U.S. beats Canada in ranking of top 10 most generous countries in the world
The U.S. has outranked Canada on a list of the most generous countries in the world.
Remitly, an international money transfer service, analyzed the generosity of people from around the world to rank the top 10 most generous nations in the world.
“Generosity is often seen purely through a financial lens, but our study shows it’s much more than that,” states Ryan Riley, vice president 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.”
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To get the results, Remitly surveyed 4,500 participants from 25 countries using the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a psychological measure that looks beyond financial giving to capture empathy, emotional support, patience, kindness, and a willingness to put others first.
Countries with higher national scores indicate populations that demonstrate more consistent patterns of kindness, supportive behaviour, and generosity.
It may come as a surprise to Canadians to see that the U.S. beat Canada in the ranking, taking third place with a score of 49.23 out of 60.
“Americans score highest among countries with larger populations and diverse geographies,” reads the report. “Generosity here often takes the shape of volunteering, fundraising, community initiatives, and support for family and friends, a sign that giving back is both cultural and active.”
Remitly also attributed the rank to a 2024 study by CEOWorld Magazine that dubbed the U.S. the most charitable country based on donations and volunteering time.
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Canada follows not far behind in fifth place with a score of 48.03 out of 60. Remitly says this reflects traits typically associated with Canadian identity: fairness, courteousness, community spirit, and looking out for others.
“Revered for being friendly, welcoming and approachable, Canadians have proven themselves to be generous and giving too,” reads the report.
“With strong core values including courteousness, fairness and being a good citizen, they’re a welcoming and kind nation who have long held a global reputation of being a pleasant population.”
The U.S. outperforming Canada on this ranking may not sit right with Canadians amid a tumultuous trade war that began with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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The top spot went to South Africa, which received a score of 51.57 out of 60. The country also ranked first place in Remitly’s friendliest nations report.
“Whether it’s going the extra mile to take care of their friends or family or making decisions based on the concerns for the welfare of others, this is a nation that leads with kindness,” reads the report.
“South Africans agreed the most with statements focused on the importance of others being happy and not solely focusing on themselves, showing high levels of empathy.”
Ireland took fourth place with a score of 48.4, boasting a nation that’s seen as kind and caring with the gift of gab.
Rounding out the top five is the Philippines in second place. The report highlights its culture of “pakikipagkapwa,” a core Filipino value that emphasizes treating others as fellow human beings.
Here are the top 10 most generous nations in the world:
Remitly
Check out the full report.