The World's Friendliest Country: Our Writers Weigh In

The previous week we examined the most irritable nations on earth as per our contributors Now it’s time to concentrate on the most welcoming spots. Based on our writers' experiences, trips to these locations are apt to include heartfelt greetings, spontaneous festivities, kindhearted locals, and maybe even an invite to a local’s nuptials.

1. India

By Hazel Plush

After seven days, I'd lost track of all the wedding invitations. Since our arrival in Odisha, our travel group had been attending numerous marriage celebrations ranging from lavish affairs hosted in upscale hotels to simple get-togethers held in basic mud huts. It felt as though everyone around us was heading to some kind of wedding, inviting us along for the festivities even though we didn't personally know anyone there. Despite this unfamiliarity, it seemed exciting—and before long, we found ourselves dancing alongside grandmothers at these events.

Most of Eastern India's visitors are primarily local religious travelers, not wide-eyed families from Worcester We marveled at the grandeur of the area's mountains and cascading waterfalls, as well as the power and significance of its Jagannath Temple. Before setting off, we had heard warnings about potential thieves and con artists. However, soon into our journey, it was evident that instead of targeting our possessions like money or mobile devices, locals were more interested in engaging with us socially.

At each place we visited, locals approached us to engage in casual conversation, inquire about our journey, or simply ensure we were having a good time. Younger individuals timidly requested photos with us, whereas older folks merely sought to exchange pleasantries or extend invitations to family events like weddings of their relatives. Everywhere we turned, there was warmth, camaraderie, and enjoyment.

2. Germany

By Chris Moss

Over the course of my travels across Latin America, I've encountered numerous upbeat individuals. Brazilians tend to be optimistic and remarkably affable, bordering on childlike friendliness. In Peru, folks appear to navigate life’s ups and downs with perpetual smiles. Meanwhile, celebrations in Mexico are characterized by exuberance, spontaneity, and an absence of regrets.

However, despite how improbable this may seem, I believe that Germans often exhibit a kind of enthusiastic empathy, even in situations where you might least expect it. This isn’t limited to festive scenes with beer-swilling Bavarians laughing heartily. In my experience, I’ve encountered talkative railway attendants, highly conversational camping buddies, down-to-earth Bohemians from Berlin—such as a delightfully flamboyant guide for a David Bowie-themed walking tour—and even police officers who maintain their humanity when encountering nervous travelers caught off guard.

Germany's struggles and missteps during the 20th century are widely recorded; however, those who were born after 1945 have addressed these issues and created approaches to become more virtuous, expansive, and compassionate individuals. Often underlying many sentiments is a degree of irrational exuberance. There is a distinctive sharpness and somewhat artificial nature to German cheerfulness—though this perception could stem from my personal biases clouding what was intended as goodwill. weltanschauung .

No matter how convincing or unconvincing this may be, Germans excel at being hospitable hosts and generally enjoy interacting with tourists and outsiders alike. It’s anyone’s guess what they think about London.

3. Myanmar (Burma)

By Paul Bloomfield

Puzzled, I stayed at the street corner near my guesthouse in Yangon. On that initial morning in the nation way back in 2001, I yearned to discover the city depicted vividly by Kipling and Orwell. However, the swollen, twisted, perplexing digits on the moving buses caused my vision to blur.

Where do you aspire to visit?" asked a gentle voice near my ear. I spun around to find an elegantly attired gentleman with a warm smile. "Perhaps Shwedagon Pagoda?

Um, well, yes – Myanmar's largest and most dazzling pagoda.

“My new friend volunteered to show me around,” he said, pulling me aboard an overcrowded vehicle. Clinging on tightly like a limpet, I held on as the rickety old bus navigated through the steamy atmosphere. A gentle tap on my shoulder soon indicated our arrival. To whom should I hand the fare?

"Oh, I've already taken care of it," he said with a nod. "Have a great day." With those words, he strolled away. There was no "stop by my brother's carpet store" or "assist me with my English studies"; he had absolutely no hidden agenda. He was simply being nice.

