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
Georgian women. By Henning(i)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
Outdoor cafe in Teheran, Iran. By tomallenIran'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
Winter in Toronto, Canada. By somebodyAccording 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
Latte. By su-linFriendly "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
St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. By twinxamotIn 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?
