World's friendliest countries

Feb 24, 2010 11:42:43 PM

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You’ve travelled for adventure, romance and culture, so why not to make some friends? Taken from Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences, here’s a list of places where the welcome is always warm.

Ireland

Centuries of turmoil have certainly taken their toll on the Irish: they’ve been left with a deliciously dark sense of humour and a welcoming attitude towards strangers. That famous ability of the Irish – to find craic (fun times with convivial company) in boom or bust times – means you’re always in for a treat. These days, after the end of the ‘Troubles’, a cautious optimism reigns supreme, infecting the land once again with the sense that anything’s possible.

USA

Blamed though they are for the coming of WWIII, the Anti-Christ, Miley Cyrus, Bruce Willis, monster trucks, rampant street crime, and noise pollution through overloud talking, Americans just take it all in their stride. They know there’s no such thing as a ‘typical Yank’, so you can just stuff your stereotypes in a sack, mister! The USA’s citizens will invariably welcome you and help you get the best out of their country - all they ask in return is for you to leave your preconceptions at home.

Malawi

Malawians describe themselves as ‘the friendliest people in Africa’, living in the ‘warm heart of the continent’. Anyone who’s visited will know that the rare (for Africa) cohesion of the country’s ethnic groups is solid evidence for this, as is the people’s propensity to welcome you into their homes as well as their nation. Malawi is small, poor and without a lot of facilities, but with a greeting like that who needs Western-style comfort?

Fiji

Fijians are generally considered to be the ‘friendliest people on the planet’. And why not? They’ve got plenty to smile about – lush islands, kaleidoscopic reefs, cobalt sea, a wealth of marine life, world-class diving, romantic coastlines, awesome cuisine – and they love to spread the love around. Fijians have a rep for helping travellers feel welcome, thereby allowing you to uncover the best from this sprawling group of islands. Just don’t mention the coup.

Thailand

Southeast Asia’s most-visited country is bound to offer a welter of stereotypes and clichés. Here are some: dazzling islands and beaches; lush and balmy weather; great shopping and great food; the ‘France of Asia’. Here’s another one: ‘world’s friendliest people’. Gawd, not another contender (see Fiji and Samoa). Why bother trying to analyse why the Thais are so easygoing and quick to smile? They just are, and that’s all there is to it.

Samoa

What’s this? Samoa reckons it has ‘the world’s friendliest people’? Hmmm, trouble is there’s no ratifying body for such a claim, meaning the Samoans are up against the Fijians, who also claim to hold the title. OK, enough: let’s settle this with a Googlefight. A search for the phrase ‘Fiji world’s friendliest people’ garners 16,600 hits; the phrase ‘Samoa world’s friendliest people’ reaps 13,800. Sorry, Samoa, the interweb has spoken, although travellers can rest assured that your beautiful country harbours lovely and warm people who will leave a deep and lasting impression.

Vietnam

Vietnam is another country inextricably caught up in Western images and stereotypes: napalm, tormented soldiers, Oliver Stone films… But Vietnam put all that behind it a long time ago and is now on a huge drive to become the new ‘Asian tiger’ economy. Economy and history regardless, travellers are bound to get a friendly welcome and plenty of smiles in Vietnam.

Indonesia

It’s hard to make generalisations about a country that contains so many different cultures. Still, from laid-back Lombok to the rice fields of Java and the highlands of West Papua, the one thing travellers can safely expect is a wide smile from the locals. Indonesians of all stripes share an innate hospitality and a fascination with visitors, and they always find time to stop, meet and greet. Whether it be spontaneous English lessons with bike-riding schoolchildren, casual banter at streetside food stalls or haggling for batiks, interaction with the locals is a highlight of travels in the archipelago.

Scotland

The Scots have survived English invasion, brutal weather and the pain of having the world’s worst goalkeepers. This fighting spirit against insurmountable odds has left them with an extroverted, buoyant demeanour and a blackly humorous nationalism (you’d want to see the funny side after witnessing some of those goalies). Naturally, this attitude rubs off on travellers – Scots are so loyal they want you to share in the good stuff, too.

