- A survey conducted by InterNations among expatriates living in 53 different nations worldwide was carried out.
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A recent survey has identified the most welcoming nation for expatriates globally, and a Central American destination leads the rankings.
The outcome originates from a survey conducted by InterNations , a survey for expats, where individuals from 53 different countries worldwide shared their opinions about their adopted homes.
Expat respondents were queried regarding their social interactions, sense of belonging, ease of adapting to the new culture, and the hospitality of the locals.
Therefore, where are the most welcoming locations for expats to relocate?
The friendliest...
Costa Rica
Costa Rica stands out as the most welcoming nation for expats looking to relocate.
Most expatriates (88 percent) report feeling "very welcomed" in Costa Rica, and 83 percent say they feel as though they have found a home there.
Over one-third (35 percent) believe that adapting to the local culture is quite easy, as opposed to only 21 percent globally.
A Canadian expatriate shares with InterNations: "The residents here are typically kind and delightful individuals. One gradually adjusts to embracing the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle in Costa Rica."
Ninety percent of expatriates consider the locals welcoming, so it comes as no shock that 58% find forming friendships with locals straightforward.
Mexico
Mexico secures the second spot in the rankings, earning high scores particularly for its welcoming inhabitants.
Nearly 75 percent (73 percent) of expatriates report being satisfied with their social lives in Mexico, and an impressive 85 percent say they feel welcomed there.
According to 67 percent of expatriates, making local friends is straightforward, whereas 31 percent mention that most of their friendships are with Mexicans—significantly above the worldwide average of 17 percent.
An American expatriate shares with InterNations: "Here, social relationships appear to be significant for individuals, hence their enthusiasm in forming new friendships, which often include expatriates."
The Philippines
Over forty percent of expatriates (41%) residing in the Philippines, which holds the third position on the list, mention that their primary friendships are with locals.
Nearly 70 percent (specifically 69 percent) of expatriates find it easy to make local friends in the Philippines, and about 68 percent are satisfied with their social lives in this Southeast Asian nation.
A UK expatriate tells InterNations: "I adore the liberated and casual way of life here. People are always ready for a conversation."
About eight out of ten expatriates feel welcomed in the country (85 percent), and nearly four-fifths (78 percent) report feeling at home in the Philippines.
The least friendly...
Kuwait
Kuwait is ranked as the most unfriendly nation for expatriates. Just one-quarter of expats report feeling welcomed (26 percent), with nearly half stating they do not feel at home (49 percent).
Approximately half (47 percent) of the respondents find it challenging to adapt to the local culture, whereas merely 22 percent express satisfaction with their social life in Kuwait.
Over half (53 percent) of the expatriates who were polled admit that they only befriend other foreigners living in the Middle Eastern nation.
This might be due to the fact that 61 percent of expatriates find it challenging to form friendships with locals in Kuwait.
Norway
Norway is nearly at the bottom of the rankings. Many expatriates struggle to form local friendships in this Scandinavian nation, as evidenced by 67 percent finding it challenging to do so. Additionally, 49 percent express dissatisfaction with their social lives.
In Norway, fewer than half of the residents (49 percent) report feeling at home, whereas 40 percent perceive the locals as unwelcoming.
Expat individuals often struggle with adapting to the local customs in Norway, even when they possess good language abilities.
An expatriate from Kenya told InterNations: "Despite my proficient Norwegian language abilities, I am unable to form friendships with Norwegians."
Germany
In Germany, the situation isn't much better, as it places third from last when it comes to friendliness, with only 32 percent of expats feeling welcomed.
Less than 40 percent (39 percent) of expatriates find locals welcoming in Germany, whereas 65 percent mention difficulties in forming friendships with people from the area.
A Czech expatriate tells InterNations: "Forming friendships with Germans can be challenging since they often stick to their group of friends from early childhood or school days."
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