We Ranked the Friendliest Countries — From Most to Least Friendly & We Were Surprised

In recent years, Vietnam has really boomed as a travel destination for many. Despite what some 20th-century wartime media may have led people to believe, the country is a warm, welcoming place with plenty to see and do for city slickers and jungle cats alike.

This cozy and inviting atmosphere can be attributed to the openness and humility of the Vietnamese population. Although you may not speak a word of Vietnamese, there will always be a kind local to point you in the right direction and help you get where you’re going.

Colombia is another country that is consistently unfairly portrayed in Western media. Far from the lawless desert, it is routinely described as Colombia is actually something of an oasis. It’s a country of perpetual pink sunsets and good vibes all year round.

Of course, it’s the locals who really make the country worth visiting. Plenty of countries know how to have a good time, but the citizens of Colombia know how to make visitors feel like they’re right at home as well.

Hungary is often overlooked as a travel destination in favor of more popular European destinations like England, Germany, and France. While Europeans are generally stereotyped as an uptight and serious bunch, Hungarians, in particular, are thought to be even more reserved.

But perhaps this air of reservation is simply politeness being mistaken for something else. Hungarian citizens are courteous and well-mannered, but they’re also generally pretty open-minded — a far cry from how they are typically characterized. The country itself is also worth visiting for its beauty alone.

Another European country that is consistently mischaracterized, the Netherlands is a great place to visit if you’re a first-time traveler, mostly due to how welcoming they are to visitors of all creeds and colors. Roughly 2.6 million out of the country’s 17 million citizens are foreign-born — there has to be a reason they chose to stay, right?

Of course, the country is generally well-maintained too. The overall infrastructure of its towns and cities is great, as are its canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes, all of which the country is famous for.

To be fair, many French stereotypes have some basis in reality. For example, the French are deeply passionate but not always as serious as they let on. Romanian-born French philosopher Emil Cioran is probably the best example of the country’s contradictory nature.

Visitors may be intimidated by France’s general air of seriousness and downbeat energy. Still, French people are a pretty welcoming bunch who are always interested in learning more about foreign visitors. Still, you’re probably better off not joking about their bizarre cuisine.

Here’s another country that is often maligned in Western cultures. Saudi Arabia bears the brunt of many offensive assumptions and stereotypes. Plenty of people have avoided the country due to these mischaracterizations, which is a huge shame as Saudi Arabia is very inviting to foreigners.

In fact, roughly 38.6% of Saudi Arabian citizens are immigrants from other countries. This statistic just goes to show that Saudi Arabia’s reality is vastly different from the fiction surrounding it. We’re not suggesting readers move there, but if they did, they could be guaranteed a warm welcome.

New Zealand is famed for its natural beauty. In this writer’s humble opinion, the genuine splendor and majesty of its landscapes are truly unmatched. It’s no wonder The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed there, although the director, being from New Zealand himself, probably also had something to do with it.

Now, while Hobbits may be fictional people, you can safely bet that their friendly, peace-loving nature has something to do with the geography of New Zealand. Moreover, the country has consistently been ranked as one of the safest in the world.

Jordan is a country that doesn’t often appear on travel itineraries. Of course, plenty of people are familiar with its namesake, the River Jordan, which is prominently featured in certain religious texts. It’s fitting that the country is mainly concerned with ancient history and culture.

It’s a place with a truly Biblical aura and atmosphere, but you shouldn’t feel intimidated. Jordan has a large immigrant population, accounting for roughly 32% of the country’s population. Clearly, there’s something worth sticking around for.

Similarly to Jordan, Bahrain is not usually included in lists like these, which typically exclusively feature the most popular countries and travel destinations in the world. But we’re not after popularity here – we’re after friendliness and good vibes.

And honestly, could the vibes get any better than an island paradise just off the coast of East Asia? Probably not. Bahrain is a gorgeous country with striking views and lush landscapes. Its citizens are also plenty warm and inviting.

If Europeans are stereotyped as a serious, uptight bunch, then the United Kingdom is the primordial fountain from which these assumptions were drawn. Visitors to the UK can expect gray skylines all year round, but the country’s citizens are not as gloomy as their weather may suggest.