Turkey

The Turkish people have an unsurpassed reputation for hospitality. With their heavenly cuisine, dreamy coastline and spectacular historical sites, the Turks know there’s no reason to be secretive. Expect warm greetings, countless cups of tea and plenty of time to sit and chat in this charming country.

Find more places to make friends by consulting Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences.

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Comments

3 March 2010 1:48PM mochon Report this comment
I hate such "rankings" made by the rule of thumb. E.g. what is Vietnam doing there, and where is Colombia, he? Cheers! Michal www.pelikanochomik.blogspot.com
3 March 2010 2:00PM fuzzyturtle11 Report this comment
Some of my best travel memories are of the Balinese (Indonesian) people when i was on the east side of the island in low season. Other travelers were few and far between, but i was stoked to hang out with some very welcoming locals. What a fantastic way to learn about their culture, I'm definitely going back!
3 March 2010 3:10PM razlan Report this comment
Thailand should definitely be on this list (they combine their genuine friendliness with commercial motives very well), but Turkey? Perhaps my Istanbul experience (http://www.razlan.name/blog/category/travel/travel-istanbul-2008/) was too marred by street touts for me to even think Turkey as a friendly country, never mind the friendliest.
Though, I must say, this post made me think about visiting the Irish.
3 March 2010 3:13PM mack73 Report this comment
I'm sorry, when was Scotland subject to "English Invasion"? Give me a date. That isn't in the middle ages.
3 March 2010 3:38PM nicko1 Report this comment
Can't believe that Belize didn't make the list.
3 March 2010 4:07PM db2xs Report this comment
i agree with the ireland choice. Hands down as a generalization, the nicest, friendliest people i've met are irish from the motherland. I was lost in dublin and i asked directions. The person actually stopped to take deliberate time to help me out. I was flabbergasted. No one even does that in the States, sorry ...
3 March 2010 5:22PM wanderingshoes Report this comment
USA? I'm from the States, and I've hopped to forty countries with the specific motive of finding kind, fun, friendly people I very much don't at home. But, hey, it's a big place-? Vietnam and Thailand? Hate to say it, but I developed the unfortunate mantra of "I'm a person, not a purse" in those countries as a traveler. (When I spent five weeks in a tiny Thai village, I would say it was different, but hardly top-ten worthy.) How about Cambodia instead?
And, best for last, VENEZUELA! I've never had such a fun, engaged time in my LIFE. Like Technicolor. Off the charts. Perhaps that's why it's not on this one.
3 March 2010 5:27PM laylsad Report this comment
Bit of a disappointing list for Lonely Planet.. was hoping to learn something here and I bet there are far more friendlier (and less well known) Countries out there! For example, I used to live in Oman and they liken the Omanis to the Irish of the Middle East - and it's true (but expect them to switch personalities when they get behind a wheel!) Scotland - a top ten contender for friendliest countries of the world? Hmmmmmm.
3 March 2010 7:10PM marialopez Report this comment
Indeed I find the Scottish people extremely friendly and helpful. I find the people in Thailand, though, hypocrite and suspicious and always having bad thoughts and they almost never smile, contrary to the myth of the "country of the smiles" that the ministry of tourism apparently launched long ago. I find the Turks in general stiff and strange people that it is hard to communicate with. I find people in Namibia extremely friendly and the people in Zimbabwe overwhelmingly and incredibly friendly. People in Nigeria I find in general so friendly and kind and polite and well-mannered that we should all learn from them.
3 March 2010 7:11PM marialopez Report this comment
It is true, also the people in USA can be so friendly, at least to white people from Europe!
3 March 2010 7:51PM ginnymeow Report this comment
Newfoundland & Labrador East coast of Canada, Newfoundland being an island and Labrador part of the mainland is one of the 10 provinces of Canada is "well known" for being truly warm & friendly! Hey I am trying to put Newfoundland & labrador on the WORLD MAP! Really a wonderful people in a wonderful land! Check it out! xo
3 March 2010 7:55PM luisdafoss Report this comment
