Canada

Canada’s average temperature of approximately 26.8°F (−2.89°C) makes it the country with the lowest average annual temperature. Canada has pleasant summer weather in southern regions along the border with the United States, where nearly all of Canada’s population lives.

But much of Canada is far north of this and is tundra or forested boreal regions and the Arctic. Snow covers the ground for more than six months of the year in many northern areas of Canada.

Russia

Russia has the second-lowest average annual temperature of any country at approximately 26.9°F (−2.82°C). Covering most of northern Asia, Russia features Siberia, which contains some of the most frigid inhabited places, including Oymyakon. Its climate consists of cold continental weather, massive permafrost regions, and long dark winters.

Tajikistan

High altitude determines much of Tajikistan’s climate. Despite being on roughly the same latitude as Mediterranean Europe, Tajikistan’s mean temperature is around 34°F (1.10°C). Three-quarters of Tajikistan is covered by the sharp, snowy peaks of the Pamir Mountains, called the “Roof of the World”.

More than 90% of Tajikistan is mountainous, and much of the country lies thousands of meters above sea level. This means that even when lower elevations start to heat up, temperatures high in the Pamir Mountains remain cool, windy, and heavily frosted.

Kyrgyzstan

As with other countries in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan averages just a chilly 34.8°F (1.54°C) because of its mountainous terrain. Spread across the country is the Tian Shan mountain range, which creates a trough of Siberian cold air that gets trapped within its valleys.

With permanent glaciers, heavy snowfall, and icy runoff defining much of Kyrgyzstan’s climate year-round, summers remain brisk and windy at higher elevations.

Iceland

Located just below the Arctic Circle, its average temperature is just above freezing at 35.2°F (1.77°C). Warmer currents from the North Atlantic Gulf Stream spare Iceland some of the huge negative averages experienced in Siberia or Northern Canada, but Iceland’s chilly, unstable summers and its huge interior ice caps ensure the country remains cold.

Mongolia

With an annual temperature of just 35.3°F (1.82°C), Mongolia’s continental climate is influenced by its severely landlocked position and high elevation.

With its exposed, high-altitude steppes and plateaus of the Gobi Desert, Mongolia lies squarely in the path of frigid Arctic air masses that sweep across the country unhindered, resulting in long and severe winters that characterize much of the country.

Norway

The northern stretch of Norway into the Arctic Circle drags the country’s average low to about 36.1°F (2.28°C). Norway’s coastal fjords are mild year-round, remaining ice-free thanks to the Gulf Stream.

However, as a result of its large areas of inland mountains and high plateaus combined with treeless north tundra of Lapland, winters are cold and snowy, with snow often well into spring.

Finland

With an average temperature of 37.2°F (2.87°C), Finland’s northernmost territory, Lapland, has months of polar night, very cold sub-zero temperatures, and plentiful snowfall. Thousands of inland lakes freeze solid, encasing Finland’s landscape in winter beauty for six or more months each year.

Sweden

Sweden brings up the rear of the Scandinavian countries with an average temperature of 38.1°F (3.38°C). The southern half of the country enjoys a temperate climate due to the moderating influence of the Baltic Sea. This is where most Swedes reside.

The large expanses of mountainous wilderness to the north experience harsh subarctic conditions that lower the nation’s overall average. Winters here are characterized by heavy snowfall, ice-covered gulfs, and very short days.

Estonia

Estonia’s average annual temperature is just 44.5°F (6.94°C), a result of its location on the cold waters of the Baltic Sea. Estonia has cold, long winters and short, cool summers.

Prevailing winds are maritime, carrying copious moisture, which results in significant snowfall and heavy frost. Gray coastal skies gift the landscape with stunning yet icy vistas of medieval villages, primordial bogs, and glaciated wetlands that stay snow-covered for extended periods.

Latvia

South of Estonia, Latvia has an average of 46.1°F (7.85°C). With the country straddling both maritime air from the Baltic Sea and continental air masses rolling in from Russia’s great plains to the east, Latvia experiences cold, snowy winters typical of the Baltic region with wet, cool shoulder seasons.

