Friendliest Countries in the World

Want a warm welcome when you travel? These countries have some of the nicest people.

Friendliest Countries in the World

For many travelers, the warmth of the welcome they receive in a foreign country can make or break their trip. After all, who wants to travel halfway around the world only to be met with hostility?

Feeling appreciated by the people of your destination can help you forget long flights, stomach complaints and all of the other horrors of journeying abroad. But the most welcoming countries aren't necessarily what you'd expect.

The friendliest countries in the world will help you plan your next vacation and learn about a few hidden gems ideal for those seeking a warm welcome from locals.

50. South Korea

Ease of settling in: 61 (Out of 64)

Feeling at home: 61

Finding friends: 60

*Rankings are based on InterNations's 2019 Ease of Settling in Index. For accuracy, we have used pre-pandemic numbers.

What Makes South Korea So Friendly

Moving to South Korea is definitely not easy, according to InterNation's survey. The reason for this mostly pertains to language barriers, with a good knowledge of Korean being necessary for things like opening up bank accounts and finding a place to live.

Traveling can also be a challenge if you don't know Korean. But what Korea lacks in ease, it makes up for in friendliness. Koreans are patient with expats and often very much willing to help, even when they don't speak English. Younger people tend to have a basic knowledge of English and are often excited to make foreign friends, meaning that once you find places to meet them, you'll be able to make Korean friends easily.

Besides, the ultra-modern country also has a millenary history, incredible food and beautiful nature.

49. Poland

Women dressed in polish national folk costumes from Lowicz region

Ease of settling in: 46

Feeling at home: 32

Finding friends: 40

What Makes Poland So Friendly

Poland is another country where language is an issue for both expats and travelers. But if you get over that hurdle, you'll find that people are generally open to foreigners.

Another advantage of Poland is that it's fairly safe. While you should always keep your wits about you, there's no reason to be overly worried. That said, the country does have a bad reputation when it comes to its attitude toward the LGBTQIA+ community.

48. Hong Kong

Hong Kong city view from peak at Sunrise

Ease of settling in: 42

Feeling at home: 40

Finding friends: 43

What Makes Hong Kong So Friendly

Though it is an administrative region rather than a country, Hong Kong deserves its own spot here due to its unique and separate culture and administration.

Hong Kong is undeniably exciting. Despite its small size, you'll find it offers one of the best gastronomical scenes in the world, that the nightlife is great, the transportation efficient and the people friendly.

All of these elements combine to make Hong Kong one of the most popular places for expats, particularly for business people. The amount of foreigners living in the city means that you can always find people to make friends with, even if you're just passing through.

47. Hungary

Ease of settling in: 44

Feeling at home: 35

Finding friends: 35

What Makes Hungary So Friendly

Perhaps it's the Hungarian tradition of soaking your worries away in a beautifully designed public bath, but it definitely seems like people in the Central European country are more relaxed than others.

While residents of the former Soviet country don't speak too much English, they always seem to be excited about people getting to enjoy the beauty of their country. This pride is particularly strong in Budapest, which is undoubtedly one of the best European capitals to visit.

46. Netherlands

Young couple exploring the city of Amsterdam by bike

Ease of settling in: 43

Feeling at home: 48

Finding friends: 56

What Makes the Netherlands So Friendly

Dutch windmill in the Spring with tulips

The Netherlands is mostly famous for its capital city, Amsterdam, which is one of the most progressive in the world while being steeped in history. People flock to the city to see its winding canals dotted with traditional houses.

Sadly, the popularity of Amsterdam has made some Dutch nationals resentful toward tourists, who have made the city center difficult to live in. Still, this doesn't mean you won't be greeted with friendliness — as long as you act like a decent human being and come for the culture and food rather than the city's sultrier offers.

Another good way to get on the good side of the Dutch is to get out of Amsterdam and visit the often-neglected rest of the country.

45. Belgium

Ease of settling in: 39

Feeling at home: 41

Finding friends: 51

What Makes Belgium So Friendly

Traditional Canal Houses of Bruges, Belgium

Who wouldn't be friendly when beer, chocolate, waffles and fries abound? To the chagrin of the Dutch, Belgium beats them by a hair in the friendliness score.