My number one should definetly be Turkey... Too many touts in Istanbul? True, but other than this the friendliest of the 40 or so countries i know...
3 March 2010 7:55PM bjorntoulouse Report this comment
" An estimated 10000 English troops were sent to Glasgow in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of George Square. This was in spite of a full battalion of Scottish soldiers being stationed at Maryhill barracks in Glasgow at the time.
The Scottish troops were confined to their barracks during this period, with the government unwilling to deploy them against any attempted revolutionary action by their fellow countrymen, fearing that they could be won over to the cause of the workers."
O and as for scottish goal keepers I give you Andy Goram, Allan McGreggor, Niel Alexander.......
Ireland is a good shout (both North and South)America is also a fair shout (with the exceptions of New York and LA)
I don't get turkey though.
Thailand mmmmmm only when they want your money. Remember smiling in thailand is a nervouse reaction to situations Thai people dont like or understand.
3 March 2010 7:58PM luisdafoss Report this comment
ooops, forgot (and you did too)about Bangladesh... also Pakistan?
4 March 2010 12:24AM doreenpendgracs Report this comment
I am disappointed with your list.
I've never been to Ireland, but support them being #1 due to their reputation for smiles and good times.
But ask any traveler. Canada is most well-known for its friendly and helpful inhabitants. Canadians love visitors! Someone needs to rethink that list.
4 March 2010 2:10AM haluk Report this comment
Great hospitality of Turkish people! of course this is right, they have such a peculiar hospitality that it is almost impossible not to be captivated.... live in Turkey just for a while and experience what they are famous for...
4 March 2010 2:16AM tijavi Report this comment
I agree with Indonesia and Turkey - you have to get out of Istanbul to experience genuine Turkish hospitality. As for Indonesians, they are gentle and warm bunch. Thailand? Why are they in the list?! They despise their fellow Asians and only like the "white" farangs!
4 March 2010 3:03AM jdrs Report this comment
it's amazing how such ranks get people started. the truth is that everywhere in the world there's friendly people and there's asswholes... in fact, everyone can be friendly or an asswhole depending on his mood or his or her spouse. for instance, if someone asks me directions on the street, believe me, my response will depend on who is asking and how he or she ar asking... on specific terms, asians (in particular southeast asians) are known for the service oriented cultures... latinamericans are known for their festive spirits and colorful personalities... (neither of those things are precisely "freindliness") and american are certainly NOT known for being friendly. They have cool cities and very bright people, and are open to opportunities..but they are conquerors... Neither Coca-Cola, nor McDonald's, nor Exxon, nos the Bushes, nor John Smith are to be characterized as friendly...
4 March 2010 10:12AM laylsad Report this comment
(Head hung in shame).. sorry Scots.. both my Mum and Brother have just given me a hammering over implying Scotland is not worthy of a top ten slot so you can't see me but I'm actually waving a little white flag right now...
Interesting to hear FIRST HAND experiences of friendly welcomes rather than some inadvertent attempt by Lonely Planet - really I'm shocked at LP over this list!
4 March 2010 4:28PM travelmaria Report this comment
What about Spain? I have not been there but thoughts???
8 March 2010 8:09AM ahiggott Report this comment
Definitely definitely definitely Fiji! IO! They really do love to spread the love around :)
9 March 2010 8:23AM yongxin Report this comment
As some have already mentioned, where are the Canadians on this list?? They are known to be the warmest and friendliest people on earth. Even when they're on vacation - they're always willing to help you.
The same holds for Scandinavian people!
9 March 2010 8:25AM yongxin Report this comment
Oh I forgot about Taiwanese people! I was actually positively surprised by this!
9 March 2010 5:45PM contessapv Report this comment
My Spanish tutor was Swiss and spoke 12 languages and traveled thru Africa on a bike after WWI ( yes WW1 ) She said a woman on a bike all over the world can look a person straight in the eye and smile and 9 times out of 10 they will smile back. She was a world traveler and said " The people of the world are a mirror. " I think TEXAS ,Australia, Bali , and Costa Rica. I like Thailand and Asia but in some "areas" yes I do feel like a purse, not a person.
