picturesque old towns, such as Dubrovnik, or its dream beaches from Istria to Dalmatia but also for its hospitable inhabitants.
So if you are spontaneously invited to one of the seemingly countless cafés for a chat, don’t be surprised—the café culture associated with friendly get-togethers is important to the people of Croatia, and travelers will quickly notice this.
2. Greece
Greece is in second place out of 25 and is currently the friendliest European country. The Greeks surveyed scored 33.71 out of 40 points. If you have ever been to Greece, you may not be surprised, as the people there like to be sociable and hospitable.
So whether you are planning a trip to Athens, a beach vacation on the Greek islands, or want to experience the mountains instead of the coasts of Greece, you can expect helpfulness and friendliness everywhere.
1. South Africa
South Africa took first place in the ranking with 34.63 points out of 40. You may be surprised if you have not yet been to the country at the southern tip of Africa. Still, South Africans are generally hospitable and warm, so the country is also popular for emigration.
The country’s great friendliness combined with a variety of sights makes it difficult to choose: Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope, the Garden Route, and the Kruger National Park are just a few of the highlights that you can explore in South Africa.
- source: reisereporter.de/picture: pixabay.com
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