Coming in at 45, Belgians are used to cultural differences, with three official languages (French, Dutch and German) and over half of the population speaking Flemish. This helps locals be more open to others and be happy to share all the gems of their country with you.

44. Italy

Ease of settling in: 47

Feeling at home: 46

Finding friends: 46

What Makes Italy So Friendly

Atrani town on Amalfi coast, Sorrento, Italy

Italians are notorious for their bountiful joy, which often translates into pleasant loudness, a love for music and, yes, overt friendliness that charms the pants out of everyone who visits.

It's not too hard to be friendly when you have one of the most breathtaking countries in the world, art that is truthfully unmatched and food that tastes like heaven. There are so few bad things that one can say about Italy, it's really is no surprise that Italians are happy to welcome people to their country and boast about how great they have it.

43. China

Ease of settling in: 58

Feeling at home: 60

Finding friends: 50

What Makes China So Friendly

The biggest hurdle in connecting with locals in China is, again, the language barrier. Unlike other countries, China doesn't cater to foreign tourists, which means that you definitely shouldn't expect anything to be in English anywhere in the country.

For this reason, many people hire a tour guide that can offer an "in" with the locals. If you do this, you'll have a much better time and will be able to connect more with people, even if by proxy. Chinese people are genuinely curious about foreigners and, if you go to cities that are not as touristy, people will likely want to know about you as much as you want to know about them.

42. Peru

Ease of settling in: 38

Feeling at home: 47

Finding friends: 32

What Makes Peru So Friendly

As the heart of the Incan Empire, Peru has a rich history. It also has one of the world's most famous cuisines, which is distinctly spicy in a continent where spices are few and rare.

As the 19th largest country in the world, there is an infinite amount of places to visit, with Cusco, the Amazon and the seaside capital of Lima being the most popular ones.

Peruvians are happy people with friendly dispositions, which translates to how they receive foreigners who come visit their beautiful country. You'll find that people willingly offer to help if you ever look lost or confused and that people will be respectful and kind in the way they talk to you.

41. Malta

Ease of settling in: 36

Feeling at home: 22

Finding friends: 27

What Makes Malta So Friendly

The small island nation of Malta sits smack in the middle of the Mediterranean, yet it's still somehow neglected by most visitors.

Their loss is your gain, as this absurdly beautiful country is the product of thousands of years of cultural exchange. Due to its location, it was a meeting point between Europe, the Middle East and Africa. And while this did cause some political instability in the past, the country is now able to make the most of its crossroads nature by shining in hospitality and cultural tolerance.

40. Ukraine

Ease of settling in: 40

Feeling at home: 39

Finding friends: 25

What Makes Ukraine So Friendly

Children wearing traditional Ukraine shirts

While expats reported that settling into life in Ukraine wasn't the easiest, making friends apparently is. The country ranked 25th in terms of developing close relationships, even when one is new in the country.

This reflects Ukraine's strong hospitality culture, and we're happy to see the country's stereotypes being smashed.

39. Japan

Ease of settling in: 55

Feeling at home: 53

Finding friends: 54

What Makes Japan So Friendly

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

Japan is truly a country like no other — in terms of its language, its culture, its architecture and its food, there is no other country that resembles it.

This is why so many travelers are fascinated by Japan, visiting in spite of its notorious expensiveness to see its wonders first-hand. Japan is very homogenous, which can make some travelers feel too out of place. But locals are also respectful and polite, and many like to meet foreigners and learn about their culture as well.

38. India

Ease of settling in: 50

Feeling at home: 63

Finding friends: 49

What Makes India So Friendly

Interior of Mosque Jama Masjid, Delhi, India

Expats agree that moving to India is not the easiest thing to do, rating it 63rd out of 64 countries for "feeling at home."

But this isn't due to something negative. Rather, India is so unique that it's far removed from what many people have ever experienced. Plus, the country comes in at 38th for friendliness, which means that, though India will continue being proudly Indian, the country is open to outsiders.

