South Africa ranked world’s friendliest country – Remitly survey
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — Digital financial services company Remitly revealed that South Africa is the world’s friendliest nation, scoring an impressive 34.63 out of 40 on the ‘agreeableness’ trait of the Big 5 Personality Test.
The study, conducted by surveying over 3,000 participants from 27 countries, aimed to determine the friendliness levels of different nations based on their concern for others, willingness to compromise, and ability to make people feel at ease.
“One of the major advantages of living in the country is the affordable cost of living where the South African rand stretches far, with housing and everyday expenses allowing for a higher standard of living,” the report noted.
“Residents are known for being warm and welcoming, making it easy for travellers and visitors alike to feel at ease around them.”
Friendliness around the globe
Greece secured the second spot with a score of 33.71. The country’s strong cultural emphasis on hospitality is deeply rooted in the ancient tradition of ‘philoxenia’, which translates to ‘friend of a stranger’. This tradition continues to thrive, often seeing Greeks inviting strangers into their homes for a meal or offering tours filled with historical insights.
Croatia ranked third, its 33.5 score influenced by its vital tourism industry, which compels locals to leave lasting positive impressions on visitors. Mexicans (33.47) and Swedes (33.30) rounded out the top five, both nations celebrated for their communal and inclusive social behaviors.
Interestingly, the study also revealed a significant bias towards one’s own country. Over half of the respondents believed their own nation to be the friendliest, with a remarkable 97% of South Africans voting their country as the top.
Understanding the ‘Big 5’ personality test
The Big 5 Personality Test, a scientifically recognized tool, measures five key personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism.
This survey focused on the ‘agreeableness’ aspect, considered the best gauge of social harmony. Questions aimed to evaluate the respondents’ empathy, willingness to help others, and overall approachability.
The study’s findings provide valuable insights for travelers, expats, and those seeking to build connections in new environments, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding and embracing local traditions.
South Africa pushes visa reform to attract digital nomads
The South African government has proposed reforms to existing immigration regulations, including the introduction of remote working and critical skills visas, to attract international talent.
The remote working visa aims to cater to digital nomads and remote workers employed abroad who want to work from South Africa. The critical skills visa prioritizes occupations where skill shortages exist locally, using a points-based system weighing qualifications, work experience, and language ability.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that visas make it easier to attract talent and promote innovation.