Switzerland

Due to its dramatic landscape, Switzerland has an average temperature of 46.3°F (7.97°C). Snow-capped, high-elevation Alpine peaks and extensive glaciers, along with valleys and basins nestled in their shadows, create a colder climate; this offsets Switzerland’s relatively warmer, more populated lowland plains and lake-front cities.

The mountains make up approximately 60% of Switzerland’s land area, and year-round subfreezing temperatures there pull the national average down.

North Korea

North Korea has a cold, somewhat harsh, and bitter climate despite its latitude, with about 46.6°F (8.10°C) on  average. The Korean Peninsula is open to Siberia and northern China due to its lack of nearby seas that soften Japan’s climate.

Bitter winds coming off of Siberia contribute to North Korea’s winters that are extremely cold, snowy, and windy compared to its short, humid monsoon season during summers.

China

While China has tropical climates in its extreme southern areas, the large expanse of northern China, the high Tibetan Plateau, and chilly desert basins lower its average temperature to just 47.1°F (8.40°C).

Northern China, especially Heilongjiang Province, experiences months of harsh arctic cold and internationally renowned ice festivals. Cities like Harbin experience temperatures similar to Siberia.

Lithuania

Lithuania, with an average temperature of roughly 47.5°F (8.62°C), features a moderate continental climate typical for Eastern Europe. Winters are snowy and cold. The country’s landscape of thick pine trees, gently rolling hills, and snow-covered valleys, as well as frozen lakes, and rivers are blanketed with thick snow. Temperatures often dip below freezing during winter. Summers are short and moderately warm, followed by a chilly, wet autumn.

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.

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Estonia

Estonia ranks number one as the world’s cleanest country. This small European country has some of the cleanest air in the world and great environmental policies in place. Half of the country is covered in forests and has rapidly moved from oil shale industries to clean, renewable energy and eco-friendly digital infrastructure. It’s one of the only countries reducing greenhouse gas emissions quickly enough to meet net-zero goals.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small country that shows you can still have high rankings with high population density and a major financial center. The country has perfect scores for access to drinking water and sanitation, and spends €100 million per year on climate initiatives.

Luxembourg keeps its air pollution low by making all public transportation fare-free throughout the country and offering subsidies for electric vehicles.

Germany

Engineering efficiency and stringent environmental laws allow Germany to have the most advanced waste management system in all of Europe.

The country recycles 67% of its municipal waste and has transformed its power grid with the Energiewende (energy transition) project, resulting in almost 50% of its electricity coming from renewable energy.

Finland

Finland isn’t called the “land of a thousand lakes” for nothing. The country has the purest freshwater supply and lowest air pollution levels on the planet.

75% of the country is covered in forests harvested sustainably for fuel, while half of Finnish buildings are heated with renewable biomass district heating systems. A national culture dedicated to protecting nature helps keep Finland’s environment nearly spotless.

United Kingdom

Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the UK has made a full-circle transition towards green energy. The country recently shut down its last coal-fired power station, instead investing billions in cleaning up its environment and erecting colossal offshore wind turbines that supply about 30% of the nation’s electricity.

Strict laws regulating air pollution in cities, including larger low-emission zones in London, have transformed the country’s skyline.

Sweden

Sweden is one of the world’s leading countries when it comes to low-carbon living and circular economic models. Sweden produces incredibly low levels of landfill waste.

The minority of waste that can’t be recycled is instead transformed into heat and energy for millions of homes through an advanced waste-to-energy program. Alongside nearly perfect sanitation rankings, Sweden’s cities and countryside remain fiercely unpolluted.

Norway

Norway safeguards its majestic fjords and mountains with rigorous environmental policies and significant green investments. With nearly all of its domestic electricity produced by clean hydropower, Norway has invested significantly in making transport emissions-free.

Austria

The Austrian landscape stays beautiful thanks to some of Europe’s toughest regulations on waste management and chemical use. Austria keeps pollution from littering and agriculture out of its fragile alpine ecosystems by restricting pesticide use. It works hard to preserve eco-friendly agriculture and maintain the unique landscapes found throughout the country.

Switzerland

Switzerland has some of the cleanest streets and purest tap water (straight from the Alps) in the world. This is in large part due to hyper-local government mandates. Tax paid per trash bag encourages astronomically high recycling rates. Strong public transportation and stringent clean-air legislation keep pollution out of their scenic mountain valleys.

