Whether you’re visiting a new country for the first time on your travels, or emigrating, the friendliness of its locals can make all the difference. Warmth and hospitality go a long way in making one feel welcome in a foreign land, and apparently South Africa has this in bucketloads. According to a scientific study conducted by Remitly , 3 000 participants from around the world provided answers using the Big 5 Personality Test.
Remitly is the largest independent digital money transmitter in the US, and participants were asked a series of questions from the ‘agreeableness’ section of this Test. Mzansi ended up topping the list of friendliest nations, scoring an emphatic 36.43 out of 40 .
The Big 5 Personality Test The five key personality traits according to the scientific ‘Big Five’ model are openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Agreeableness is deemed the most effective way to gauge social harmony, and this is where South Africa shone. Agreeableness also assesses traits like friendliness and a willingness to compromise.
Respondents were asked how they feel about people from different nations in terms of concern for others, making time for people, and an ability to make people feel at ease. Higher scores indicate greater warmth and friendliness , generosity, and general optimism about human nature. It also makes these people potential friends for those seeking social connections, especially in a new country.
Greeks scored 33.71 .
