Australia has been named one of the friendliest countries in the world, ranking third globally in a new international survey.
The findings come from a study by financial services provider Remitly, which surveyed more than 4,600 people across 26 countries to explore perceptions of politeness and friendliness around the world.
Canada and Brazil claimed the top two spots for friendliness, with Australia following closely behind.
The research highlights the role everyday interactions play in shaping travel experiences, particularly for those visiting or relocating to a new destination.
Small gestures such as offering help, showing patience and creating a welcoming environment were identified as key factors influencing how travellers perceive a country.
Ryan Riley, Vice President Marketing, Remitly, said these interactions can have a lasting impact.
“Small acts of courtesy can make a real difference to how welcome someone feels, particularly when they are far from home,” he said.
Alongside friendliness, the study also ranked the world’s most polite nations, with Japan taking the top position, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom.
Australia placed 11th in the politeness ranking, while also ranking 17th for self perceived politeness, suggesting Australians view themselves more modestly than global respondents do.
The research also revealed notable contrasts between global perception and self perception. Japan, for example, ranked as the most polite country globally but was among the lowest when individuals rated their own politeness.
The study suggests that while politeness may be expressed differently across cultures, qualities such as warmth, openness and respect continue to play a central role in how destinations are experienced.
As global travel continues to grow, these social factors remain key in shaping how travellers connect with destinations and communities worldwide.
Read the full survey here
