Nice People
May 1, 2011 8:57 AM Subscribe
What country or region has the strongest and most universal reputation of having the friendliest people?
Well, Thailand is known as the land of smiles. I have no idea if it has a universal (or rather, world-wide) reputation of having the friendliest people but I wouldn't be surprised if it's pretty high up on the list.
posted by dubitable at 9:01 AM on May 1, 2011
posted by dubitable at 9:01 AM on May 1, 2011
If you mean this in absolute terms like the question is posed (*universal* reputation, *the* friendliest): none.
posted by J. Wilson at 9:21 AM on May 1, 2011
posted by J. Wilson at 9:21 AM on May 1, 2011
In the USA, Minnesota has a strong reputation for being nice (with the backhanded compliment of suggested blandness), and "Southern Hospitality" is something of a cliche (not sure if that's what you mean by "region"). More internationally, I have heard Thailand (and SE Asia in general) described as "friendly," too.
posted by GenjiandProust at 9:22 AM on May 1, 2011
posted by GenjiandProust at 9:22 AM on May 1, 2011
Minnesota has a strong reputation for being nice
Although Minnesota nice can also be characterized by passive aggressiveness.
posted by grouse at 9:24 AM on May 1, 2011 [5 favorites]
Although Minnesota nice can also be characterized by passive aggressiveness.
posted by grouse at 9:24 AM on May 1, 2011 [5 favorites]
Keep in mind, too, that pretty much any country with a strong tourist industry (especially one based on relaxing beach destinations) is going to have locals who are characterized as "friendly", simply on the virtue of national branding. Not to mention all the tourists coming home to describe how kind all the waiters, resort employees, and tour guides were.
(Hence Thailand - I'm sure people there are nice enough, but really?)
posted by Sara C. at 9:29 AM on May 1, 2011
(Hence Thailand - I'm sure people there are nice enough, but really?)
posted by Sara C. at 9:29 AM on May 1, 2011
Mod note: if you seriously feel that you need to use racial slurs to answer this question you are doing it wrong, thank you
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:31 AM on May 1, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:31 AM on May 1, 2011 [6 favorites]
Newfoundland.
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:31 AM on May 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:31 AM on May 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
In my limited experience the genuine hospitality one gets from nomadic groups is simply amazing. My sample is limited to central asia though.
posted by JPD at 9:35 AM on May 1, 2011
posted by JPD at 9:35 AM on May 1, 2011
Well, Manitoba puts it on their license plates.
posted by Orange Pamplemousse at 9:36 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Orange Pamplemousse at 9:36 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
(Hence Thailand - I'm sure people there are nice enough, but really?)
Obviously anecdata: Well, based on my three months there I can say they are pretty damn friendly as a general rule, compared to anywhere else I've been in the world...and I didn't spend much time with tour guides, hotel clerks, waitstaff, etc.
But, you know, I can't really disagree with your main point Sara C. It's all pretty subjective, and the question is a bit absurd in the end. To do this right, I suppose, we'd have to have aggregated statistics from every country and their perception of every other country. I wonder if that's been done? That might have been a more productive question actually (although possibly unanswerable), depending on the OP's goals.
In the end, how you approach the people in the country you are visiting probably has far more of an effect on your experience there than any stereotype about how the people in the country are supposed to place on the friendliness-to-meanness spectrum. That I feel pretty comfortable stating is a fact.
However I do sincerely believe that New Englanders are positively cranky. Don't hit me
posted by dubitable at 10:03 AM on May 1, 2011
Obviously anecdata: Well, based on my three months there I can say they are pretty damn friendly as a general rule, compared to anywhere else I've been in the world...and I didn't spend much time with tour guides, hotel clerks, waitstaff, etc.
But, you know, I can't really disagree with your main point Sara C. It's all pretty subjective, and the question is a bit absurd in the end. To do this right, I suppose, we'd have to have aggregated statistics from every country and their perception of every other country. I wonder if that's been done? That might have been a more productive question actually (although possibly unanswerable), depending on the OP's goals.
In the end, how you approach the people in the country you are visiting probably has far more of an effect on your experience there than any stereotype about how the people in the country are supposed to place on the friendliness-to-meanness spectrum. That I feel pretty comfortable stating is a fact.