Indian culture places an emphasis on hospitality — something you can definitely feel when you visit.

37. South Africa

Ease of settling in: 34

Feeling at home: 36

Finding friends: 29

What Makes South Africa So Friendly

Colony of african penguins on rocky beach in South Africa

Anyone who's ever been to a braai — a South African BBQ — will tell you the same thing: South Africans are quick to treat you like family.

Despite its divisive and violent history, South Africa has emerged in the 21st century as a country that celebrates its diversity. Not that there aren't tensions or issues anymore, but the nation has made a conscious effort to move away from its past mistakes and forge an identity in which people from everywhere feel welcome.

36. Turkey

Ease of settling in: 41

Feeling at home: 45

Finding friends: 36

What Makes Turkey So Friendly

Hot air balloons in travertine pools, Turkiye

If you know a bit of Turkish, then you probably notice how older women often refer to you as "sweet heart" or "my love," even if they don't know you.

This says a lot about how warm Turkish culture is, in which even strangers are treated with affection and kindness, right from the first interaction. As with other countries on this list, Turkey has always been at the crossroads of several cultures, being an important point of contact between the Middle East and Europe.

As a result, it has become an expert in maintaining its own unique culture while welcoming and celebrating other customs.

35. Singapore

Ease of settling in: 11

Feeling at home: 6

Finding friends: 24

What Makes Singapore So Friendly

Singapore has always been known for strict laws, but with that comes some advantages. In fact, the city-state is one of the safest countries to visit in the world, and the inviting Changi Airport will make you see and feel that almost immediately upon arrival.

Plus, Singapore is a diverse blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, and one of its official languages is English, making it easy for anglophiles to explore the destination without a language barrier. Neighboring Malaysia fared even better in this list, making the case that Malay people are certainly some of the friendliest.

34. Luxembourg

Ease of settling in: 32

Feeling at home: 27

Finding friends: 44

What Makes Luxembourg So Friendly

Another city-state, Luxembourg only has about half-a-million residents. With a smaller population comes more stable politics, which is why Luxembourg is known as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

Plus, it has quite a history, dating as far back as 963 AD. Visitors can explore the country's medieval past in its many castles, underground tunnels and various museums.

33. United States

Ease of settling in: 35

Feeling at home: 28

Finding friends: 41

What Makes the United States So Friendly

While Americans may not have as friendly a reputation as their Canadian neighbors to the north, the melting pot of cultures in the U.S. means there's a place in at least one of the 50 states for anyone and everyone. If the bluntness of New Yorkers puts you off, perhaps a little Southern charm would be more your speed. Or that California free spirit might be beckoning you.

Of course, the Midwestern hospitality can't be beaten, so perhaps a trip to Chicago or Kansas City is just what you need.

32. Panama

Ease of settling in: 24

Feeling at home: 24

Finding friends: 33

What Makes Panama So Friendly

Panama is really coming into its own in recent years, attracting expats from all over in search of adventure and outdoor activities, especially fishing, swimming, snorkeling and surfing.

But its the country's commitment to progressiveness and diversity that makes people feel particularly welcome here.

31. Cyprus

Ease of settling in: 23

Feeling at home: 17

Finding friends: 31

What Makes Cyprus So Friendly

The Cypriot people are known for being hospitable, with friendly faces and smiles that make expats and tourists feel like they're part of the family — which is highly valued here. In fact, the Greek word for hospitality is "fliloksenia," which stems from "filos" (friend) and "ksenos" (guest or tourist), so you can expect to be treated as a friend almost immediately upon arrival.

Plus, the relaxed lifestyle, with beaches, 340 days of sunshine a year and delicious Mediterranean food aplenty are more than enough reasons to love this country and the locals who call it home.

30. Nigeria

Ease of settling in: 31

Feeling at home: 55

Finding friends: 22

What Makes Nigeria So Friendly

While Nigeria has its fair share of corruption and violence, it has been named the happiest place on Earth in past surveys. That's mainly due to Nigerians' tendency to be unusually optimistic. They're often excited about the future and always looking on the bright side, a sentiment that permeates throughout the country to both expats and tourists alike.

