5 Friendliest Nations On Planet Earth
By chili, October 22nd 2009, Comments (370)
There is no scientific way to measure friendliness as it is a very personal impression. Still there are some nations that boast the title of the friendliest, most welcoming or most hospitable people in the world. Whether various surveys and rankings are right or not, each of us has probably visited one or two countries where the locals' kindness has exceeded our expectations.
See below a few examples of the friendliest peoples in the world:
5. Georgians
How not to feel welcomed in the country where people believe that guests come from God? Georgia, a tiny Caucasus state, is famed for its staggering beauty, unspoiled destinations, laid-back atmosphere, and above all, its good humored and high spirited people. The Georgians are naturally kind and generous and their hospitality is never annoying. You can expect to be treated like a king while visiting a Georgian home, just don't refuse a glass of wine to toast - that's what your host could consider quite rude.
4. Iranians
Iran's most precious jewel is its people. Lonely Planet calls them warm and fascinating people, and Will Hide, a London-based travel journalist writing for the Times, has concluded after returning from his trip to Iran that this country has the friendliest people in the world. The hospitality of ever-smiling Iranians is sincere and simple - they are always eager to help travelers, offer a cup of tea, pay for your lunch or invite home for dinner.
3. Canadians
According to the 2008 Nation Brand Index (created by Anholt and GfK Roper research agencies) that measures the world's perception of 50 nations by interviewing 20,000 adults from 20 countries, the friendliest nation in the world is Canada. This scientific approach to friendliness may seem a bit formal, but indeed, the Canadians are really quite hospitable and kind people. Lonely Planet even wonders how everyone can be so nice, given the weather. Living in the world's coldest country may be hard, but being ever-friendly despite the freezing cold is truly worthy of honors.
2. Australians
Friendly "G'day mate", "no worries", and a big smile offered by a total stranger in the street are guaranteed in Australia. Aussies are extremely laid-back and easygoing people, and their positive thinking mixed with the open minded attitude make travelers really feel at home in this remote country. The risk of feeling lonely while traveling alone throughout Australia is really low and you can meet many locals eager to share the pint or the latte with you. Therefore, it is hardly a surprise that Australia ranked second on the Nation Brand Index list.
1. The Irish
In its Bluelist 2008 book, Lonely Planet nominated Ireland to the rank of the friendliest country in the world. Stirring up the discussion whether the Irish are less or more friendly than Iranians or Canadians is rather pointless, but the truth is that the Irish are sweet and kind people. They do complain about the weather, economic turndown and high prices, but in fact they are good-natured and likable people, ready to help the traveler anytime. Despite the weather, the agreeable nature of the inhabitants and Ireland's mind-blowing landscapes make the country one of the world's best travel destinations.
So what do you say? Do you agree, or would you put some other nations on your personal list of the friendliest nationalities?
I have only ever been to one of the countries on the list. As I am Australian I can say your on the money with us! And in my travels meeting Irish and Canadians I can agree they are extremely nice people and would doubt there would be much difference between those I've met and the rest of the countrymen and women.
Oh! That's why the IRA is located in Ireland.
And better than all off these, the ppl from Ghana...
I'd go with Scots. It's like Irish, with a bit less of the political fights. We do have a lot of lovely Irish folk here too...
i know a famous and very nice Georgian his name is Stalin
)
India?
Tamil Eelam ?
I love your blog so there is a suggestion for you. Your are wrong my friend. I don't think so. just reconsider your post. Don't manipulate
I found Australians to be mostly rude and aggresssive. They're usually assholes. Most of the friends I made in Australia were not Australian.
Most peoples default setting is friendly/helpful. Watch a toddler want to help mum with chores.
We sometimes forget with work and stress but deep down it's still there.
South Africans?
Not the most open, outgoing people, but once you get to know them they are really kind and helpful.
I agreed entirely with John. I have been working together with the Australians, been to their country also before and lived there for 2 years. I'm sorry to say that they are not really as what is mentioned in this blog. They are not laid back or as easy-going especially to the Asians, they even have a political party that are anti-asian before. I've never heard of any other country that has got such party.
Bollocks.
Does that retard not know that the IRA are from Northern Ireland which is a different country?
How about the Dutch? They are incredibly accepting of other cultures and are curious and warm.
@John and Daitako: It depends on where you go, and what you do. I do agree that rural Australia typically tends to be less accepting towards multiculturalism (and as an Asian who has lived in rural Australia, can attest to some hostile behaviour by my countrymen), but many Australians here truly are welcoming and friendly. The White Australia policy, which is perhaps what Daitako is referring to, was abolished permanently in 1975. As far as I'm aware, no political party has attempted to reinstate it since.