However I do sincerely believe that New Englanders are positively cranky. Don't hit me
posted by dubitable at 10:03 AM on May 1, 2011
I don't think that your question can be answered. In my experience, The Netherlands.
posted by applemeat at 10:03 AM on May 1, 2011
posted by applemeat at 10:03 AM on May 1, 2011
Canada.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 10:07 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by easy, lucky, free at 10:07 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Hospitality is considered one of the highest virtues in the Arab world and my experience in the region backs this up. One of the many, many examples I experienced - I had a problem with my credit card in a restaurant in Morocco and the waiter actually offered to lend me the money to pay for my meal. This wasn't a fancy restaurant and the waiter was obviously far from wealthy, but he was concerned about me and wanted to make sure I wouldn't get into any trouble. It absolutely blew my mind.
posted by hazyjane at 10:18 AM on May 1, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by hazyjane at 10:18 AM on May 1, 2011 [5 favorites]
I'll add to hazyjane by suggesting that the Muslim world as a whole seems to have both strong reputations of hospilality and a culture of pleasing guests. Pashtuns for example, are universally renowned for their code of Pashtunwali.
posted by Senza Volto at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Senza Volto at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Another vote for Thailand.
The people I met are all very open and light hearted.
Bali was similar.
Netherlands? Seriously? I've never encountered more rudeness. No, I'm not a big partier. No, I didn't draw attention or misbehave. They just seem to hate Americans and will openly laugh at you if your clothes are different or they hear your accent. They are actually famous for their bluntness and often rudeness.
Stick with SE Asia.
posted by kturner at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2011
The people I met are all very open and light hearted.
Bali was similar.
Netherlands? Seriously? I've never encountered more rudeness. No, I'm not a big partier. No, I didn't draw attention or misbehave. They just seem to hate Americans and will openly laugh at you if your clothes are different or they hear your accent. They are actually famous for their bluntness and often rudeness.
Stick with SE Asia.
posted by kturner at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2011
I think there are also a lot of nuances here, about what "friendly" means.
Does it mean polite, as in the US South?
Does it mean hospitable, as in the Arab world?
Does it mean mild mannered, as in the US midwest and Canada?
Does it mean always saying "yes" even when the answer is no, as in much of South and East Asia?
How does a colonial legacy impact "friendliness"? What about a sort of post-colonial legacy of dependence on tourism (Thailand, Bali, etc)? Is it still friendliness if there are strings attached?
posted by Sara C. at 10:38 AM on May 1, 2011 [13 favorites]
Does it mean polite, as in the US South?
Does it mean hospitable, as in the Arab world?
Does it mean mild mannered, as in the US midwest and Canada?
Does it mean always saying "yes" even when the answer is no, as in much of South and East Asia?
How does a colonial legacy impact "friendliness"? What about a sort of post-colonial legacy of dependence on tourism (Thailand, Bali, etc)? Is it still friendliness if there are strings attached?
posted by Sara C. at 10:38 AM on May 1, 2011 [13 favorites]
background: I am a goofy looking obvious American. For various reasons I stick out like a sore thumb and there's not a lot I can do about it.
Amsterdam was incredibly friendly, did not see much else.
Various parts of South America are ... a mix of indolent corruption and outwardly friendly people who will see you in a different light if they develop the impression that you have resources of value to them.
Japan is incredibly polite but standoffish. Friendly? Hard to tell; there is too much hierarchy and awareness of hierarchy and in/out group. People mind their own business. I love Japan.
Poland and the rest of eastern europe are a mix of hospitality and weirdness. Individually the people seem great, but a combination of grim environment, grim history and grim capitalism-over-alles lifestyle has created an environment where "once opened, you have to finish the bottle" is used as an excuse for chronic universal alcoholism across both sexes and all age groups.
I found people in Paris much friendlier than people in Madrid although the opposite is the usual claim. Madrid seemed quite depressing, really, if you aren't a bar hopper or a smoker.
posted by rr at 10:52 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Amsterdam was incredibly friendly, did not see much else.
Various parts of South America are ... a mix of indolent corruption and outwardly friendly people who will see you in a different light if they develop the impression that you have resources of value to them.
Japan is incredibly polite but standoffish. Friendly? Hard to tell; there is too much hierarchy and awareness of hierarchy and in/out group. People mind their own business. I love Japan.
Poland and the rest of eastern europe are a mix of hospitality and weirdness. Individually the people seem great, but a combination of grim environment, grim history and grim capitalism-over-alles lifestyle has created an environment where "once opened, you have to finish the bottle" is used as an excuse for chronic universal alcoholism across both sexes and all age groups.