In fact, plenty of visitors to the UK remark on how friendly many of the people are. They’re a polite bunch with a dry sense of humor and are pretty welcoming to visitors and foreigners.

The USA is a pretty mixed bag. Some parts of the country are definitely more welcoming than others. However, this diversity makes the USA unique in many ways. Visitors will quickly find their tribe no matter which state they visit.

Of course, you would probably fare much better visiting a major city than anywhere else. In many ways, the more rural parts of America are still ancient and unforgiving. Cosmopolises like New York and Los Angeles, on the other hand, will show you a good time.

The media often portrays Morocco as a dry, hot, and colorful country — these characterizations don’t stray too far from reality. Like any country that regularly appears in film and television, though, there is much more to Morocco than meets the eye.

For one, it’s a very welcoming place with a lively energy that will keep visitors on their toes. The streets are constantly packed with commuters and pedestrians, and no one ever looks — or is made to feel — out of place.

Brazil is another country that is prominently featured in various media. It’s known primarily for football (or soccer for you American readers) and great parties. But really, there should be a third item on that list: friendliness.

Although Brazil’s infectious energy and fantastic entertainment are cultural points of pride, visitors are never made to feel like visitors. You feel right at home immediately upon visiting Brazil. It also helps that the entire country looks so darn pretty.

While most European visitors are immediately drawn to more popular destinations like England or France, you’d be remiss not to stop in Croatia at some point in your travels. It’s a hidden gem, about as hidden as an entire country can be.

Croatia is famous for its wines, gorgeous and ornate architecture, and splendid coastlines. The entire country may as well be one big beach resort. It’s also a very friendly place, ranking higher than many other European countries with its good vibes and warm atmosphere.

Malaysia is yet another hidden paradise in Asia. It’s a fascinating country that is well-known for its rich cultural diversity. You see, Malaysia is not home to one group of people but three big distinct groups, namely Malay, Chinese, and Indian people.

In Malaysia, no one is a stranger. Visitors can expect plenty of kindness and welcome from the local population. You’ll also get to enjoy stunning natural vistas. We just hope you like the color green — you’ll see much of it.

Italy is one of the more popular travel destinations on this list, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a beautiful country with a rich culture and stunning natural geography. It’s also home to some of the finest architecture in Europe.

Of course, none of this would count for anything if the country also weren’t welcoming to visitors. Italians are generally a pretty lively bunch, unafraid to express themselves candidly. They’re extremely friendly towards visitors and are even willing to open their houses to foreigners and immigrants.

Turkey is in an interesting geographical position. It’s located at the crossroads between the Caucasus, the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean. As such, the country is a veritable soup of cultures and influences.

Because of this diversity, the Turkish people are willing and ready to welcome visitors to their countries and accept immigrants into the fold. In fact, more than 50 million people — foreigners and immigrants — visit Turkey each year.

While some other countries on this list are popular travel destinations, it’s almost comical how many people visit the United Arab Emirates. Many of these people eventually make the full move there, partly due to the country’s wholehearted acceptance of foreigners.

Indeed, you likely have a relative who is currently in the UAE. Thanks to the country’s forward-thinking and progressive mindset, it’s a gorgeous place with some of the most pristine architecture and infrastructure on the planet.

Taiwan is another fairly popular destination, and it’s not hard to see why. The country is famous for its highly developed infrastructure, which focuses on healthcare and social welfare. Of course, visitors mostly know it for its impressive night markets.

Visiting any country — especially one whose dominant language is so different from your own — can be intimidating. However, Taiwanese people are a friendly and accepting group, many of whom are also English-speaking. Talking to visitors is a chance for them to improve their English.

Situated off the coast of America, the Dominican Republic is a Caribbean jewel famed for its beaches, resorts, and golfing. These three items have formed the cornerstone of the country’s tourism industry, meaning visitors will get the authentic Dominican Republic experience.

It also helps that the country’s citizens are plenty welcoming and inviting. They receive millions of visitors annually, and people are magnetically drawn to the Dominican Republic’s warm, summery atmosphere. Well, that and the golf, of course.