I have yet to meet an Australian who was "rude" or "aggressive"; though, having lived here for 10 years, I've noted that the Australian sense of humour tends to be a lot more deprecating and sarcastic than that of many nations, and that Australians do typically tend to be forthright about what we think and want. This may be mistaken for aggressiveness and/or rudeness; but rest assured, neither of these are the intention.
Having lived here for a decade, I might also mention that many Australians are open for a natter while waiting for a coffee, escalator, or yet another tardy Connex train. I've yet to meet an Australian who will rebuff a friendly advance (past the bogan, feral teenage phase, anyway), or be otherwise rude or unhelpful. So, speaking for my country, please don't judge all of us based on a few horrible experiences. Most of us are awesome people. Trust.
what about philippines
?
i've got to say Switzerland, New Zealand and Japan have super friendly and nice people there!
Australia friendliest
. They are butchering Indian students in race-hate violence almost daily.
As long as it appeals to one's individual Ego..........a person or a city or a Country is nice...., but when an individual's ego is hurt......even a saint to him becomes his worst enemy...!!! Life's like that... hence I give no credence to this survey. All are nice in their own special way...there's no yardstick to measure goodness...
How can Ireland be the friendliest? It is illegal to say anything blasphemous, that isn't friendly that is fascist.
Australia? Really? They beat up a lot of Indians over there. Maybe some of them are only friendly if your skin's the right colour.
Mexico is the worst country for foreigners. This People make you feel an intruder, even if you have to work here and make a benefit for their country. It's terrible and awful.
I find this review incredibly inaccurate. I'm Irish and I think we could be probably the most miserable and spiteful people in the world!
After being in America, I think they are a lot friendlier, as are the Germans. Trust me, we are not friendly. We don't like you!
whishing to wipe another country off the map is one of the many signs of Iranian hospitality! Are you nuts?
YA,,, Iranian is Really friendlies...
Iranians are absolutely friendly.Don't consider their un-elected president.They are warm,welcoming and helpful people.
You are damn right. Australians are friendly. Iranians too. I am both.
This page is very interesting; it's just going to be a constant exchange of different people's judgements of other countries based on their experiences with select people. Some people are assholes, others are extremely friendly. Though their culture may cause them to present themselves in different ways, there are nice and not-so-nice people everywhere you go. It's just a matter of communication or lack there of that leads to such generalizations.
first time i traveled to Iran as a tourist, i absolutely loved it. later I married one back in the US! they are so wonderful and friendly.
JUST IRAN...IRAN...IRAN
Yeah I found iranians very very lovely,they are so warm and respectable
It's funny how people make generalised comments like: Ronald "whishing to wipe another country off the map is one of the many signs of Iranian hospitality! Are you nuts?" Ronald how many states, oh i mean countries, have you been to? Wtf? Anybody who has travelled knows Iran and Georgia have to be up there. Stop stereotyping and start understanding the difference between politics and people.
Gotta love the Egyptians -they're definitely on of the friendliest!
Viva Georgia
Iranians are certainly the kindest, as for canadians, they are very polite, but kindness depends on which part of canada you visit (you have to remember it's the second largest country in the world). I also can't argue with the Irish being on the list, but would certainly add Brazilians and Koreans, as I haven't met people as friendly as them
kosesher
bullshit there aint no such a thing!
Iranians are the first, they are always there for you, they dnt care what is your nationality, forget about their government, they hate them as well. also if you travel, you will find how smart they are, most of them can discuss very complicated political issues with you. Have been there 3 times, and now everywhere I go, they are my first priority to develop friendship. I am European, not sure about Irish, cant compare the way we people are. when you are friend with Iranian, it seems you are already their family member. would be better to add some Latin Americans.
I'd tend to Agree with Sara regarding Canadians and and their friendliness being conditional on where in Canada you are. Try the Maritime provinces on the East Coast, Northern Canada (Yellowknife), or Alberta for great hospitality and genuine friendliness. -I also find this list quite ironic as I'm Canadian, dating a wonderful Iranian girl, and we both live in Melbourne, Australia!
I'm Iranian and I'm living in Canada. I've just a few Canadian friends but they are very kind and polite
Jack (Irish), you're being a bit harsh. Yes, there is a lot of begrudgery in Ireland. I can't really say why that is. I think the climate has a LOT to do with it. I don't think you can say to all other nations "we hate you". You know as well as I know that there's really only one nation we truly hate!
I find that being Irish in America is a BIG advantage. I'm here right now and I can do no wrong in their eyes. Most Americans I've met (Californians this time 'round) are super-friendly and have such a positive attitude. It's refreshing. I would like to see how they'd handle 13 months of rain, though...