That’s Myanmar, time and again. No country has endured such prolonged oppression, yet remains so permeated with authentic curiosity and warmth.

4. Canada

By Anthony Peregrine

Not too long ago, I spent nearly a month exploring Eastern Canada—Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick—and didn't encounter even one frown, scowl, or grimace, let alone any harsh comments. The restaurant owner who informed us about the ban on smoking at an outdoor patio seemed genuinely apologetic as he said with a smile, "Crazy, right?" (a remark I relay without alteration to Sir Keir’s health inspectors).

The airport security personnel engaged in pleasant conversation (can you believe it?), a train conductor invited us to play cricket on the platform using our luggage along with some Japanese tourists, and both hotel and restaurant employees always greeted us as though they had eagerly awaited our arrival since long ago. Despite my comment that their signature dish, poutine, was akin to dog food, they maintained this warm reception.

I am, and continue to be, quite elderly, yet I had never visited a place where everybody appeared to have such fondness for me (which doesn't happen within my own kin). Canadian niceness Is, of course, legendary, but I didn’t anticipate the reality living up to the myth, just as I don’t assume every Welshman sings beautifully. However, it surpassed my expectations.

You'll mention they must be amiable and support each other lest they succumb to the harsh coldness surrounding them. I'd counter that this isn’t really an issue in Ottawa. For instance, at a pub close to Parliament, some students cleared a spot for us at their table, leading to an enjoyable evening. Got my drift?

5. Nepal

By Sarah Baxter

There isn’t a specific story or memorable encounter I can point to as evidence for how friendly Nepal is. Instead, there’s an intangible quality in the mountainous atmosphere. It feels like a tangible sense of kindness and warmth permeates the air at those great heights, almost replacing the very oxygen itself with goodwill.

I clearly recall my initial visit. I entered through Nepal's southern land border after spending numerous weeks exploring India. India is indeed captivating—yet demanding. This was particularly true for me as a young woman stepping out into the non-Western world for the first time.

However, when entering Nepal, I felt an immediate sense of ease; all tension vanished instantly. This transformation didn't stem from an overly enthusiastic reception or particular acts of generosity. Instead, it was a gentle goodwill permeating through the Terai region, streaming over the hills, and pouring into the mountainous areas where living conditions are harsh yet people’s welcoming nature is exceptionally warm.

6. New Zealand

By Chris Leadbeater

Running low on petrol—or getting dangerously close to empty—typically counts as a minor crisis. However, the place where your vehicle starts sputtering matters significantly.

In my situation, it was the quaint town of Mossburn, located in the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island. I had driven through the evening with hopes of catching the sunset over Lake Te Anau, yet I made multiple errors in judgment: the level of fuel left in my tank (nearly depleted as darkness fell), the quantity of New Zealand currency remaining in my wallet (unfortunately zero—a result of spending all my money on an early meal), and whether the petrol station I encountered during the afternoon would still be open (it turned out to be closed, locked tight, definitely shut down for the day).

Margaret certainly didn’t have to assist me. The elderly woman lived solo and was merely heading to the nearby store for some groceries when she stopped to confirm my concern about the town’s lone gas pump remaining out of service until early next day ("Today is Alan’s wedding anniversary; they’re having dinner together"). Additionally, she most assuredly shouldn’t have offered me the two containers of gasoline meant for her lawn mower, which were kept in her backyard shed.

She definitely could I withdrew the proposal, and as I explained that I could compensate her only in euros, she responded by shaking her head with a laugh. She then declined any payment outright and sent me off with a kindly reminder from someone like a grandma to be better prepared next time.

Later, she informed me that her grandson was traveling through Europe; she expressed hope that he too would receive similar help if necessary. This message arrived via a Christmas card sent from as far as London—written in the same mildly irritated manner she used when we parted ways ten months earlier. She mentioned that the funds I had diligently mailed to her in the appropriate currency before returning were not required. Apparently, the fuel expenses turned out to be gifts, and she contributed the amount to a nearby charitable organization. Nonetheless, she conveyed her best wishes for my holiday cheer along with an additional suggestion for some extra practicality.

