South Africa ranked world’s most generous country in global study

According to a recent global study, South Africa is the world’s most generous country.

The study from Remitly, a digital financial services provider, has analysed the generosity of people from all around the world using the Interpersonal Generosity Scale to reveal the most generous nations.

South Africa had the top score for generosity, at 51.57 out of 60, followed by the Philippines (50.2) and the USA (49.23).

South Africa was also found to be the friendliest nation in a 2024 study by Remitly.

The rest of the top 10 for most generous were Ireland (48.4), Canada (48.03), Portugal (47.75), Greece (47.62), UK (47.53), Australia (47.43) and Mexico (47.29).

The scope of the research lay outside how generous people are with their money or material goods, and focused on generosity as a broader behaviour.

“Generosity is often seen purely through a financial lens, but our study shows it’s much more than that,” says Ryan Riley, VP of marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly.

“The countries that rank highest aren’t just those who give the most money, but those where people consistently show up for others with kindness, empathy and everyday acts of support.”

About the study

Over 4 500 participants from 25 countries participated in the study, which was based on the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a research-validated, psychological tool developed by Christian Smith and Jonathan P Hill.

Respondents were presented with a series of statements and asked how strongly they identified with them.

The higher they score on the study, the more generous they could be seen to be according to the research.

By calculating the average score of people in each country, an average ‘generosity’ score was made for each nation.

Claiming the top spot, South Africans agreed the most with statements focused on the importance of others being happy, showing high levels of empathy.

The Philippines ranks second, standing out for its culture of ‘pakikipagkapwa’, a Filipino social concept that emphasises empathy, mutual support, and a sense of communal responsibility.

The USA takes third, with generosity involving volunteering, fundraising and community initiatives.

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