P.S. I love that the two women representing Ireland up there are actually Americans at the Patrick's Day parade. The irony.
it's funny how australians, irish, and canadians have a lot in common. Canada and australia are both colonies, filled to the brim with irish ancestry. It's actually quite a nice thought.
Yes I agree Iranian are very friendly as I know some of them in Singapore.
Beating up Indians? Anti-Asian? Please, look at the STATISTICS and FACTS before posting such utter nonsense. Slaves to the media =='
If you think Australia is dangerous, try living in the favelas of Rio. Scores have died in Pakistan this week alone, including people part of a wedding procession.
Georgians are the friendliest people I have met in my entire life, but that was back in 80s, and I have not been to Georgia since than, I am sure its different now since all of those event that started in past years but back then it was amazing, you did not need an invitation ever, you are a guest and deserve the best there is. I wonder if its still the same...
Iranians are really friendly and extremely smart . I mean you can not believe how intelligent they are .They love to have guests and consider it as a blessing to their home .They are always there for you and do not hesitate to help you by any means they can. I think they should go fist on the list my friend .
I am a Malaysian-Chinese and I say, Iranian FTW! Australians? Not at all. I've visited many parts of Australia before and have plenty of friends and relatives there. Aussies are racists, rude and not helpful at all.
John- I would love to know where you got the idea that say anything blasphemous is illegal. I am Irish and that is so not true-you may want to throw away whatever article/book you saw that in.
Jack- Please don't speak out for all Irish people, we all don't hate every foreigner-i find that to be a minority of mostly ignorant and non educated people.
Base on my experience, it's the Australian who are the friendliest. Why? it's because though they are mad at you, they 'll say it in a nice way.
The Point Brisbane
Iranians are the best! I haven't travelled to Iran but have met some of them in other countries and they are wonderful! and you're right, extremely intelligent!
Having lived in Canada for many years I should note, it's hard to make a statement about how Canadians are because they're all from different cultural backgrounds. As a general rule, Canadians are polite, they aren't very friendly. I would say Americans can be very rude and are less politically correct, but are a warmer people. I've also lived in Australia and the people there can be very arrogant and ignorant. Irish folk are pretty friendly but not so much. Iranians are generally very friendly and educated. My other favorites are Brazilians and Salvadorians. When Indians are nice, they're very nice.
I have met several people from different nations and I agree with your rating, also Americans are great, but Iranians are just wonderful!
I believe that people are usually very happy .....
It's painful how people make generalized judgments! Please understand that stupid so called "president” Ahamadineajd!! is the result of coup d’état of militants can you see he is killing his own people? Do not judge a nation with a president! If we do so all the nations should be considered bad! Just travel there and then judge! Guys believe me, Iranians are very friendly and welcoming.
I wanna say please neglect ahmadinejad, come and see iran, then U'll see what the real iran is
I think the most friendliest nations are Australian Iranian, lol
Welcome to Georgia!
To Garry: The answer is yes, Georgians are the same way, warm inviting and willing to give you the last of whatever they have. I don't know about the rankings, I am not interested in competition really, I just invite all of you to travel to Georgia and have a wonderful experience of beautiful landscapes, ancient culture and wonderful people. Enjoy.
the irish #1?! lol
georgia georgia!!! I suggest to visit this country
i am Georgian and i wanna say in cities its hard to meet with friendly ppl.. but on country side ull find many many friendly, lovely and beautiful ppl. some of ppl have mentioned here, they will give u the last they have, thats true.. and georgian landspaces are wonderful.. ull really enjoy traveling to georgia.. id invite and meet anybody to travel with in georgia anytime
glad to hear this.
i'm from Georgia 
Georgia... I have spent there the time of my life
Georgia is the best!!!
Georgia is one of the best countries
)) I love Georgia 
))
Cypriots and Greeks are also known to be friendly and hospitable, although in tourist destinations the hospitality is because they want to sell you something: food, alcohol or whatever. In europe, Czech, Dutch and Estonians are also very friendly.
Generally speaking, poorer people are more hospitable. Those who have little to share would be more willing to share it than those who have more to share. Perhaps that is why they are poor, since if rich people share what they have they wouldn't be so rich after all.
I have seen friendly people in many countries.
However I find Australians rude and without a sense of humour. Canadians can also be full of themselves. But it all depends on the person. I have Swedish friends who are very friendly, and Canadians who aren't very.
Love your blog. However, Canada is not the coldest country in the world.
No more than we say "aboot"
Persian hospitality!!! That's IRAN
Australia seems pretty nice, if you're not a woman, a person of color, or (god forbid) a woman of color.
a lovely place to go if you don't mind hearing the phrase 'dirty mexican' ( the accepted slang for the indigenous people in Australia) and being constantly sexually harassed.
