The friendliest countries in the world: 2025 Readers' Choice Awards
Many things make a holiday memorable, including dreamy beaches, delicious cuisine, and glamorous hotels, among others. But at the top of the list, it’s the people who make or break a place, and for our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked you to scour all four corners of the globe for the communities where you can always expect great company. As in previous years, these ratings indicate how welcoming these nations are to travellers, and are calculated from your responses to various categories, combined into a single holistic percentage score.
This particular ranking of friendly countries achieved a rare feat, with exceptionally high and close results, as the top 10 countries all scored above 96 per cent and within 2 per cent of each other. Tiny margins lead to some tied rankings at the bottom, as well as a breathtakingly close struggle for the crown. This list excludes countries in Europe – see our list of the friendliest countries in Europe for those winners.
These are the friendliest countries in the world, according to the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.
Getty Images=8. Thailand. Score: 96.36
Narrowly scraping into the top 10 with a tied score, Thailand is a popular haunt for solo backpackers, digital nomads, and families alike, and this probably has something to do with the incredibly warm reception all receive upon arrival. After all, it’s no secret that Thai people have long been considered the most welcoming on the planet, with their wonderful home even being nicknamed the “Land of Smiles” by many happy holidaymakers. As you jam-pack your Thailand itinerary with dreamy island-hopping adventures and spectacular gold-encrusted temples, do not doubt that generous people will be glad to guide you along the way.
Getty Images=8. Seychelles. Score: 96.36
As the other half of Thailand’s joint eighth position, Seychelles may have the smallest population on our list, but its 107,00 residents have made a hefty impression with our readers nonetheless. Comprising 115 islands speckled across the Indian Ocean, only eight of which are inhabited, the beautifully pristine nature here can only be described as paradise, while the cultural landscape fuses a colourful mixture of African, European, and Asian influences. Seychelles has even enticed the likes of royalty, with Prince William and Princess Kate famously spending their honeymoon here. While the promise of exclusivity and seclusion is what often draws visitors, you’ll find that the people you do come into contact with always make you feel more than welcome.
Getty Images=7. Mauritius. Score: 96.67
Seventh place goes to another idyllic cluster of islands off the coast of Africa, as well as another joint-scoring duo. Mauritius, the first of the pair, is a place where time slows down to a serene drift and nature flourishes in unimaginable ways. It’s not just a pretty sight either, as visitors of this gorgeous island will quickly find out.
Getty Images=7. Chile. Score: 96.67
As the only South American country making our shortlist, Chile rests the weight of a continent on its shoulders. However, with a lively culture that values community bonds and impeccable manners, this ribbon-shaped nation does not disappoint. Trace the exhilarating jumble of environmental contrasts as you move from the otherworldly salt flats and fiery terrains of the Atacama Desert in the north to the breathtaking glaciers of the Patagonia region in the south. For the best taste of local life, visit during the Independence Day festivities in late September, when pop-up party tents house cueca dancing spectacles and seas of cowboy hats.
Getty Images6. Vietnam. Score: 97.27
Stripy rice fields, ancient towns, and enchanting emerald bays – there’s no place on Earth quite like Vietnam, and residents can’t wait to share it all with travellers, too. Community is a noticeable cornerstone of society here, from the unique urban “sidewalk culture” comprising curbside food vendors, exercise groups, and barbers, to the intimate guesthouses in remote villages. No trip to Vietnam is complete without an experience of the legendary Ha Giang Loop, either – a four-day motorbike route that snakes around deep mountain valleys. While most travellers sign up for the stunning scenery, what really lingers in their memory is the inseparable connection formed with their personal Vietnamese drivers.
Getty Images5. Cambodia. Score: 97.33
As a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country, Cambodia is centred around the concept of “metta”, a Pali term roughly translating to unconditional love for all beings. It comes as no surprise then that the Cambodian people greet visitors with universal and heart-warming kindness, regardless of their background. The land itself is home to major cities, such as Phnom Penh, the bustling riverfront capital, as well as the magnificent Angkor Wat temple, renowned for being the world’s largest religious monument. But head to the rural regions to truly get under the skin of the place, where Khmer homestay schemes reveal the rich culture of silk-weaving villages and working farms.
Getty Images4. Bhutan. Score: 97.78
There are lots of reasons why Bhutan is worthy of being named on our list. Take, for instance, its revolutionary government policy, prioritising a people-first Gross National Happiness Index over established economic measures, like Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It’s worth noting that there is a pricey tourist tax here but, with 100 per cent of this money committed to sustainable development, it’s no wonder that Bhutan is one of the world’s only carbon-negative countries. Found on the cusp of the snow-capped Himalayas, this beautiful little nation is as friendly to the planet as it is to the people, and despite making its debut appearance, Bhutan soars past previous regulars to become the top-rated friendly country in Asia.
Getty Images3. Mexico. Score: 98.00
Our Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 ranked Mexico in eighth position for the world’s friendliest countries, but this year, the North American nation has risen up the ranks to earn a well-deserved place on the podium. After all, what’s not to love about Mexican culture? Crunchy street tacos, uplifting mariachi bands, and ever-flowing tequila shots – Mexico displays an exciting intertwinement of tradition and modernity. World-famous Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, which take place in November, are a perfect example of how strongly communities are unified, even across generations. With just over 130 million citizens, Mexico also has the largest population on our list, not to mention one of the largest on Earth, so expect a myriad of friendly faces when you visit.
Getty Images2. Barbados. Score: 98.18
Laidback yet thrillingly fun, Barbados is the best of both worlds, and residents channel the attractive energy of their environment. From the architecture to the cuisine, the culture here is shaped by a unique blend of West African and British influences, rooted in its complex colonial history, but locals have reclaimed several aspects of their complicated past. The annual Crop Over Festival, for example, traces its origins back to celebrations of sugar cane harvests in the 18th century. This time of year sees Barbados explode with rainbow-hued feathers and calypso music as carnival parades take to the streets. Thousands of international travellers flock to Barbados during the summer months to witness this spectacle, and all are met with splendid hospitality.
Getty Images1. Kenya. Score: 98.46
As crowned by our readers, Kenya receives the title of world’s friendliest country for 2025, and it’s easy to see why. The “Big Five” animals usually take centre stage here, but behind each lovely Kenyan safari, there’s a whole host of even lovelier guides who make you feel completely at ease, even when metres away from a prowling lion. Nairobi’s eclectic nightlife scene showcases Kenya's passion for parties. At the same time, those looking for a more relaxed break can explore the dreamy coastline, dotted with five-star resorts along endless stretches of white sand.
