What are the world’s friendliest countries?

A 2024 study by fintech company, Remitly, ranked which countries in the world were the friendliest based on the views of more than 3,000 respondents in 27 countries.[1]

If you’re looking to move abroad, friendliness and community can be an important consideration when deciding on a location. It can also be useful to learn about your chosen country's culture and customs ahead of the relocation.

With that in mind, continue reading as we explore the countries that were voted the world’s friendliest nations and what makes them so popular.

South Africa

South Africa is a diverse country that has a population of 63.21 million people, and tops Remitly’s list of friendliest countries with a total score of 34.63 out of 40.[1]

Its cities often score highly for their warmth and approachability in world rankings too. For example, Cape Town was selected as one of the most welcoming cities globally by readers of Conde Nast Traveller with a score of 91.3 out of 100, who cited how warm and vibrant its atmosphere was.[2]

This African country’s popularity with visitors from across the world also helps to explain why it came first in Remitly’s rankings.[1] In 2024, the World Economic Forum voted South Africa as the top destination for tourism on this continent because of its focus on inclusivity and hospitality. [3]

The range of events held in South Africa celebrate its distinct culture and encourage strong community ties. Its International Jazz Festival and Knysna Oyster Festival are just some examples of how shared experiences of things like food, art and music are used to bring people together here.

Greece

Next up is Greece, which scored a high 33.71 out of 40 to be named the second friendliest country in the world.[1]

Famous for its delicious food, hospitality and Mediterranean climate, it is a popular destination for both visitors and expats. A vital part of Greek culture that makes it so welcoming for individuals is the ancient custom of “philoxenia”, which refers to the tradition of welcoming guests with respect and warmth.

For those who enjoy a community feel, the bustling locations of Thessaloniki and Rhodes could be the ideal place to live. They have a thriving social scene, where a variety of cafes and restaurants offer diverse cuisine and the opportunity for locals and visitors to connect with each other.

Another appeal of Greece for expats is the concept of “kefi”, which describes the feeling of happy emotions and sharing them with those around you. This could be through music, food or spending time with loved ones, which can cultivate a joyful experience.

Croatia

Situated on the Adriatic Sea and with a population of just 3.86 million people, Croatia ranked as the third friendliest countries globally, scoring 33.5 out of 40 in Remitly’s survey.[1]

One of the greatest draws of Croatia is its ranking as one of the most peaceful countries worldwide, coming in at 15^th.[4] This Index looks at a range of components, including levels of violent crime, police rate and UN peacekeeping funding, to establish which countries are the safest for citizens.

Additionally, Croatia has a deep-rooted hospitality tradition, known as “Gostoprimstvo”. Still important in today’s culture, this means taking care of your guests with food, drink and shelter to build friendship and community with new people.

Croatia hosts many festivals throughout the year which welcome individuals from around the globe and promote social connection. You can enjoy events like the Rovinj Carnival, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and the Festival of Lights to experience a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Take a look at our blog to find out which other countries made it onto the list of world’s most secure countries.

Mexico

Mexico comes fourth on the list at 33.47 out of 40, a country which is renowned for its wonderful cuisine, natural beauty, and golden beaches.[1]

Similar to the other countries on this list, openness and hospitality are an important part of Mexican culture. Terms like “calidez Mexicana” and “buen trato” are used to describe acts of respect and kindness to others, helping to explain why Mexico is highly-ranked for its friendliness.

This Central American country is also one of the most visited in the world, attracting 41.95 million visitors in 2023 alone.[5] This shows that Mexico’s strong tourist infrastructure and vibrant culture appeal to a diverse range of individuals from across the world.

Mexico hosts a range of events across the country, including the Day of the Dead (“Dias de los Muertos”) and the Guadalajara International Book Fair. This can give you an understanding of the local culture and offers the opportunity to learn about you new home’s traditions.

Sweden

Sweden has also ranked as one of the most welcoming countries in the world, with an overall score of 33.3 out of 40 in Remitly’s Index.[1]

The country’s openness is reflected in its Allemansrätten law, meaning “right of public access”. This gives you the freedom to roam to most parts of the countryside so long as you respect it and do not disturb or destroy it.

An integral part of life in Sweden which encourages positive social interaction is “Fika culture”, which refers to having a casual drink break with your friends, family or colleagues. Fika provides a relaxed environment to chat in and promotes the idea of healthy work-life balance where you take regular breaks to feel refreshed.

As well as being amongst the friendliest countries, Sweden has been voted the fourth happiest place to live in the world in the 2024 World Happiness Report.[6] This considers factors such as life expectancy, social support and economic wellbeing to determine which countries provide the best quality of life for their residents.