While many of the countries on this list are outwardly friendly and polite, the gorgeous nation of Norway is a little more low-key. Norwegians can often seem reserved and distant, but their culture emphasizes the importance of treating strangers as neighbors.

For visitors to Norway, the easiest way to get to a Norwegian’s heart is to share a love and appreciation for the outdoors. It’s often said that once you’ve made a friend of a Norwegian, you’ve earned a friend for life.

Denmark is known, both throughout Europe and the world over, as the ideal place to retire. It’s considered one of the happiest countries in the world thanks to its emphasis on close relationships and a general sense of harmony and community.

The cornerstone of the Danish way of life is hygge, a term used to describe a cozy atmosphere unique to Denmark where people find joy in the small things in life. If you’ve never considered a visit, hopefully, you’ve added a new entry to your travel list.

We promise we’ll move on from European countries for a while, but Finland deserves a shout-out here, too. Europeans are generally characterized as stiff and aloof, but Finland totally goes against the grain with its warm, welcoming atmosphere, primarily in its capital of Helsinki.

Because of the country’s overall high quality of life, Finnish residents are often content to stay there for the rest of their lives. Indeed, this is a country you should seriously look into if you plan a long-term move to somewhere new.

When Tanzania appears on the average traveler’s itinerary, it’s generally due to its most famous landmark, the massive Mount Kilimanjaro. While that’s reason enough for many people to visit, it’s also worth noting that the country’s citizens are incredibly friendly as well.

Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination. While the desert can be brutal, the locals are helpful. This culture isn’t often viewed through a popular cultural lens, so we’d suggest visiting to get the whole picture.

It only took us this long to get straight back to yet another European country, but there was no way we were leaving Ireland off this list. Despite the country’s bleak history, the Irish people are a proud bunch. In fact, the only thing that outmatches their pride is their friendliness — and love for beer.

Indeed, nothing beats being in an Irish pub and soaking up the atmosphere. Though it may take some time to get used to the accent, Irish people are incredibly friendly and love a good chat.

If we could only use one word to describe Cambodia, it would be this: peaceful. While there are plenty of beautiful places to visit in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is special for several reasons. In particular, there’s a general sense of harmony and balance, exemplified by the even spread of both natural and manmade structures.

This peacefulness also seems to permeate the lives of the country’s citizens. Cambodian people are welcoming to strangers and are more than happy to take them to one of the country’s many gorgeous landmarks.

Botswana is a collection of tight-knit communities that welcome visitors with open arms. A strong sense of culture permeates the entire country, though it’s of a different sort than most people may be familiar with.

For starters, it should come as no surprise that safaris are a big deal in Botswana due to its proximity to the Kalahari and the Okavango Delta. Open Jeep tours are the primary tourist attractions, but the country is also known for amazing game reserves and beautiful grassland sights.

Namibia is one of the most popular destinations in Southern Africa. Spoiler alert: The most popular destination appears later on this list. Where Botswana is lively and constantly moving, Namibia presents a much more laid-back culture.

Of course, there are still plenty of deserts to explore, but Namibia plays host to millions of visitors, many of whom are looking for a relaxing stay. As such, Namibia’s capital — Windhoek — is known for its affordable guest hotels and its easy-going population, which loves entertaining its visitors.

Fiji is yet another Pacific Asian country on this list. What can we say? That stretch of land seems to cultivate the chillest populations. Fiji is known for its stunning sights, colorful architecture, and beautiful coral reefs.

Many people would probably take things a little easier if they were also surrounded by such incredible natural beauty. The country also has one of Asia’s most developed and robust economies.

For a country with the word “ice” in its name, Iceland has a surprisingly warm atmosphere. We mean atmosphere in a more figurative sense here — don’t be fooled by all the green; it’s still pretty cold up in Iceland.

That said, Icelandic people are nothing like the climate they inhabit. They are charming and boisterous and have a great sense of humor. They can seem distant to outsiders, but that’s just because their friendliness and warmth are much more subtle.

