The world’s most generous nations, according to science
Generosity plays a big part in how people connect and give back to those around them, whether it’s being there for friends and family during difficult times, sending money abroad to those who need it, supporting local communities, or welcoming new people and helping them feel settled. Being kind and supportive can go a long way in helping people connect and feel part of a strong support network.
As part of our ongoing work to help people discover some of the best countries to move to, we wanted to find out which nations are the most kind and thoughtful. To achieve this we asked over 4,500 participants around the world a series of questions from the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a psychological assessment born out of the University of Notre Dame, relating to how generous and giving people are. This helps us to measure how generous, kind, and welcoming nations around the world might be for those looking to make the move and start a new life in a new country.
As part of our ongoing work to help people discover some of the best countries to move to, we wanted to find out which nations are the most kind and thoughtful. To achieve this we asked over 4,500 participants around the world a series of questions from the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a psychological assessment born out of the University of Notre Dame, relating to how generous and giving people are. This helps us to measure how generous, kind, and welcoming nations around the world might be for those looking to make the move and start a new life in a new country.
Key findings
- South Africa tops the list of the most generous nations in our study, scoring an impressive 51.57 out of 60.
- Filipinos were found to be the second most generous nation in the analysis, scoring 50.2 on the test.
- Our data found that Americans ranked as the third most generous nation, followed by Ireland in fourth and Canada in fifth.
The science behind generosity
Just like our previous studies, where we revealed the friendliest nations and the funniest, we turned to science once again, this time to unearth which nations around the world are the most generous.
Developed by Christian Smith (University of Notre Dame) and Jonathan P. Hill (Calvin College), the Interpersonal Generosity Scale (IGS) is a research-validated tool designed to measure the many ways people express generosity toward others. Rather than focusing on how generous people are with their money or material goods, the scale captures generosity as a broader behavior, encompassing empathy, emotional support, patience, kindness and a willingness to put others’ needs first.
For our study, over 4,500 participants across 25 countries were asked a series of statements taken from the Interpersonal Generosity Scale. Each item was presented as a clear first-person statement and respondents were asked how strongly they identified with it, selecting either “strongly agree”, “agree”, “somewhat agree” “somewhat disagree”, “disagree” or “strongly disagree”. Their responses were converted into cumulative scores, with a maximum possible score of 60 across the test. The results reveal to what extent individuals, and by extension, nations, exhibit interpersonal generosity in their everyday lives.
Our results provide a snapshot of global generosity, with higher national scores indicating populations that demonstrate more consistent patterns of kindness, supportive behavior and generosity.
Developed by Christian Smith (University of Notre Dame) and Jonathan P. Hill (Calvin College), the Interpersonal Generosity Scale (IGS) is a research-validated tool designed to measure the many ways people express generosity toward others. Rather than focusing on how generous people are with their money or material goods, the scale captures generosity as a broader behavior, encompassing empathy, emotional support, patience, kindness and a willingness to put others’ needs first.
For our study, over 4,500 participants across 25 countries were asked a series of statements taken from the Interpersonal Generosity Scale. Each item was presented as a clear first-person statement and respondents were asked how strongly they identified with it, selecting either “strongly agree”, “agree”, “somewhat agree” “somewhat disagree”, “disagree” or “strongly disagree”. Their responses were converted into cumulative scores, with a maximum possible score of 60 across the test. The results reveal to what extent individuals, and by extension, nations, exhibit interpersonal generosity in their everyday lives.
Our results provide a snapshot of global generosity, with higher national scores indicating populations that demonstrate more consistent patterns of kindness, supportive behavior and generosity.
The world’s most generous nations
Based on surveying thousands of people around the world, we found the following countries to be the most generous. This analysis focuses on how generous people are with their time, energy and thoughts, we didn’t measure how generous people are with their money which has been covered in other analyses.
- South Africa (51.57/60)
Topping our analysis as the most generous nation is South Africa who scored the highest on the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, with an impressive 51.57 out of a possible 60. Having been found to be the friendliest nation in our previous study, South Africans have shown they can be just as generous as they are friendly. Whether it’s going the extra mile to take care of their friends or family or making decisions based on the concerns for the welfare of others, this is a nation that leads with kindness. South Africans agreed the most with statements focused on the importance of others being happy and not solely focusing on themselves, showing high levels of empathy.
- Philippines (50.2/60)
Coming in second with a score of 50.2, the Philippines stands out for its culture of “pakikipagkapwa”, a core Filipino value that emphasizes treating others as fellow human beings. Connections in the Philippines are deep and rooted in daily life, which reflects in strong generosity of time, attention and energy.
Especially within hospitality, Filipino warmth and empathy is also widely recognised, with one of their cultural values being to help others without expecting anything in return.1 This is especially true around the holiday season, Filipinos start celebrating from September and are globally renowned for their generosity, care, and joy at this time of year.
Especially within hospitality, Filipino warmth and empathy is also widely recognised, with one of their cultural values being to help others without expecting anything in return.1 This is especially true around the holiday season, Filipinos start celebrating from September and are globally renowned for their generosity, care, and joy at this time of year.