This may have something to do with the fact that the Nigerian people are super religious, with both Islam and Christianity being heavily practiced throughout the country.

29. Qatar

Ease of settling in: 22

Feeling at home: 26

Finding friends: 39

What Makes Qatar So Friendly

Despite rising tensions in the Middle East, Qatar is a country that is always looking to maintain friendly communication with other countries. The fact that it's also the world's richest country can't hurt either.

Plus, it has a low crime rate, and its expat community is particularly tight-knit, making it easy for people relocating here to find friends.

28. Bulgaria

Ease of settling in: 25

Feeling at home: 7

Finding friends: 6

What Makes Bulgaria So Friendly

If a Bulgarian doesn't greet you with a smile, it doesn't mean they're not friendly. It's just customary for them to not smile at strangers, even when you're being waited on at a restaurant.

But where the Bulgarian people really shine is at home. They're known for inviting people into their homes for lengthy meals and plenty of wine. And don't forget the dancing, something that Bulgarians really take pride in and love to do.

27. Kazakhstan

Ease of settling in: 30

Feeling at home: 25

Finding friends: 12

What Makes Kazakhstan So Friendly

The people of Kazakhstan have valued community, friendship and hospitality for centuries, and they take pride in their multi-ethnic community.

In fact, 126 different ethnic groups live quite peacefully in this Central Asian country.

26. New Zealand

Ease of settling in: 17

Feeling at home: 11

Finding friends: 26

What Makes New Zealand So Friendly

Pretty much anyone who travels to New Zealand reports that the Kiwis (local New Zealanders) are some of the nicest people. Here, the phrase, "She'll be right," is one locals say often as a way to express that things will work out.

This easygoing lifestyle and can-do attitude is simply fun to be around, and their humble nature makes them all the more charming.

25. Greece

Ease of settling in: 21

Feeling at home: 21

Finding friends: 11

What Makes Greece So Friendly

Of those surveyed, 66 percent of expats find it easy to make new friends in Greece, while 74 percent find it easy to feel at home. Plus, its Mediterranean climate makes it especially enjoyable for leisure activities (ranking seventh).

However, Greece is not without its faults. It ranks dead last in the survey's Personal Finance Index, so if you plan on making money here on your travels, think again.

24. Australia

Ease of settling in: 19

Feeling at home: 10

Finding friends: 30

What Makes Australia So Friendly

Ranked 24th on our list of friendliest countries is Australia. People are drawn to the island continent for its quality of life and working life. In fact, 91 percent of expats are pleased with the leisure activities available here. Think surfing, snorkeling, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding.

Like Greece, Australia ranks fairly low (40th out of 64) for personal finance. Plus, some expats noted that they are dissatisfied with the political stability of the country.

23. Egypt

Ease of settling in: 33

Feeling at home: 38

Finding friends: 21

What Makes Egypt So Friendly

One of four African countries on this list, Egypt is home to several monuments that date back to the time of the pharaohs. Giza's Pyramids and Great Sphinx, as well as the temples and tombs of Luxor, are all reasons to visit.

As the 15th-most populous country in the world, it's no wonder that locals know how to treat each other well. That said, issues with terrorism mean that visitors should travel with caution in certain parts of the country.

22. Thailand

Family enjoying food at Yaowarat road, Bangkok

Ease of settling in: 29

Feeling at home: 20

Finding friends: 23

What Makes Thailand So Friendly

Thailand offers an array of places to visit, from lovely beaches to the ultramodern capital city of Bangkok to the ancient Buddhist temples scattered around the countryside.

Expats score Thailand high for personal happiness; it’s 12th on the list. Thailand is also celebrated for its welcoming attitude, ranking No. 20 out of 64 for making expats Feel at Home. At 15th on the cost of living scale, Thailand is also a good choice for the adventurous, frugal traveler.

21. Kenya

Ease of settling in: 7

Feeling at home: 16

Finding friends: 8

What Makes Kenya So Friendly

Kenya is filled with dramatic landscapes to explore. Situated along the East African coastline on the Indian Ocean, it's home to an abundance of wildlife. In fact, visitors can take safaris to check out the annual wildebeest migrations.

