Amateur globetrotting is daunting work. Despite the extensive funding required to bounce from one country to the other and the planning it takes to put into action, you’ll also have to deal with new people from different walks of life. Indeed, it’s this fear that often stops people from traveling outside of their comfort zone. The simple fact is that some countries are definitely more welcoming than others, so visiting these sorts of places may be your best bet. Thus, we present our definitive ranking of the friendliest countries in the world to add to your travel list.
#40. Vietnam
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.
#39. Colombia
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.
#38. Hungary
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.
#37. Netherlands
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.
#36. France
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.
#35. Saudi Arabia
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.
#34. New Zealand
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.
#33. Jordan
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.
#32. Bahrain
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.
#31. The United Kingdom
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.
#6. Spain
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.
#5. The Philippines
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.
#4. Australia
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.
#3. Thailand
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.
#2. Canada
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.
#1. South Africa
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.