I found people in Paris much friendlier than people in Madrid although the opposite is the usual claim. Madrid seemed quite depressing, really, if you aren't a bar hopper or a smoker.
posted by rr at 10:52 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm amazed at how genuinely friendly people are in Hawaii. And I've heard some stories of genuine kindness to strangers that are impressive.
posted by theora55 at 11:07 AM on May 1, 2011
posted by theora55 at 11:07 AM on May 1, 2011
I'll add to hazyjane by suggesting that the Muslim world as a whole seems to have both strong reputations of hospilality and a culture of pleasing guests. Pashtuns for example, are universally renowned for their code of Pashtunwali.
My (admittedly limited) experience with middle eastern culture says that it isn't quite as simple as this, at least from a Western perspective. "Come in for tea" isn't an invitation, it is a challenge. Refusing, for any reason, will likely be taken as an insult to the host.
"Hospitality" just has a bigger meaning for that culture, it seems to me. Rather than the Western politeness or generosity, it seems to be more of a rigidly defined cultural dance. Just as a 1940's american gentleman would never wear a hat indoors, you do not refuse hospitality nor do you ever not offer it.
Canada is the friendliest country.
posted by gjc at 11:11 AM on May 1, 2011
My (admittedly limited) experience with middle eastern culture says that it isn't quite as simple as this, at least from a Western perspective. "Come in for tea" isn't an invitation, it is a challenge. Refusing, for any reason, will likely be taken as an insult to the host.
"Hospitality" just has a bigger meaning for that culture, it seems to me. Rather than the Western politeness or generosity, it seems to be more of a rigidly defined cultural dance. Just as a 1940's american gentleman would never wear a hat indoors, you do not refuse hospitality nor do you ever not offer it.
Canada is the friendliest country.
posted by gjc at 11:11 AM on May 1, 2011
If anyone cares, the only place in the world I've traveled where I thought the locals were specifically unfriendly/not hospitable was Peru.
I have lots of opinions on various cultures based on meeting expats from there in the US, or meeting fellow travelers on the road. Which might not be a fair way to judge and ultimately becomes some kind of nationalistic generalization about what Israelis/Australians/Germans "are like".
posted by Sara C. at 11:33 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I have lots of opinions on various cultures based on meeting expats from there in the US, or meeting fellow travelers on the road. Which might not be a fair way to judge and ultimately becomes some kind of nationalistic generalization about what Israelis/Australians/Germans "are like".
posted by Sara C. at 11:33 AM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I lived for years in Thailand, and people are absolutely no "friendlier" or more smiling than anywhere else ... unless they want something from you. Fortunately I'm female, so unless someone was casing me for a scam I could go about my business mostly unmolested. Having said that, the Thais are playful, and they do like to laugh.
The hospitality I received in Iraq during wartime was amazing. There were a fair number of fundamentalists glaring at the blond Western she-devil but they were far outnumbered by friendlier folks.
The Japanese are reserved but, seriously, I've never been in another country where people who can buy and sell me, who have NO financial incentive for their kindness whatsoever, went so far out of their way to look after a foreigner. This was true traveling solo and with my boyfriend. A businessman with shoes that cost more than my car walked us six blocks to find an ATM. A grandmother pushed her umbrella on me during a light drizzle. And every bar we stopped in for a beer fed us until we had to flee.
Western friends who live there say it's not that way for expat residents. But for visitors, wow. I love Japan.
posted by cyndigo at 12:09 PM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
The hospitality I received in Iraq during wartime was amazing. There were a fair number of fundamentalists glaring at the blond Western she-devil but they were far outnumbered by friendlier folks.
The Japanese are reserved but, seriously, I've never been in another country where people who can buy and sell me, who have NO financial incentive for their kindness whatsoever, went so far out of their way to look after a foreigner. This was true traveling solo and with my boyfriend. A businessman with shoes that cost more than my car walked us six blocks to find an ATM. A grandmother pushed her umbrella on me during a light drizzle. And every bar we stopped in for a beer fed us until we had to flee.
Western friends who live there say it's not that way for expat residents. But for visitors, wow. I love Japan.
posted by cyndigo at 12:09 PM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
AskMen.com made this list over "Top 10 Friendly Countries" (that is, countries with people friendly to visitors from the USA):
10. Germany
9. The Netherlands
8. Scotland
7. Fiji
6. Italy
5. Switzerland
4. Australia
3. Canada
2. New Zealand
1. Ireland
OpenTravel.com has a different list:
5. Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state)
4. Iran
3. Canada
2. Australia
1. Ireland
Lonely Planet says these are the friendliest countries in the world:
- Ireland
- USA
- Malawi
- Fiji
- Thailand
- Samoa
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Scotland
- Turkey
It seems Ireland was their #1 choice: "Centuries of turmoil, conquest and famine - and subsequent immigration - have certainly taken their toll on the Irish; it's left them with a deliciously dark sense of humour and a welcoming attitude towards strangers."
