South Africa dubbed world’s friendliest country draws criticism

by Jade Rhode
South Africa was ranked the friendliest country in the world.

Despite the anti-immigration protests happening in the country, South Africa received the title of the friendliest country in the world. However, news of the nation’s ranking left many people with raised eyebrows.

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The data was shared by Remitly, which shared that it reflected the 2024 version and was “out of date.” Nevertheless, South Africa scored an impressive 34.63 out of 40 on the ‘agreeableness’ trait of the Big 5 Personality Test, those traits being openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Greece, Croatia, Mexico, and Sweden followed behind.

“Respondents were asked questions to ascertain how much concern they feel for others, whether they take the time out for other people and whether they like to make people feel at ease,” shared Remitly.

“Each question was presented as a statement with respondents asked to say whether they disagreed, slightly disagreed, were neutral, slightly agreed, or agreed with the statement in question.”

Remitly described residents as warm and welcoming, which made it easier for travellers and visitors to feel at ease around them.

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South Africa as the friendliest country divides the internet

The X account @Globalstats11 shared a list of the Top 25 friendliest countries, reiterating that the information was last updated in 2024. Still, thousands of social media users quickly gathered in the comment section to share their two cents.

@AmoNtombi commented, “Please rectify that information, we are no longer friendly here.”

“This list is a joke. Friendly to whom?” asked @nextjay1.

@ShawnEl47724840 shared with the online community, “As someone who has been to over half of these, my personal experiences, I would rank Australia higher, Japan lower, and would include China in the top three. I felt like a celebrity both times I visited China. Constantly approached, wanted pictures taken and invited into their homes.”

“How can xenophobia and racist people be on the top chart of the friendliest people in the world?” laughed @phemydarey.

Also see: South African schools struggle with maths, science teachers shortage 

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