Do you love to travel and discover new cultures but are too worried that the people will not give you a warm welcome? The World Economic Forum (WEF) usually comes out with a ranking of the friendliest countries to foreigners. Although Australia had been known to many as a very laidback and welcoming country, it is surprisingly not on the top of the friendliest list. New Zealand on the other hand, is still in one of the top spots as they usually are. Austria jumped to the fifth spot from being tenth last 2011. If you’re curious on which country got the last spot, according to WEF survey, people ranked Bolivia last.
If you’re thinking of travelling, you might consider these countries before booking a ticket. However, it will still be best to read on the culture and study language of whatever country you plan to visit to avoid getting angry looks and snobbish reactions. Here is the list of the top 10 friendliest countries in the world today:
10. Burkina Faso
Photo Source: www.gicafrica.diplo.de
Lodged in Western Africa is this small country with almost 16 million residents. Burkina Faso gets a small number of tourists every year so if you plan on visiting, you can enjoy exploring their culture and music without the crowd. Make your travel plans to this country and consider doing activities such as riding a camel and swimming in the waterfalls outside of Banfora. Another interesting option is the hippo viewing. Even though this country is one of those with the lowest GDPs, in 2011, it was ranked as the 111th safest investment destination in the world. It is one of the most wonderful tourism destinations in the world because of the hospitality of the people this country extends to their visitors that makes it as one of the friendly places on earth.
9. Ireland
Photo Source: www.ces-schools.com
The land of fairy tales and mythical creatures lands a spot in number 9. Ireland is the third largest island in Europe. This friendly country boasts more than 1,400 kilometers of amazing coastlines and the longest river in the British Isles – the River Shanon. It would be best to go to the more remote places in the country, have drinks with the locals, and exchange stories about mythical Irish creatures and their legends!
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Rated 6.6 out of 7, Bosnia and Herzegovina is at number 8 on our list. This country is blessed with several breathtaking views, which photographers and simple tourists love because of the friendly people who live in this country. Although some roads can be dangerous, the landscape of this country is fast becoming a tourist’s playground. Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates two of the largest festivities in Southeastern Europe – the Saravejo Film Festival and Saravejo Jazz Festival. Saravejo was ranked 43 in the 2006 Lonely Planet list of best cities in the world.
7. Portugal
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Not only is this country friendly, it is also included in the top 10 list of the cheapest to live in. It is not difficult to fall in love with Portugal and decide to move there with its medieval castles, quaint villages, and sun-kissed beaches. What to do in Portugal? Why not visit their fifteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites? At night, treat yourself to some of their good local wines.
6. Senegal
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Another friendly country in West Africa, Senegal got its name from the Senegal River that borders it to the east and north. The government encourages tourists to enroll in their Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to keep them updated with security and safety news. The country’s capital, Dakar, has a notable nightlife scene with various music genres, open markets, art, and food, all priced cheap and can still be bargained for. Senegal also has some of the most photographed beaches in the world and they are famous for their musical exports such as YoussouN’Dour and Akon!
5. Austria
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Yes, it’s Austria and not Australia. Many may remember Austria as the setting of the movie, The Sound of Music, or imagine the beautiful palaces in Vienna. Austria is in East Central Europe with a small population of nearly 9 million people. This country is the home of famous musicians such as Mozart, Johann Strauss Sr., and Arnold Schoenberg. This is also where the famous Sigmund Freud was from. While in Austria, indulge in great architecture, art, and history. Their galleries, markets, and festivals are usually free of charge for anyone plus the friendliest people that you will meet in this place.
4. Macedonia
Photo Source: history-of-macedonia.com
The Republic of Macedonia is a country in Southeast Europe in the Balkan Peninsula. Lonely Planet noted that “it’s the hospitality of the people of this most southern of Slavic nations that will make your visit truly memorable”. No doubt, it ranks high on the list of the top 10 friendliest countries in the world. Aside from hospitality, Macedonia’s abundant cultural and natural attractions bring 700,000 tourists to visit yearly. While in Macedonia, visit their bazaars in Skopje, eat their amazing salads, and enjoy drinking their wine, all of which are locally produced.
3. Morocco
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Morocco also happens to be among the top ten cheapest countries to live in. From Spain, you would only need a ferry ride to reach this country located at the northern part of Africa. The country friendly exudes an exotic feel and is deeply rooted in the Islamic culture. Morocco is known for its reasonably priced goods and steady economy. Visit Marrakesh and Fes, and indulge in Moroccan food and maybe learn how to cook the cuisine, too. Also, try their steam bath called hammam where you can scrub and bathe with locals of in the comfort of your private home.
2. New Zealand
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Named as one of tourists favorite countries in the world, who wouldn’t fall in love with its pristine beauty, endless fields of green and friendly people? This island country lies in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is 1,500 kilometers east of Australia. New Zealanders or Kiwis, want everyone to have a really, really good time. One interesting fact about this country is that it only has 4 million people. So few that the ratio of sheep to humans is 9:1. New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is the southernmost capital in the world. While in New Zealand, make sure to visit the Adventure Capital Queenstown where you can enjoy bungee-jumping, jet boating, paragliding and more!
1. Iceland
Photo Source: www.canyoncallingblog.com
Despite the extremely cold weather, coming to Iceland will be such a warm delight. Iceland is known for its wonderful nature. If lucky, you can get a view of the amazing Northern Lights in the skies near Faskusfjordur. Iceland has inviting waterfalls, blazing volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers. This country of friendliest people is believed to be Europe’s best-kept secret until the recent years.