I think i would put America as the nicest. I read that since we have so much money, we are the best, which makes us the nicest, right?
Georga - forever!!!! Great country indeed!!!
i am a filipino; love my Iranian friend Sussan. She is the kindest, friendliest and sincerest person I ever met. And most of the Iranian people are great, and very intelligent.
I guess it depends on the experience you might have in each country, I've seen many being offended or pleased despite the ranking above. I would rather put Georgia on the first place just because of one comment: "they might give you the last they have". It's always easy to be friendly when your stomach and pocket is full, but the challenge is when you yourself have nothing and try to share it with the others!
Iranian wants to help everyone,they are very responsible and friendly to the others.the country is very beautiful and the ppl are the friendiest ever,go and see IRAN
GEORGIA _ is THE BEST!!! trust me
Vanuatu!
Well, as the comments above show, America sure isn't one of them...
Number one should be Turkish people. They are really awesome people. Yes I m Turkish, but even If i were not Turkish I would say the same thing.
What about serbs and Serbia, I think they're very friendly.
What about serbs and Serbia, I think they're very friendly.
yes,i agree Iranians are very friendly and kind people,and when they accepted u in their family u become part of it.So i m very proud cause i m going to marry my Ahmad
I am Australian and I think we are friendly people. I haven't seen any Australian being rude or mean to a foreigner.
I've been to Iran two times so far and I also have a few Iranian friends here.
I have to say I find them really friendly, kind and caring.
They are also very polite and If you just get to know them a little bit you'll see that's because of the great culture they had once and now is not beeing seen by the world because of the terrible government.
Canadians are not friendly but polite
I'm Iranian and currently living in UK. I strongly can say Iranians are one of the friendliest nations in world. we have a proverb says "guests are friend of God" and we always try to satisfy our guests. If you come to my home, its the biggest favor you can do for me.
in every place you can find friendly people even in the north pole so but with your report i really like to visit all these country ............
Persian hospitality!!! That's IRAN
Well as a german tourist i've visited all these countries exept IRAN and i admire and agree. All these Nations are friendly and Kind. But about IRANIANS: I gotta have some PERSIAN freinds here in Germany, whom are truly nice and friendly and also clever Engineers !
Greeting and Dorood to all Iranians from Nürnberg/Germany
Thanks Christian. Dorood to you as well
join to our group in facebook. are you interested?
dear persian fariborz, i'm not a fan of Facebook or... but i trust kindness of iranians. Maybe next time i travel to Rasht, Qoramabad and Tabriz (hometowns of my Iranian freinds) which seem nice among the Pictures that i've seen.
Viele Grusse und Dorood as well
Christian
Iranians are one of the best... Well, you can't say that ALL of them are great; which is not right for any other nations neither... But I can say that you can find some really great friends amongst them; which I'm already lucky because of that!
at the moment I am not in Iran. I am in Manchester for studing. but you are very welcome to Iran.if you go there I recommend you Tehran, Isfehan(Capital of art in middle east Persepolise and shiraz (city of poem and Grape).
I have got lot of lovely german clasmate. you are new one
Viele grusse( I leart a polite german Word)
Thanks Jane you are very kind
Hi,
Ireland is the most friendly country I have been. I am from Chile (Sotuh America) and I look like a latin-hispanic. I have been in the US for 2 years and I know at least 9 cities, I have also visited many countries in Europe. I felt people in Ireland very easy-going and friendly... once I wasn't carrying cash with me and the guy at the store told me to come back tomorrow to pay!!! May be was something particular, but, from my experience, in general I agree that Irish are the top friendly people in the world.
BTW, I also know many people from Iran and they are very friendly too...
I disagree totally with the Australian part.Most are self righteous racist people who love to put down anyone with meaningless jokes and racial slurs.Its the way of life which they are proud of in Australia. Never get any smiles ,if you do nothing sincere about it.
I totally agree with the Iranians/Persians and the Canadians.Ive heard Canadians are very polite and welcoming people.I have to admit I dont know much about the Georgians,but the Irish people are always fun to be around too.
I'm an Iranian and so happy to see my country in your list
I always wish that one day my country run by normal people so that every one can come and see how nice our people are. Thank you 
Iranian (Persian) boyz n gals r so kind. loving all people around the world. Also first human rights was introduced by Persians (Cyrus The Great Cylinder 600 BC; the world’s first charter of human rights in the British Museum in London.)
I believe there is a proportional relation between education and being racist over the globe. I have not seen or met any racist intellectual in my life.
Comments 1 to 100 of 370