According to the HSBC Bank International's Expat Explorer survey (via Forbes), these are the friendliest countries in the world for expats (slideshow):
10. Germany
9. Malaysia
8. The UK
7. France
6. Spain
5. Australia
4. USA
3. South Africa
2. Bermuda
1. Canada
Forbes published this list in 2010 (couldn't find it on Forbes.com) over countries friendly to travellers:
"Thailand came first, followed by Columbia (...) Australia took the third place, while Costa Rica, Canada, Greece and India, captured the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh spots respectively. The United States was adjudged the eighth friendliest nation, followed by Turkey in the ninth position, New Zealand, tenth, Ghana eleventh, Fiji twelfth and Vietnam in 13th position."
Only two countries were named on all these lists: Australia and Canada. Let's put another shrimp on the barbie, eh?
posted by iviken at 12:19 PM on May 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
10. Germany
9. The Netherlands
8. Scotland
7. Fiji
6. Italy
5. Switzerland
4. Australia
3. Canada
2. New Zealand
1. Ireland
OpenTravel.com has a different list:
5. Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state)
4. Iran
3. Canada
2. Australia
1. Ireland
Lonely Planet says these are the friendliest countries in the world:
- Ireland
- USA
- Malawi
- Fiji
- Thailand
- Samoa
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Scotland
- Turkey
It seems Ireland was their #1 choice: "Centuries of turmoil, conquest and famine - and subsequent immigration - have certainly taken their toll on the Irish; it's left them with a deliciously dark sense of humour and a welcoming attitude towards strangers."
According to the HSBC Bank International's Expat Explorer survey (via Forbes), these are the friendliest countries in the world for expats (slideshow):
10. Germany
9. Malaysia
8. The UK
7. France
6. Spain
5. Australia
4. USA
3. South Africa
2. Bermuda
1. Canada
Forbes published this list in 2010 (couldn't find it on Forbes.com) over countries friendly to travellers:
"Thailand came first, followed by Columbia (...) Australia took the third place, while Costa Rica, Canada, Greece and India, captured the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh spots respectively. The United States was adjudged the eighth friendliest nation, followed by Turkey in the ninth position, New Zealand, tenth, Ghana eleventh, Fiji twelfth and Vietnam in 13th position."
Only two countries were named on all these lists: Australia and Canada. Let's put another shrimp on the barbie, eh?
posted by iviken at 12:19 PM on May 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
I have lived in Austin for not quite a year now, and I'm still surprised by Texan charm all the time.
posted by slow graffiti at 12:26 PM on May 1, 2011
posted by slow graffiti at 12:26 PM on May 1, 2011
I'll also wave the Irish flag out of nationalistic duty.
Also, people from Jersey [UK, not Shore]
posted by Chorus at 12:43 PM on May 1, 2011
Also, people from Jersey [UK, not Shore]
posted by Chorus at 12:43 PM on May 1, 2011
I remember they had some survey a few years ago and asked Europeans whom they thought were the happiest nation, and Denmark was the winner. Even the Danes voted for themselves. But the friendliest people are not necessarily the happiest people. I would give the nod to Holland, because the Dutch rule.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 12:53 PM on May 1, 2011
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 12:53 PM on May 1, 2011
Surprised that it took so long for Ireland to be suggested. Most people find us very easygoing, welcoming and helpful, even if we tend to couch it more in a "would you not have a fuckin' pint, you look like yer dying" than in smiles and service.
Anecdotally, the most genuinely pleasant, welcoming and helpful natives I have run into were the people who I spoke to in NYC. Fuckin' lovely people, chatty and sound :)
posted by Iteki at 1:39 PM on May 1, 2011
Anecdotally, the most genuinely pleasant, welcoming and helpful natives I have run into were the people who I spoke to in NYC. Fuckin' lovely people, chatty and sound :)
posted by Iteki at 1:39 PM on May 1, 2011
I thought people in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway were amazingly friendly, helpful, and nice. In comparison, the Danes' startling niceness made the Germans seem rather rude. (I still love the Germans, though). I have no evidence beyond personal experience.....