However, Kenya has drawn the world’s attention for crime, terrorism and kidnapping, and travel there should be undertaken cautiously. The country ranks quite low in ease of travel, safety and security and political stability. For visitors who do want to explore Kenya, though, the people are quite friendly, with 85 percent of expats considering the local population to be generally friendly (compared to 68 percent globally).

20. United Arab Emirates

Ease of settling in: 20

Feeling at home: 29

Finding friends: 42

What Makes the UAE So Friendly

The UAE is best known as the site of that modern marvel of a city, Dubai, site of the famous Burj Khalifa tower, and shopping galore. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital city, is also worth a visit: 40,000 worshippers at a time can gather under crystal chandeliers, an astounding site to behold.

The UAE ranks very high in personal safety, a boon for visitors, and 86 percent of the respondents said it’s easy to get along in the UAE without speaking Arabic, the country’s official language: “Conversation in English is possible everywhere,” noted one.

19. Malaysia

Ease of settling in: 3

Feeling at home: 8

Finding friends: 15

What Makes Malaysia So Friendly

This South Asian nation, Malaysia, is an island nation. Borneo is a prime tourism destination in Malaysia, where a unique mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences blend together. Malaysia offers beaches and rainforests, popular with travelers as well.

For expats, Malaysia ranks high on the overall list for best destinations. One expat cited the “easy-going temperaments and friendliness of the local people, the weather and the good travel options” as reasons the country is well-liked by foreigners.

18. Israel

Ease of settling in: 26

Feeling at home: 42

Finding friends: 13

What Makes Israel So Friendly

Few travelers need to be told what to see in Israel, where three major world religions — Christianity, Judaism and Islam — claim holy sites. It might be surprising that a country well known for strife ranks in the top 25 most friendly countries, but expats find Israel warm and welcoming despite its many problems.

It does rank lower in safety and security, but much higher for leisure options, reflecting the diversity of geography and attractions in the country. Expats also say it’s difficult to get used to the local culture in Israel, but travelers enjoy the passionate and vibrant culture in smaller doses.

17. Argentina

Argentine family enjoying outdoor midday meal

Ease of settling in: 16

Feeling at home: 23

Finding friends: 17

What Makes Argentina So Friendly

Argentina attracts visitors with an amazing array of geography and wildlife as well as ample cultural offerings. In fact, there are 30 National Parks of Argentina, including many World Heritage Sites. And visitors should expect to dance the night away, exploring the vibrant dance scene.

Argentina does not rank well for safety and security, with 39 percent of expats rating their personal safety negatively. A lot of that is due to the country's political instability because the locals are as friendly as can be. In fact, 79 percent of expats find Argentineans to have a friendly attitude towards foreign residents.

16. Canada

Ease of settling in: 18

Feeling at home: 12

Finding friends: 34

What Makes Canada So Friendly

No surprise here: The United States’ famously courteous northern neighbor is particularly welcoming to outsiders. As one French expat noted in the survey, Canadians are “open-minded, tolerant and benevolent."

There are hundreds of worthwhile destinations to explore in this large country, from Vancouver’s mix of urban and nature in the West to Prince Edward Island’s beaches and charming lighthouses in the East. A pinch of British and French cultures throughout only adds to the charm. Canada’s populace is so friendly and polite that it’s become a long-standing joke — but isn’t it nice to know that a civil welcome awaits you?

It's main setback? It has a below-average ranking for cost of living.

15. Brazil

Ease of settling in: 37

Feeling at home: 44

Finding friends: 28

What Makes Brazil So Friendly

Like Peru and Ecuador, Brazil is also famous for its warm welcome. Visitors arrive for the iconic Carnival and stay to see Brazil’s gorgeous beaches and mountains. The warm, exuberant lifestyle is a big part of the country’s appeal, and a warm welcome is given to visitors.

Expats report that language and safety are issues for the country, however, and tourists should be aware of those concerns. In fact, it ranks dead last for Safety & Security. “Corruption in the government is common and, consequentially, the country is struggling,” one expat living there warns, while another notes that you “can’t do anything without learning Portuguese.”