Costa Rica is the ideal destination for nature lovers. The country is perhaps most famous for its natural beauty, which visitors can experience first-hand thanks to the abundance of national parks. Here, you’ll also get to participate in various exciting activities, such as ziplining, river rafting, and canyoning.

Of course, the country’s geography is not the only thing that’s pretty. The Costa Rican nation is also quite friendly and more than willing to guide newcomers through its many social and cultural activities.

As fans of ancient history, culture, and architecture, we find it impossible not to be familiar with Greece. It’s a country known worldwide for its stunning views, old-world sensibilities, and perpetually warm summertime atmosphere.

What you may not know, however, is that Greece has another cultural tradition. Philoxenia, roughly translated, means “hospitality.” Indeed, many Greek citizens pride themselves on their amicability, politeness, and openness to newcomers. It’s hard to go wrong here as a visitor.

Readers should already be familiar with Mexico. It’s a shame that the country is primarily discussed in conversations regarding its proximity to — and relation to — the United States, its cousin across the border. There is so much more to the country than that, however.

The country’s rich culture is perhaps the most compelling reason to visit. Rather than guarding their traditions from visitors and foreigners, Mexican citizens are more than willing to share their culture, welcoming newcomers with open arms. The country plays host to over 40 million visitors per year.

Portugal is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. The country’s history is long and extensive, featuring daring explorers and adventurers. This adventurousness is perfectly reflected in the country’s cuisine, which caters to various palates and tastes.

Of course, Portuguese citizens are also easy-going people who spare more than enough time for visitors to their country. The many historic sites throughout Portugal make it worth a visit alone, but the general sense of hospitality only makes it even more compelling.

Similarly to Portugal, Spain is famous for its rich culture and strong sense of place through its historic sites and architecture. Indeed, Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations on this list, primarily for those reasons but also for the country’s general openness to newcomers.

Many visitors to Spain elect to make their stay a permanent one. Roughly 17% of the population — around 7.2 million — are foreign expats. We’re willing to bet it’s not just the food people stay for.

If you’re a fan of natural landscapes, the Philippines is probably already on your travel list. The entire region is dominated by scenic, postcard-worthy landscapes: vast mountain ranges, dense jungles, gorgeous beaches, and awe-inspiring volcanoes. Of course, it’s not just the geography that’s beautiful.

Indeed, the entire nation is populated by warm, friendly people who are more than happy to welcome visitors to their country. The Philippines is also famous for its exciting nightlife, which you can enjoy in the company of its native citizens.

Australia has been the brunt of many jokes over the years. However, to the nation’s credit, its people seem to have taken it on the chin. It probably helps that Australians tend to have a pretty good sense of humor and are more than willing to play into some of the jokes made at their expense.

They’re also very welcoming. The country’s tourism industry is huge and caters extensively to foreigners and travelers with its many beaches and historic sites. Many visitors ultimately choose to stay, and the country’s immigrant population totals roughly 7.6 million.

It’s almost comical to mention Thailand on this list, as readers almost always anticipate its inclusion. The facts don’t lie: Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, thanks to its unbeatable vibes.

While you may consider a trip for the delicious, spicy cuisine alone, you’ll be happy to know that your entire stay here will be made that much better by the friendly citizens who are always eager to introduce newcomers to their culture.

As a nation, Canada is often stereotyped as being friendly and polite to an extreme extent. We’re here to settle the rumors once and for all — they’re all true. Canadians pride themselves on their niceness, and a few countries can stand to learn a thing or two from them.

Of course, the country is also considered one of the most stable in the world, with a robust, thriving economy, excellent healthcare, and a bustling tourism industry. As of 2024, immigrants comprise about 23% of the country’s population.

And here we have it, folks, the friendliest country in the world: South Africa. While it’s far from being the most well-developed country on this list, every other positive trait we’ve assigned also applies here. South Africans are friendly, colorful, excitable, welcoming, and hilarious.

Indeed, despite the country’s unpleasant history, you would be hard-pressed to find people more willing to crack a joke at any given second. South Africa also has stunning geography, like Table Mountain in the Western Cape. If you haven’t visited already, this is your sign.