I was there in the summer, maybe they aren't as nice in the winter, idk.
posted by Neekee at 2:02 PM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I was there in the summer, maybe they aren't as nice in the winter, idk.
posted by Neekee at 2:02 PM on May 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Not sure it's an answerable question but, from some experience, I'll vote for New Zealand and Turkey.
posted by fivesavagepalms at 2:20 PM on May 1, 2011
posted by fivesavagepalms at 2:20 PM on May 1, 2011
I dunno if this fits in with "friendly", but I have heard from more than a few people that Ethiopians are among the kindest people in the world.
posted by The ____ of Justice at 2:28 PM on May 1, 2011
posted by The ____ of Justice at 2:28 PM on May 1, 2011
In my experience, Laos by far. I've never met more genuine and kind people.
posted by BeaverTerror at 2:56 PM on May 1, 2011
posted by BeaverTerror at 2:56 PM on May 1, 2011
I think much of Sub-Saharan Africa has incredibly warm and friendly people, but there can be cultural expectations (like this guy's question from a while back.)
posted by Ideefixe at 4:04 PM on May 1, 2011
posted by Ideefixe at 4:04 PM on May 1, 2011
I heard this story a long time ago, but often think about it while I'm traveling:
A traveler comes upon an old man sitting outside the gates of a city. He greets the old man and asks him, "What are the people like in this city?"
The old man replies, "What were the people like in the last city you traveled through?"
The traveler exclaims, "They were terrible! Rude, unkind, inhospitable!"
The old man responds, "You will find the same in the city ahead."
Several hours later, a second traveler on his way into the city approaches the old man. After exchanging pleasantries, the second traveler also asks, "What are the people like in this city?"
Again, the old man replies, "What were the people like in the last city you traveled through?"
The second traveler smiles, "The people in the city before this were generous, thoughtful and caring. They were kind to strangers and willing to assist when needed. I would happily stay there again during my next journey."
The old man is quiet for a moment, then says, "You will find the same in the city ahead."
posted by WaspEnterprises at 4:41 PM on May 1, 2011 [8 favorites]
A traveler comes upon an old man sitting outside the gates of a city. He greets the old man and asks him, "What are the people like in this city?"
The old man replies, "What were the people like in the last city you traveled through?"
The traveler exclaims, "They were terrible! Rude, unkind, inhospitable!"
The old man responds, "You will find the same in the city ahead."
Several hours later, a second traveler on his way into the city approaches the old man. After exchanging pleasantries, the second traveler also asks, "What are the people like in this city?"
Again, the old man replies, "What were the people like in the last city you traveled through?"
The second traveler smiles, "The people in the city before this were generous, thoughtful and caring. They were kind to strangers and willing to assist when needed. I would happily stay there again during my next journey."
The old man is quiet for a moment, then says, "You will find the same in the city ahead."
posted by WaspEnterprises at 4:41 PM on May 1, 2011 [8 favorites]
Being a born and bred Midwesterner who now lives in New Orleans, people in the Crescent City are hands-down the friendliest people in the world. Almost to an annoying extent. But, case in point - wallflowers are not allowed to exist here because someone will ask you to dance, and if you're not okay with sharing a table with strangers at some point, this ain't the town for you.
posted by mostly vowels at 9:23 PM on May 1, 2011
posted by mostly vowels at 9:23 PM on May 1, 2011
My husband lived in Salt Lake City for several years and has always said that the Utah Mormons are so friendly that it borders on creepy.
posted by litnerd at 4:56 AM on May 2, 2011
posted by litnerd at 4:56 AM on May 2, 2011
Minnesota are Ireland. And, once I got to know them, a lot of my English friends took me into their homes and were quite lovely.
posted by wenestvedt at 12:11 PM on May 2, 2011
posted by wenestvedt at 12:11 PM on May 2, 2011
Senegal is known as the "Pays de la teranga" or "Country of Hospitality." I found this to be very true, though as others have mentioned, it's difficult to find a definitive answer to this question. People love to talk to one another and will extend great kindness to even strangers. I remember one old woman on a car rapide who asked me if I knew where I was going (I'm white, so she figured I was completely lost). Not being 100% on the directions I asked her for some, which she gave, and then told a young man who was also getting off the bus with us to walk us to our destination! What surprised me even more was that he did!
posted by raccoon409 at 5:25 PM on May 2, 2011
posted by raccoon409 at 5:25 PM on May 2, 2011
Only one person shooed me away or ignored me in nearly 9 months collective trips to Rome, Italy. Those people are genuinely kind, even though some are TOO kind (dudes on buses, etc.).
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 10:29 PM on May 2, 2011
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 10:29 PM on May 2, 2011
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posted by Blasdelb at 9:00 AM on May 1, 2011 [2 favorites]