Another achievement falls in South Africa’s arms as the country has been named as the most generous nation of the world in a new global study conducted by Remitly, which is a renowned digital financial services provider.
The study has assessed over 4,500 people across 25 countries and measured generosity not through money or material giving, but through broader human behaviour that included empathy, emotional support, patience, kindness and a willingness to put others first.
By using the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a research-validated psychological tool was developed by Christian Smith and Jonathan P. Hill, and then the participants were asked how strongly they identified with statements linked to supportive and pro-social behaviour.
Considering the results, higher scores indicated populations that consistently display kindness, empathy and helpfulness.
South Africa Leads the World
With an average score of 51.57 out of a possible 60, South Africa topped the global list.
According to the study, South Africans strongly identified with the statements that highlighted the value of others’ happiness and the importance of community-centred behaviour.
The Philippines ranked second with a score of 50.2, and reflected the deeply rooted Filipino concept of pakikipagkapwa, which emphasises empathy, shared identity and communal responsibility.
The United States placed third with 49.23 points, extending generosity that was often expressed through volunteering, fundraising and community initiatives.
Ireland and Canada completed the top five, followed by Portugal, Greece and the United Kingdom. Australia and Mexico rounded off the top 10 most generous countries.
Global Rankings as per their Score
The top-10 most generous nations are:
- South Africa – 51.57
- Philippines – 50.2
- United States – 49.23
- Ireland – 48.4
- Canada – 48.03
- Portugal – 47.75
- Greece – 47.62
- United Kingdom – 47.53
- Australia – 47.43
- Mexico – 47.29
Research Explained by Remitly
Vice President of Marketing for EMEA and APAC in Remitly – Ryan Riley said that the research showed that generosity extends far beyond financial giving.
He said, “Generosity is often seen purely through a financial lens, but our study shows it’s much more than that. 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.”
Riley further added that Remitly sees this spirit in action daily among customers who work abroad to support loved ones back home. “It’s reflected in the culture of countries like South Africa and the Philippines, where caring for your community is a shared value rather than an individual choice,” stated Ryan.
He advised if someone is planning on making the move to a new country, then they should immerse themselves in the local community and show their generous side that could be a great way to get involved and forge new and meaningful relationships.