Denmark

Denmark is a longtime leader in eco-friendly policy, powered by robust wind initiatives and forward-thinking carbon-cutting goals. The Danish government has passed an ambitious circular-economy action plan with the goal of recycling or reusing 65% of municipal waste. In addition, Denmark’s cities are bicycle-centric, helping to keep its bustling urban centers quiet and litter-free.

Greece

Greece has seen huge leaps and bounds in environmental performance and ocean health over the past decade. The country has dramatically cleaned up its waterfront areas, increased the amount of ocean under protection, and systematically shut down old, polluting facilities. It has seen one of the greatest increases in environmental rankings globally.

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.

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Buying fuel in liters instead of gallons

When filling up at the pump in Canada, Americans face an instant math equation. Gas prices are listed by the liter in cents, not by the gallon in dollars. So that price of “155.9” may seem baffling when they’re looking to spend $3.50.

Besides figuring out the exchange rate between Canadian dollars and U.S. dollars, they’ll then need to multiply by approximately 3.78 to see how much it will actually cost to fill up.

Translating speed limits and highway signs from kilometers

As soon as they pass a Canadian speed limit sign that says “100,” their first reaction may be to slam on the brakes. It takes a bit of time to realize that it’s kilometers per hour, which is about 62 mph.

Road distances on highway navigation signs are also in kilometers. This will make Americans believe their next hotel, bathroom break, or border crossing is farther away than it actually is.

Signs warning about polar bears

Warning signs about polar bears roaming town are not a tourist gimmick up North. In places like Churchill, Manitoba, polar bears wander the tundra around town and sometimes into town in search of food. There are town protocols to ensure safety from polar bears, such as a Polar Bear Holding Facility and a 24-hour hotline.

Navigating provincial liquor stores instead of gas stations

When traveling across many states in the U.S., buying beer, wine, or spirits can be as easy as stopping at a gas station, convenience store, drugstore, or grocery store. In Canada, regulation of alcohol sales occurs at the provincial level.

Tourists in search of a nightcap may find spirits and wine are sold virtually exclusively through stand-alone provincial government-owned retail stores (LCBO in Ontario, SAQ in Quebec, etc.), which typically close earlier than convenience stores.

Handling high-value pocket change

Americans carry cash in one-dollar and two-dollar bills. Canadians eliminated small-denomination paper bills years ago. They carry large coins instead: the one-dollar “loonie” and two-dollar “toonie.”

Americans who view pocket change as loose often find themselves astonished that coins forgotten in the cup holder of a rental car or on a hotel nightstand add up to thirty or forty dollars’ worth of actual money.

Ferries operating as essential highway links

Ferry routes connecting coastal provinces are legally considered part of the highway system. For instance, BC Ferries operates between Vancouver and Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and Marine Atlantic between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland is a constitutionally required ferry link.

Ferries regularly transport commercial transport trucks, commuters, and emergency vehicles. Reservations and staging through highway-style terminals are common.

The Trans-Canada Highway isn’t equivalent to an Interstate

In contrast to the U.S. Interstate Highway System, which requires all highways in the system to be built to controlled-access, multi-lane divided freeway standards, the Trans-Canada Highway is provincially run and varies considerably from province to province.

Only select sections such as Ontario’s Highway 417 or Alberta’s Highway 1 near Calgary are all freeway. Large sections through northern Ontario, British Columbia, and Atlantic Canada consist of undivided two-lane roads with traffic lights, driveway access, and direct routes through small-town main streets.

Asking for the “washroom” instead of the “restroom”

A North American asking how to locate the “restroom” will not be misinterpreted, but by and large Canadians call public facilities the “washroom.” Directional signage within restaurants, malls, airports, parks, and attractions from coast to coast will proudly display “Washrooms.” It’s a small language difference, but one quickly detected by American visitors searching for somewhere to go.

Dual-language signs and tourism info

Federal legislation mandates bilingualism everywhere in Canada. Every sign in a national park, transit announcement, safety placard, and packaged good must include both English and French.