7. Ethiopia

By Sarah Marshall

Several years prior to the outbreak of civil war in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, I embarked on a multiple-day trek through the Gheralta Mountains. Unexpectedly, and sadly, it turned out to be one of the friendliest and most hospitable locations I have visited.

Once news got around that some "faranjis" ( foreigners ) had arrived in town, we received an invitation to attend a local wedding where we would be treated like honored guests. The floor was covered with rice bags serving as improvised seating, large plates heaped with newly made injera bread lined up neatly, and old USAID containers brimmed over with homemade tella—a thick, fermented drink often compared to tar—acting as their version of beer.

A flourish of bamboo flutes and wooden lutes greeted the couple, where the bride wore a white veil over her head and the groom sported a baseball cap. Adorned with used weaponry as though they were premium Gucci trinkets, the men danced about carrying AK-47s casually on their shoulders.

It was an occasion for festivities. Welcoming visitors who had traveled such great distances was seen as a harbinger of fortune.

8. Thailand

By Kerry Walker

It’s easy to see why Thailand is known as the 'Land of Smiles.' With numerous Thai words for various types of smiles, joy permeates everything here. This is undoubtedly a place that boosts your mood.

Thai people, as a rule, are generally friendly, tolerant, relaxed, welcoming, and peace-loving — this is ingrained in their cultural heritage and demonstrated through their behavior. wai (A gentle nod with hands joined together.)

I've pitched tents alongside Thai families within the jungled expanses of Khao Yai National Park, enjoyed a morning feast at dawn with Thai trekkers atop Doi Inthanon National Park close to Chiang Mai, and received complimentary lifts on my masseuse’s scooter during a downpour.

Here, kindness isn’t solely based on money; it comes from instinct, and never have I felt like an isolated Western visitor.

After arriving unkempt and exhausted from a 12-hour journey, the moment I caught the scent of the warm air filled with the aromas of sizzling grills, tuk-tuk exhaust, and flowers, I felt myself falling right back into joyous nostalgia.

9. Syria

By Sean Thomas

I express this with deep sorrow — it must be Syria. This was long ago, before all the conflicts began. However, at that time, Syria was likely the most hospitable place I have ever visited.

At the market stalls, vendors would enthusiastically offer you tea served in delicate tulip glasses. Despite this gesture, they genuinely had no intention of selling you anything. Instead, their pleasure came from amiably conversing with unfamiliar faces, doing so with warm smiles and delightful manners.

The people here would go above and beyond to provide directions, even guiding you throughout neighborhoods if you got lost. The area was also very secure. There was indeed a blend of different nationalities and cultures; although I am aware of the dictators involved, it appeared laid-back, cheerful, and hopeful, making everything that followed afterward feel unbearably tragic.

The pleasantness hit its zenith at a coastal café where I engaged in an intense conversation with some local residents regarding Israel. Oh dear, I worried, this might turn sour. However, it concluded after two hours of insightful dialogue—accompanied by additional tea and beer, hearty backslaps, and shared laughs—and subsequently, everybody departed for their homes. Simply wonderful.

10. Bhutan

By Amanda Hyde

In Bhutan, birthdays were not typically observed – some elderly individuals aren't even aware of their exact birth dates. However, during an assignment I had there, my celebration took place when my birthday came around. My pair of guides made sure to go above and beyond by organizing a surprise party for me. We gathered outside a hotel located near one of those twisty mountain roads, where we found ourselves dancing joyfully beside a large bonfire accompanied by about ten impromptu attendees who the guides had rounded up just for this event.

During my visit when I had been asked to participate in a family gathering at the Paro Tsechu festival, a single gesture of goodwill occurred. Feeling unwell from an abrupt cold, I was tenderly nursed back to health with steaming cups of herbal tea beside a warm wood stove.

Perhaps due to the nation's emphasis on the Gross National Happiness Index, which values emotional well-being and communal spirit, despite being physically distant from England in all aspects, I've never felt more at home.

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