Top 10 World's Friendliest Countries

Once an American man visited Japan, excited to explore a new culture. On his first day, he got lost trying to find a small temple. He asked a local woman for directions, and to his surprise, she didn’t just explain—she walked him all the way there, chatting warmly.

Later, at a family-run inn, the American tourist left his coat by accident. The owner rushed to return it, bowing as he handed it back. In Japan, this culture is commonly referred to as omotenashi, which translates to "Japanese hospitality."

Many countries are extremely welcoming to their tourists and people residing there, often going above and beyond to make them feel at home.

Another example is from India, where guests are treated as gods and hosts will go out of their way to ensure their comfort and satisfaction (अतिथि देवोभव).

In this article, we'll uncover the top 10 friendliest countries in the world where tourists are welcomed with open arms and genuine warmth. Additionally, these countries are also ideal for those who may want to move there for a new job or to study.

These countries prioritise creating a positive and inclusive environment for visitors and residents alike, making them feel like a part of the community.

List of Most Friendliest Countries in the World

Here's the list of the top 10 friendliest countries in the world for tourists and residents alike, which are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming culture. 

The data is sourced from Remitly, which has ranked them based on the Big 5 Personality Test. Here, they asked over 3,000 participants from around the globe to answer a series of questions from the ‘agreeableness’ section of the Big 5 Personality Test.

So, now you may wonder, What's this Big Personality Test thing? The Big Five personality test examines five major traits: openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism. 

Remitly's study focuses on agreeableness, which measures how much someone cares about others, helps them feel comfortable, and is willing to cooperate. The following list includes:

Source: Remitly

Info: Scores are based on a maximum of 40 points

Conclusion

As part of their research, participants were asked which countries they considered the most friendly. Interestingly, over half (57%) of respondents chose their nations as the friendliest. 

South Africa, ranked as the friendliest country in the study, stood out with a particularly patriotic response, as an impressive 97% of South Africans believed their country was the friendliest in the world.

While some countries may appear friendlier than others, it’s important to recognise that building friendships, no matter where one has moved, is about engaging with local communities, cultures, and customs.

Additionally, the above data can fluctuate based on various factors, such as current events, political climate, and economic conditions. Ultimately, the perception of friendliness in a country is subjective and can vary from person to person.