Tourists from the United States who venture through English-speaking provinces such as Ontario or Alberta are often astonished by French text everywhere on their tourist maps, on the uniforms of park rangers, and at visitor centers.

Taking winter driving conditions very seriously

Rather than being seen as a seasonal inconvenience, winter weather drives commuters to routinely prepare their cars with winter tires, reinforced snow brushes and winter washer fluid, as well as keeping first aid kits and emergency blankets in their vehicles.

Winter tires are required by law in some Canadian provinces such as Quebec during the winter months, which often astonishes American drivers used to driving with all-season tires.

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10 American foods that are banned around the world

Food regulations aren’t always standardized between the U.S. and other countries, so this means some everyday American products are banned abroad.

10 American foods that are banned around the world

Central African Republic

War, poverty, and lack of infrastructure mean washing regularly is a huge challenge, not something taken for granted. There’s no running water or private toilets in most households.

People often have to walk far to get to a communal water point or pump from an exposed well. Water here is carefully rationed for drinking and food preparation, so taking a full shower with soap is a luxury.

North Korea

Severe economic isolation and decaying public infrastructure mean that running water and electricity are highly unreliable, even in major cities.

Showers are next to impossible to take during the cold winter season, as water cannot easily be heated by ordinary citizens who face perennial fuel and electricity shortages. Citizens often take basin baths using cold or tepid water.

Ethiopia

Extreme drought cycles and deep rural-urban inequality mean tens of millions of people lack reliable access to clean water.

In many communities, women and children hike hours to rivers or shared pumps. When water is limited for survival and drinking, showering every day simply isn’t a priority. Instead, spot cleaning becomes the norm.

South Sudan

It should come as no surprise that in one of the youngest and most conflict-ridden countries in the world, centralized municipal water systems are almost non-existent.

Decades of unrest have stunted any consistent production of public utilities, forcing most people to receive aid from humanitarian relief efforts or collect surface water (unknowingly risking contamination).

Guinea-Bissau

Extreme poverty and extremely poor infrastructure mean most families do not even have running water in their homes. Water systems are not widespread outside of urban centers, so most villages rely solely on hand pumps and wells.

Because water access requires labor-intensive effort daily, water use is minimal, and most people cannot afford to shower daily.

Belarus

Daily showering is less common here for a variety of reasons related to tradition and climate. Daily full-body soap showers are not really considered necessary to maintain good health by most people, who choose to do spot cleaning or wait until their weekly bath routines to fully clean themselves.

On another note, the municipalities do seasonal maintenance where they turn off the hot water in buildings for weeks at a time, which prevents people from showering daily.

Georgia

Older beliefs about cleanliness here advocate balance rather than over-washing. Many people think showering frequently actually removes too much of the skin’s natural oils.

Also, much of the country is cool and has low humidity, so people tend not to sweat as much year-round. Daily full-body washing is not felt necessary. Natural sulfur baths are frequent among locals, and spot washing satisfies daily needs.

Afghanistan

Years of war have damaged Afghanistan’s city infrastructure tremendously. Indoor plumbing is a luxury few Afghans can afford. Whether living in the country or in a bustling city, it is common to carry water from public pumps or trucks. It must be carried by hand to homes, which means that water is precious and used only for necessary tasks.

Niger

Niger is located mostly in the Saharan Desert, which is currently experiencing expansion. Temperatures are very high, while Niger suffers from a severe lack of potable water infrastructure.

Most homes do not have piped water and use communal boreholes in the village. Without shower facilities and wishing to conserve water, people take sponge baths from a basin using almost no water compared to a shower.

Chad

As large portions of Chad are located within the dry Sahel and the Sahara Desert regions, obtaining fresh water is a major part of their daily lives. There is little to no infrastructure in rural regions. So women and children must travel to gather water from rivers that flow seasonally and from open wells.

Eritrea

Because of heavy governmental control of water and the scarcity of indoor plumbing, traditional showers are extremely uncommon outside of cities. Water is sometimes sporadic even in the capital, so people keep large plastic containers to hold their supply. Learning to conserve water is a way of life since having enough to go around is not guaranteed.