But 83 percent of survey respondents agree that Brazilians are very friendly towards foreigners, which should make up for some of the language barriers.

14. Ireland

Ease of settling in: 27

Feeling at home: 31

Finding friends: 38

What Makes Ireland So Friendly

You can expect to have a quality pint of beer in one of Ireland's hundreds of pubs. And you'll find equally quality locals to enjoy it with. Dublin, the capital city, is easy to navigate, and helpful locals will go out of their way to aid travelers.

Ireland ranks only 43rd out of 64 for overall expat satisfaction. Leisure options, cost of living and personal happiness all rank fairly low in the survey.

13. Morocco

Ease of settling in: 28

Feeling at home: 33

Finding friends: 18

What Makes Morocco So Friendly

This North African country borders both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its location, it has Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. The popular city of Marrakesh also invites travelers in with its many souks (or marketplaces) selling ceramics, jewelry and lanterns.

Plus, expats find the local population to be especially friendly and report personal happiness. The downside? They tend to be dissatisfied with digital life and the country's economy.

12. Ecuador

Ease of settling in: 9

Feeling at home: 5

Finding friends: 3

What Makes Ecuador So Friendly

Ecuador is located on the West Coast of South America. Many travelers will associate Ecuador with the Galapagos Islands, often a bucket list destination. The Andes Mountains and the Amazon River are two other spectacular destinations in the nation. As you might expect for a country with so many alluring locations for tourists, the people here are as friendly as can be, ranking a remarkable third on the list in ease of making friends.

One word of caution from the survey respondents, however: Many said it was difficult to communicate here if you don’t speak Spanish, so bring a phrasebook and brush up on key words before you go if you’re not fluent. Personal safety is also a concern, so practice caution.

11. Spain

Ease of settling in: 8

Feeling at home: 3

Finding friends: 19

What Makes Spain So Friendly

Spain is especially popular among expats, ranking first in leisure options, fourth in personal happiness and comes in at second in quality of life. An expat summed the country up this way: “Casual, relaxed and delicious!”

All of the praise from expats is no surprise to travelers who are familiar with Spain’s charms, from a relaxed way of life to an astounding cuisine. Where to focus your visit to Spain may be the hardest decision you’ll have to make while there; you could stay in Madrid, Barcelona or along the coast for an equally interesting and relaxing trip.

10. Bahrain

Ease of settling in: 2

Feeling at home: 4

Finding friends: 5

What Makes Bahrain So Friendly

This country is actually a series of more than 30 islands in the Arabian Gulf, making it a surprising mix of desert and water. It also boasts a very old culture, as it was the center of ancient trade routes.

Bahrain’s capital is Manama, where a national museum showcases its history through involving exhibits. While the majority of tourists who visit the country are from other Arab countries, American tourism is increasing, and the Bahraini people are welcoming to them and others. Survey respondents singled out Bahrain for being accessible to those who don’t know Arabic, the local language.

9. Costa Rica

Ease of settling in: 10

Feeling at home: 13

Finding friends: 7

What Makes Costa Rica So Friendly

A more traditional travelers’ destination, this Central American country borders Panama and Nicaragua. Costa Rica boasts the capital of San José and its many cultural destinations, but most people come here for the beauty of its scenery, which includes everything from volcanos to beaches to rainforests.

Costa Ricans are, generally, very welcoming to tourists and love sharing their stunning country’s treasures. It ranks No. 7 when it comes to making friends, and about three in five expats say that locals could not be any friendlier. Maybe these overall happiness is what makes Costa Rica one of the countries where people live the longest.

8. Indonesia

Ease of settling in: 12

Feeling at home: 30

Finding friends: 16

What Makes Indonesia So Friendly

Indonesia is next on our list. Visitors to this nation, made up of more than 13,000 islands, often visit the island of Bali, but Jakarta, the capital city, and Java, another island, are also popular destinations. Indonesia offers beautiful beaches and mountain scenery, plenty of resorts and a very low cost of living.