- United States (49.23/60)
With a score of 49.23, Americans score highest among countries with larger populations and diverse geographies. Generosity here often takes the shape of volunteering, fundraising, community initiatives and support for family and friends, a sign that giving back is both cultural and active. With a strong sense of community, Americans are often stepping up to support each other. When it comes to charity, a 2024 study by CEOWorld Magazine ranked the US as the most charitable nation based on things like donations and volunteering time, while South Africa placed in the global top 15 when ranked by their willingness to help strangers.2
- Ireland (48.4/60)
Known for being one of the funniest nations, the Irish can now also say they are one of the most giving and thoughtful, scoring 48.4 out of 60 in our study. Whether it’s helping out a friend in need, helping strangers who need assistance or making newcomers feel included, the Irish are seen as kind and caring. With the gift of the gab, Ireland is a nation with a reputation of strong storytelling and they love to make people feel involved within their social circles.
- Canada (48.03/60)
Rounding off the top five is Canada, with the nation scoring an average of 48.03 out of a possible 60. Revered for being friendly, welcoming and approachable, Canadians have proven themselves to be generous and giving too. With strong core values including courteousness, fairness and being a good citizen, they’re a welcoming and kind nation who have long held a global reputation of being a pleasant population.
- Portugal (47.75/60)
Ranking in sixth is Portugal, with a score of 47.75. Here, generosity often appears in everyday guest-culture, inter-generational support and a sense of place. Whether helping neighbors or supporting newcomers, it’s part of the social fabric and the Portuguese are often seen as affectionate and affable.
- Greece (47.62/60)
With a score of 47.62, Greece captures generosity rooted in “philoxenia”, which is Greek for hospitality, meaning “friend to a stranger”. It’s a generosity deeply embedded in social bonds and, for Greeks, being welcoming and kind to everyone, is a matter of honour and an integral part of their identity. So whether you’re just visiting or moving to start a new life in Greece, you’ll be welcomed with open arms, cared for and supported as if you were a life-long friend.
- United Kingdom (47.53/60)
The UK makes the top 10, ranking in eighth place overall. Most have heard of the value of ‘British politeness’ which can also extend to supporting neighbors and newcomers in their times of need. You can expect close-knit communities and a country that’s long been known for being a welcoming place to start a new life. The UK also has one of the highest charitable donation rates in the world showing yet another angle of generosity.2
- Australia (47.43/60)
Following in ninth, with a score of 47.43 is Australia. Generosity here often takes an outdoors and community-centric form: supporting sporting clubs, community events or offering time for others in a country built on connection and shared space. With a global reputation of being friendly and welcoming, it’s not surprising to see them scoring highly as a generous and giving nation too.
- Mexico (47.29/60)
Mexico rounds out the top ten, scoring 47.29. Generosity is woven into Mexican culture through expert hospitality and a strong sense of family and community. Family networks in Mexico are often large yet close meaning there’s a strong sense of support throughout multiple generations. Mexican hospitality is often hailed as being super welcoming too, with “estar en su casa” (make yourself at home) being a widely recognized social value.
The world’s top 25 most generous nations
| Rank | Country | Average score (out of 60) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 51.57 |
| 2 | Philippines | 50.2 |
| 3 | United States | 49.23 |
| 4 | Ireland | 48.4 |
| 5 | Canada | 48.03 |
| 6 | Portugal | 47.75 |
| 7 | Greece | 47.62 |
| 8 | United Kingdom | 47.53 |
| 9 | Australia | 47.43 |
| 10 | Mexico | 47.29 |
| 11 | Italy | 46.99 |
| 12 | Netherlands | 46.84 |
| 13 | Sweden | 46.68 |
| 14 | France | 46.56 |
| 15 | Spain | 46.54 |
| 16 | Chile | 46.52 |
| 17 | New Zealand | 46.43 |
| 18 | Austria | 46.3 |
| 19 | Belgium | 46.3 |
| 20 | Germany | 45.8 |
| 21 | Hungary | 45.64 |
| 22 | Estonia | 45.33 |
| 23 | Brazil | 44.74 |
| 24 | Poland | 44.29 |
| 25 | Japan | 44.08 |
How generosity can help those moving to a new country
If you’re planning on making the move to a new country, immersing yourself in the local community and showing your generous side could be a great way to get involved and forge new and meaningful relationships that can help you feel more settled. Many highlight that getting involved with local community groups or charities for example can be a good way to find new friends and get a deeper connection to your new home early on.
In addition to that, it is also worth considering the generosity of others when moving elsewhere. Perhaps you can get some free unwanted furniture for your new home, or you can rely on strangers to help you with directions when heading to your first day at work. These small things all help when settling into a new home. At Remitly, we see this same generosity every day when people send money to help family and friends abroad.
In addition to that, it is also worth considering the generosity of others when moving elsewhere. Perhaps you can get some free unwanted furniture for your new home, or you can rely on strangers to help you with directions when heading to your first day at work. These small things all help when settling into a new home. At Remitly, we see this same generosity every day when people send money to help family and friends abroad.
Methodology
Using Prolific, we tested over 4,500 adult participants from 25 countries around the world on 10 questions from the Interpersonal Generosity Scale. The scale helps to measure how generous, kind and willing they are to put others’ needs before their own, revealing how thoughtful and caring they can be.
The higher they score on the study, the more generous they could be seen to be according to the research. We calculated the average score of people in each country to provide an average ‘generosity’ score for each nation. The highest any nation would be able to score throughout the study is 60.
Not all countries in the world were tested due to polling limitations, this is something we would like to explore in the future. All data is correct as of November 2025.
The higher they score on the study, the more generous they could be seen to be according to the research. We calculated the average score of people in each country to provide an average ‘generosity’ score for each nation. The highest any nation would be able to score throughout the study is 60.
Not all countries in the world were tested due to polling limitations, this is something we would like to explore in the future. All data is correct as of November 2025.