Somalia

Somalia has experienced several years of record-breaking drought. With natural water sources being extremely limited, families obtain water from heavily managed sources or distant wells. Taking several gallons of clean drinking water for the sake of a standing shower is an unthinkable waste.

Yemen

Years of failing national water tables paired with unimaginable humanitarian emergencies have created severe water poverty in Yemen. Groundwater is disappearing, and municipal water connections within cities are only on for a few hours a week, if they’re turned on at all. People are forced to purchase water at very high prices from water trucking companies or wait in long lines at local water points.

Madagascar

Madagascar is surrounded by water but lacks a clean, treated interior freshwater infrastructure, especially in the south. Most rural residents use rivers, streams, or open wells exclusively for all of their water uses. Travel to and from water sources can take hours each day. Water must be boiled to be stored for later use. Hard physical limitations make conventional showers impossible, and people resort to quick, practical bucket washes.

China

Frequencies of bathing vary wildly throughout China depending on the stark climate differences between the cold north and the hot and humid south.

People in northern regions traditionally prefer going to the communal baths once a week for a vigorous scrub-down rather than hopping in the shower daily at home. Traditional medicine also warns against showering too often when it is cold outside to prevent “cold wind” from entering the body.

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.

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10 countries that waste the most food

Although millions of people struggle with hunger, enormous amounts of food are still wasted around the world every single day.

10 countries that waste the most food

The rent reality

For one, I really don’t miss spending such a large portion of my paycheck on rent. Toronto is now one of the most expensive rental markets in Canada. A run-of-the-mill apartment can take a monumental slice out of your monthly earnings. Desiring even basic amenities like an additional bedroom, closet space, or a balcony will drive up your costs even more.

It feels weird now that I don’t live there, knowing that you don’t always have to spend half of your income on housing before making life decisions.

Highway 401 gamble

A journey that seems completely sensible on paper can become a completely different ordeal when faced with Toronto traffic. The highway 401 is legendary for being congested, and rush “hour” can feel considerably longer than its name suggests. An accident, construction, or poor weather can make an already lengthy commute unbearable.

I don’t miss having to leave absurdly early just because there was no dependable way to know how long it would take to get across the city.

The TTC announcement

Toronto has decent public transit, so it’s feasible to live without a car. This was something I liked about Toronto. What I didn’t like was how the train would stop randomly, and everyone would just stare at the PA speaker waiting for an explanation.

Signal failure, security issues, track obstruction, or any number of delays can derail your morning commute in minutes. Once you spend enough mornings cursing at the subway doors while doing mental gymnastics on how late you’ll be, the familiar TTC delay message no longer holds any charm.

Everything comes with a line

Trying to get into some of Toronto’s popular restaurants, brunch spots, festivals, and attractions can leave you feeling like waiting in line is part of the attraction. A hot new restaurant gets buzzed about online, and suddenly there are people waiting on the street for a table.

Major events come with huge crowds before you’ve even walked in the door. Even getting something quick downtown can involve long waits during rush hour. I don’t miss having to coordinate regular leisure activities around whether or not hundreds of others have decided to do the same thing.

The construction never ends

Toronto often feels like a city under endless construction. Streets are torn up for repairs, condo towers sprout up everywhere, transit projects are launched, and sidewalks vanish behind white dividers.

Sure, a bustling metropolis needs development, and most of these projects are important. But living amid it all is another story. Construction detours, drilling noises, lane closures, and never-ending developments can make a simple trip around the block feel like a hassle.

The tiny-apartment compromise

Expensive rent doesn’t just rob you of your hard-earned money. It robs you of square footage too. Living in a Toronto condo teaches you to improvise when it comes to storage solutions, furniture, and pretty much any spare inch you can find.

That dining table is now your desk, your closet is doubling as your pantry, and you suddenly view your balcony as potential storage. When you move into a place that actually has space, you question how you ever thought cramming all of your worldly possessions into a shoebox was acceptable.

Winter’s ugly phase

Fresh fallen snow in Toronto can be pretty, usually for about five minutes. Soon cars, pedestrians, and salt turn it into brown-gray ice slush piled up against curbs and sidewalks. Walking across a street becomes an Olympic sport in puddle dodging, and your boots are perpetually stained with salt.