For expats, Indonesia ranks low in terms of safety and health and well-being. But the friendliness of the country is frequently cited. Many Indonesians speak or can get along well enough in English, and the culture promotes calmness and contentment. Those qualities make up for a lot of the country's problems for travelers.

7. Philippines

Ease of settling in: 5

Feeling at home: 18

Finding friends: 2

What Makes the Philippines So Friendly

This island nation hosts a beautiful melting pot of cultures. Travelers make the capital city of Manila their home base when visiting the Philippines, located in the Western Pacific. Some areas of Manila, including Binondo (its Chinatown), are several centuries old.

There is much to see and do across its 7,000 islands, and the people are extremely friendly, ranking seventh on this list. That said, expats rank it 56th for quality of life.

6. Colombia

Ease of settling in: 13

Feeling at home: 15

Finding friends: 9

What Makes Colombia So Friendly

The idea of visiting Colombia may give you pause, but significant portions of the country are perfectly safe to travel within. Those regions include the city of Cartagena and its surroundings, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the country’s convivial coffee region.

Travelers who love music should consider a trip here, where folk music is a strong tradition; Colombians enjoy sharing their musical heritage. Plus, they’re all-around good people — survey respondents called locals “open, warm and friendly” and said they “are always willing to help.”

5. Vietnam

Ease of settling in: 15

Feeling at home: 14

Finding friends: 4

What Makes Vietnam So Friendly

A trip to Vietnam is fraught for many Americans, who recall or have learned about the Vietnam War. But the country has largely recovered from that time period, and the people there are used to welcoming Americans. Expats from the U.S. and elsewhere praise the country’s “friendly vibe” and “nice and gentle” locals.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) are modern destinations with a warm feel. This is a particularly safe country as well, making it a good choice for solo travelers.

4. Taiwan

Ease of settling in: 14

Feeling at home: 9

Finding friends: 14

What Makes Taiwan So Friendly

Many travelers have heard of Taiwan, but aren’t quite sure where it is. The answer? It’s an island off the Eastern coast of China ... and it has a complicated history. While China claims it as a part of the country, Taiwan considers itself independent.

Visiting Taiwan almost surely means a trip to its capital city, Taipei. Many Taiwanese are proud of their openness to foreign visitors, seeing it as a difference between their country and China. From skyscrapers to temples, Taiwan offers many similar sites to China, but in a smaller, particularly open environment.

One Canadian survey respondent put it succinctly: “I have found my home in Taiwan. On this friendly island, I have found peace, love and health.”

3. Portugal

Ease of settling in: 4

Feeling at home: 1

Finding friends: 10

What Makes Portugal So Friendly

Surprise: The only European country to crack the Top 10 is Portugal.

Portugal famously borders on Spain, a better-known destination that lands at No. 11 on the list of friendliest countries. The destination offers distinctive cuisine, historic culture, stunning islands and coastal destinations, and thriving cities.

Add to that strong a tradition of neighborliness — and a “relaxed lifestyle,” noted one survey respondent — and you’d be foolish not to visit.

2. Mexico

Ease of settling in: 1

Feeling at home: 2

Finding friends: 1

What Makes Mexico So Friendly

The United States' neighbor to the south is doing something right, as Mexico ranks second on the friendliest countries list. Whether you want a beach vacation, to explore ancient ruins or to spend time in a cosmopolitan city, Mexico has what you’re looking for — and the friendly people will make sure you enjoy your trip.

One U.S. expat echoed many when they commented, "I do not feel alone here."

1. Oman

Ease of settling in: 6

Feeling at home: 19

Finding friends: 20

What Makes Oman So Friendly

Perhaps a surprising choice for No. 1 on this list is Oman, a relatively little-known country on the Arabian Peninsula. Oman splits its attractions between cities, where ancient and stunning mosques invite tourists to visit, and the Wahiba Sands area, a sand dunes region.

Tourism from the West is increasing in Oman, which made significant efforts to modernize in the first decade of this century. Travelers can expect a modern, bustling destination and people who will go out of their way to embrace outsiders. Indeed, 87 percent of expats describe the locals specifically as “welcoming.”