South Africa has been named the world’s most generous nation in a new global study conducted by Remitly, a digital financial services provider.
The study, which assessed more than 4 500 people across 25 countries, measured generosity not through money or material giving, but through broader human behaviour including empathy, emotional support, patience, kindness and a willingness to put others first.
Using the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a research-validated psychological tool developed by Christian Smith and Jonathan P. Hill, participants were asked how strongly they identified with statements linked to supportive and prosocial behaviour. 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 statements highlighting the value of others’ happiness and the importance of community-centred behaviour.
The Philippines ranked second with a score of 50.2, reflecting the deeply rooted Filipino concept of pakikipagkapwa, which emphasises empathy, shared identity and communal responsibility. The United States placed third at 49.23, with generosity 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 at a glance
Top 10 most generous nations:
- 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
Ryan Riley, Remitly’s Vice President of Marketing for EMEA and APAC, said the research showed that generosity extends far beyond financial giving.
“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 said.
He 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.
“If you’re planning on making the move to a new country, immersing yourself in the local community and showing your generous side could be a great way to get involved and forge new and meaningful relationships,” he said.
The full dataset and methodology are available on Remitly’s website: https://www.remitly.com/us/en/landing/worlds-most-generous-nations. - SAnews.gov.za