Toronto’s definitely not Canada’s northernmost city, but winter in the city has a unique brand of ugliness. I don’t miss slipping off a curb only to realize the solid-looking snow beneath you was actually brown water up to your ankles.

The noise you stop hearing

Street sirens, horns, construction, streetcars, delivery trucks, and people loitering outside late at night can become background noise if you live in a large city. I didn’t know how much noise I tuned out until I moved away from it.

Toronto can be exciting (especially downtown), but noise can also be exhausting when you just want to sleep or unwind at home. Silence almost felt unnatural to me at first. And then it became one of the things I loved most about it.

The raccoon battles

Toronto’s raccoons are notoriously brazen. They’ll tip over trash cans, sneak into backyards, and somehow access any food you think you’ve stored away safely. The issue escalated so much that the city released specially designed green bins with locking lids meant to deter the masked bandits.

They’re cute, sure, and undeniably part of Toronto’s charm. But constantly waking up to messy vandalism from your clever nocturnal neighbor gets old.

Parking nightmare

Having a car in Toronto is like having a really expensive child. Outside of gas and insurance, there’s always the stress of where you’re going to park. Paid parking downtown, buying or renting a parking spot with your condo, dramatically increases your living costs; then you have street parking rules and restrictions.

And don’t get me started on finding an open spot, only to see a sign that lists why you absolutely can’t park there. Thankfully, that’s one piece of city charm I won’t miss.

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10 misconceptions other Canadians have about Toronto that locals are tired of hearing

We asked Torontonians what stereotypes about their city they’ve grown particularly weary of, and the answers were surprisingly consistent.

10 misconceptions other Canadians have about Toronto that locals are tired of hearing

Where strangers feel like friends

Costa Rica

Costa Rica consistently scores one of the highest marks on expat reviews when asked about the friendliness of the local population. The relaxed “pura vida” attitude is more than a catchphrase for tourists. Locals focus on enjoying life and valuing friendships and courtesy during their daily lives.

Costa Rican locals have often been described as open and easy to talk to. While this may seem like a small thing, it’s important. When you’re living in a foreign country, friendliness isn’t just having someone smile and say hello. It’s about whether or not you feel like you can belong there.

Hospitality comes naturally

Mexico

Mexico’s high ranking on worldwide hospitality lists is largely due to Mexicans having hospitality as a strong point of pride. Simple courtesies are expressed emphatically; there are offers to help, and a friendliness that greets many who visit the country, helping them feel at home right away.

From Mexico City’s vibrant central market to small plazas in a pueblo, people will bend over backwards to help you find your way, feed you, and show you around.

The welcome feels personal

Philippines

Philippines has always enjoyed having a positive global image when it comes to hospitality. English is commonly used, and that can already be a big factor for some foreigners visiting or living here. Social skills also focus on being gracious and generous to guests.

Familial ties also play a strong role in Filipino Society. Tourists often receive invitations to eat or to hang out or even be given assistance from people they just met. Making foreigners feel at home is one reason why the Philippines is often ranked among the friendliest countries in the world.

An island with a big welcome

Indonesia

Indonesia has a culture of gotong royong, which loosely translates into shared responsibility. With over 17,000 islands, people in Indonesia have been brought up with a strong belief in working together and helping each other.

Tourists will find themselves welcomed with wide smiling faces and eager curiosity. Indonesians regard interacting with different cultures as a pleasurable experience, not a hassle. Whether you find yourself in a small village on Bali or a crowded suburb of Java, you will feel welcomed by the amount of care from others.

Smiles aren’t just for tourists

Thailand

Although it may seem like something from a travel brochure, hospitality is one of the things travelers most commonly hear about when visiting Thailand. Often referred to as the “Land of Smiles,” friendliness and avoiding conflict are values that typically extend to everyday social conduct.

Many travelers also find that in smaller towns and cities, there can be significant interest and kindness from locals. Cultural and language barriers can prevent some foreigners from making close friends, but Thailand’s friendly atmosphere is still one reason so many expats choose to return.

Warmth beyond the beaches

Brazil

One thing that strikes visitors from more closed societies is how open Brazilian social culture can be. Talk, jokes, physical contact, and social events are often key elements of personal relations. Visitors will discover people are often willing to converse with, help, or invite someone new into their group without getting to know that person for months, as in some societies.