9 March 2010 5:52PM contessapv Report this comment
I found Nirobi terrifying. Women could not go out at night or would end up in jail( false prostitution charges,we were cautioned) . I was at the Hilton. Even in the daytime I was touted by too close and too many and had to run across traffic to escape ! I saw a man beat to death with a base ball bat and the police who I thought would stop it just stood aside. In Tanzania thru an open bus window my shirt was slit with a sharp object and my neck purse stolen in a flash. I did not find these area friendly.
10 March 2010 2:20AM srcal66 Report this comment
Would definitely agree with Turkey. True, lots of touts, but even the interaction with them was friendly. There was no acrimony if we did not buy anything from them. Was welcomed in for a cup of apple tea by shopkeepers everywhere. Great place to visit.
22 April 2010 10:29AM canuckwanderlust Report this comment
I must say I'm very surprised Canada didn't make the list...would've thought that would go without saying really.
28 April 2010 5:25AM trav11 Report this comment
Of the 60 countries I've visited Fiji, Ireland, Turkey, and Scotland would be top of my list. The surprises for me were that Canada and New Zealand weren't included in the list. And as much as I like the U.S.A....was the list compiled or voted on by predominantly Americans?
13 May 2010 8:26PM dith Report this comment
It's subjective. If we never been there, we'll never know how friendly they are. Travel overland across the country, go to upcountry and we'd find that Austrian, Germans, Slovakian, Polish, Czech Republican, New Zealander, Peruvian, Colombian and Moroccan are very friendly. None of them are on the list.
3 June 2010 2:40AM gezginrocker Report this comment
thais are friendly? I don't think so. as far as I have seen, they are the most unfriendly & rude nation is southeast asia. although the north is better, but in bangkok and south tourists are treated just as walking dollars and scams are countless. on the other hand, cambodians are the most friendly people in the region. and for people who think that turkey is not friendly, I am sorry for you. turkey is famous for its hospitality, and if you haven't experienced it when you were there, you missed a lot. on the other hand, it's true that some males are "over friendly" towards solo woman travelers.
3 June 2010 2:50AM gezginrocker Report this comment
bonus: what is "Thai hospitality"? http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1913998
27 July 2010 8:23PM kellymalawi Report this comment
Malawi is really friendly, although its not without its 'western style comfort' the tourism industry is really growing and there are lots of beautiful resorts to stay at. There is loads of info on www.malawitourism.com
20 September 2010 5:09PM susiappa Report this comment
I'm surprised vietnam has been voted. I was harrased throughout my outing in Hanoi. Thais are nice, only to whites with thick wallet. Balinese are the friendlier of the indonesians, whereas the bataks are fierce people , esp the traders around lake toba/samosir island. Once you touch their handicrafts, they won't let you go until you part with few dollars.
5 May 2011 1:38AM emmeljay Report this comment
guatemala is the friendliest place i've visited. after guatemala, turkey would be next.
29 September 2011 6:12PM judy123 Report this comment
I think Thai people are very friendly and also smile a lot overall.Still it depends what you experienced. The people who said Thai made you feel like a purse or thought that Thai're friendly only to your wallet I think you are WRONG because you are talking about prostitutes not Thai people overall.That shows what you had done there!! Prostitutes everywhere are the same,they want your money so don't conclude all Thai like just because you were hanging out with prostitutes
20 November 2011 6:52PM suzio Report this comment
I agree with Ireland. We also found the people in Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei extremely friendly. And no pushy sales talk either, they just wanted to talk to us.
20 November 2011 9:35PM jackru Report this comment
has anyone of u ever been to the Philippines? if you're saying that Thailand is among the friendliest, check out the Philippines. Our American and other foreign friends who decided to live here for good are saying that the friendliest people are from the Philippines.