South Africa Leads the World in Kindness and Empathy
In a heartwarming revelation for 2025, South Africa has been named the world’s most generous nation, but not in the way you might think. A new study measuring emotional generosity, the empathy, kindness, and everyday support people show to others—places South Africans at the very top, surpassing the Philippines, the United States, and Canada.
The study, conducted by digital financial services provider Remitly, surveyed over 4,500 participants across 25 countries using the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a psychological tool designed to quantify everyday acts of consideration and support.
South Africa scored an impressive 51.57 out of 60, narrowly ahead of the Philippines at 50.2 and the United States at 49.23. Ireland and Canada rounded out the top five.
Beyond Dollars: Redefining Generosity
Unlike traditional rankings based solely on charitable giving, this study looked at broader social behaviors. Respondents were asked how strongly they agreed with statements reflecting empathy, patience, concern for others, and prioritizing community over self-interest.
South Africans consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for others’ happiness, placing their country at the forefront of global emotional generosity.
“Generosity is often seen purely through a financial lens, but our study shows it’s much more than that,” said Ryan Riley, Remitly’s VP of Marketing for EMEA and APAC.
“The countries that rank highest aren’t just those who give the most money—they’re places where people show up for each other with everyday acts of kindness.”
Riley noted that this spirit is particularly visible in countries like South Africa and the Philippines, where community and mutual support are cultural values, not just personal choices.
The Global Generosity Landscape
The top 10 nations in emotional generosity reveal interesting cultural patterns:
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South Africa – 51.57
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Philippines – 50.2
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United States – 49.23
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Ireland
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Canada
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Portugal
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Greece
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United Kingdom
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Australia
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Mexico
Eight of the ten are Western countries, highlighting that emotional generosity is not confined to a single region but manifests in different ways across cultures.
A Reflection of Culture and Daily Life
The study sheds light on how generosity goes beyond charity and financial aid, instead appearing in daily gestures, supportive relationships, and community-minded actions.
“In South Africa, caring for your community is often embedded in daily life,” Riley said. “Whether it’s helping neighbors, supporting family members, or looking out for colleagues, generosity is woven into the social fabric.”
Social media reaction to the study has been overwhelmingly positive, with many South Africans expressing pride in this recognition. On X, one user wrote:
“It’s amazing to see our culture of ubuntu recognized globally. We really do look out for each other every day.”
This study is a reminder that true generosity isn’t always about money. It’s in the small, everyday choices to listen, support, and uplift those around us. South Africa’s top ranking highlights the value of emotional generosity as a cornerstone of society, a cultural strength that resonates across borders.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Pexels