Brazil is a vast country with great diversity, so this isn’t true for everyone. But exchanging pleasantries with friendly people around the country is something many tourists from abroad fondly recall.

Easy conversations everywhere

Colombia

Colombia’s reputation has shifted drastically in the past few decades. Friendliness has turned into one of Colombia’s greatest tourism draws. Whether in Medellín or more rural towns, travelers often comment on how people are friendly and helpful. Colombians can also be quite passionate about showing visitors Colombia’s cuisine, music, and heritage.

This doesn’t guarantee you’ll have nothing but wonderful experiences, but if you’re new to the country and trying to find friends, general day-to-day friendliness can help you feel at home in a foreign place.

A Mediterranean kind of welcome

Greece

Hospitality in Greece dates back thousands of years, and it remains important to Greeks to be hospitable to visitors. Away from main tourist areas, visitors may meet restaurant owners, neighbors, or those who host you when you arrive, who go out of their way to ensure you feel welcome. Food also has a central role in Greeks’ social lives, so offering food will often transform strangers into friends.

Small country, warm reception

Portugal

Thanks to its relatively cheap cost of living, gorgeous weather and friendly locals, Portugal has grown massively popular with tourists, expats and retirees in recent years. People in Portugal will often go about their day with friendly interactions that are polite but not too formal.

Expats often say they feel at home and safe while they get accustomed to life there. Though Portuguese citizens may not always be outwardly warm or affectionate like people are in some other countries on this list, you’ll feel their kindness through their patience and helpfulness.

Kindness without the fuss

Canada

Canada has achieved something of an international reputation as a land of politeness. This reputation isn’t entirely undeserved. Travelers to Canada quickly become aware of the common courtesies: holding doors for people, apologizing after slight bumps, and offering directions.

Canada’s diversity can also leave visitors from a wide variety of backgrounds feeling quite at home in many of its large cities. Canadians won’t necessarily take you home for dinner if you’re a stranger, but they will make you feel at home after the briefest encounter thanks to politeness in their everyday interactions.

Where conversation comes easily

Ireland

Ireland has gained a reputation as one of the friendliest places on earth, almost as well-known as its pubs are. In Ireland, pubs are usually places of socialization first and foremost rather than just places to drink. As such, striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know isn’t too unusual. Friendly banter and a good story can easily disarm the local Irishman.

The welcome is part of the culture

New Zealand

New Zealanders, or Kiwis, have gained a reputation for being easy-going, friendly and relatively informal. As a result, you may feel as though interactions with strangers are more casual than what you may be used to in a more formal society.

Hospitality is another important part of Kiwi culture, though it’s often linked to the Māori value of manaakitanga, which encompasses hospitality, care, and respect towards others.

Swahili hospitality

Kenya

Kenya is known for safaris and awe-inspiring scenery, but visitors often recall the friendliness of its people as well. Hospitality and a sense of community are values many Kenyan cultures hold dear. Visitors may be greeted with conversation, food, or honest interest in their homeland.

“Karibu,” Swahili for “welcome,” is a phrase tourists hear often and embodies the easy feeling many encounter. With English and Swahili being commonly spoken, communication can also be seamless for travelers.

A welcome worth traveling for

Vietnam

Millions of visitors have had an opportunity to experience Vietnam’s everyday hospitality as its popularity as an international tourist destination booms. Visitors will often find curiosity, helpfulness, and generosity outside of crowded tourist traps.

Food sharing is common as part of social etiquette, and sharing a meal can make for easy camaraderie even if you don’t speak each other’s language. Vietnam’s youth are also increasingly more likely to know at least some English.

Hospitality with deep roots

Oman

One of the more subtle reasons people grow fond of Oman is its hospitality. Inviting guests for coffee, dates, and cool drinks is a serious tradition here, and many travelers experience gracious treatment away from tourist-centric areas as well.

Oman’s social culture is more conservative than Latin American countries. However, friendliness doesn’t always have to include boisterous conversation. Kindness, generosity, and making sure guests are comfortable can say just as much.

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.

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