World's friendliest country in 2025 is not a European paradise

For travellers, the warmth of local people often defines a holiday as much as beaches, cuisine, or luxury hotels. In the Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, people around the world ranked the countries where visitors can consistently expect friendly, welcoming communities.

The results were remarkably close, with the top 10 countries all scoring above 96%, and some tied at the lower end due to tiny margins. Europe was excluded from this ranking, which instead highlights the nations outside the continent that earned the highest marks for hospitality and traveller satisfaction.

1. Kenya: Score: 98.46

Kenya has been named the world’s friendliest country for 2025. Beyond its famous wildlife safaris, visitors praise the welcoming guides who make every experience comfortable and memorable. The country also offers vibrant nightlife in Nairobi and serene coastal escapes, with luxury resorts along its pristine white-sand beaches, combining adventure and relaxation for travellers.

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2. Barbados: Score: 98.18

Barbados is celebrated for its friendly and vibrant spirit, blending laidback charm with lively energy. Influenced by West African and British heritage, the island’s culture shines through in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The annual Crop Over Festival, originating from 18th-century sugar cane celebrations, draws thousands of visitors each summer, who are welcomed with warm Barbadian hospitality.

3. Mexico: Score: 98.00

Mexico has climbed to the podium as one of the world’s friendliest countries in 2025, up from eighth place in last year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Known for its lively culture, visitors can enjoy street tacos, mariachi music, and tequila, while community spirit shines through celebrations like Día de los Muertos. With over 130 million residents, Mexico offers countless welcoming faces to travellers.

4. Bhutan: Score: 97.78

Bhutan earns a spot on the list for its unique focus on wellbeing over conventional economic measures, using its Gross National Happiness Index to guide national policy. The country invests tourist fees entirely in sustainable development, making it one of the world’s only carbon-negative nations. Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan debuts as Asia’s friendliest country, welcoming visitors warmly while caring for the planet.

5. Cambodia: Score: 97.33

Cambodia is celebrated for its warm hospitality, rooted in the Buddhist concept of “metta,” or unconditional love. Visitors can explore vibrant cities like Phnom Penh and iconic sites such as Angkor Wat, but the true charm lies in rural areas, where homestays offer an immersive experience of Khmer culture, from silk weaving to traditional farming.

6. Vietnam: Score: 97.27

Vietnam is renowned for its stunning landscapes and welcoming communities. From bustling urban sidewalk culture to intimate village guesthouses, locals eagerly share their country with travellers. Highlights like the Ha Giang Loop motorbike route offer breathtaking scenery, but visitors often remember most the personal connections forged with their Vietnamese guides and drivers along the way.

7. Chile: Score: 96.67

As the sole South American nation on the list, Chile represents the continent with pride. Known for its strong sense of community and courteous locals, the country impresses visitors. From the stark landscapes of the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia’s stunning glaciers in the south, Chile offers diverse experiences. Independence Day in late September provides a vibrant glimpse of local culture, with cueca dancing and cowboy hat-clad celebrations.

7. Mauritius: Score: 96.67

Seventh place is shared by a pair of island paradises off Africa’s coast, the first being Mauritius. Known for its serene pace and abundant natural beauty, the island offers more than just scenic views, providing visitors with immersive experiences that showcase its vibrant environment and welcoming atmosphere.

8. Seychelles: Score: 96.36

Sharing eighth place with Thailand, Seychelles may have the smallest population on the list, but its 107,000 residents leave a lasting impression on visitors. Spread across 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, only eight are inhabited, offering pristine natural beauty. The culture blends African, European, and Asian influences, and despite its exclusivity, locals greet guests warmly, making the islands truly inviting.