South Africa has been ranked the most generous country in the world, according to a new international study by digital financial services provider Remitly, which assessed generosity through everyday human behaviour rather than financial contributions.
The research surveyed more than 4,500 respondents across 25 countries, evaluating qualities such as empathy, patience, emotional support, kindness and the willingness to prioritise the wellbeing of others. Instead of focusing on charitable donations or material giving, the study examined how people express generosity in their daily interactions.
Researchers used the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a recognised psychological assessment tool developed by Christian Smith and Jonathan P. Hill, to measure prosocial attitudes. Participants were asked to rate how strongly they related to statements linked to supportive and community-oriented behaviour, with higher scores reflecting greater levels of empathy and kindness.
South Africa emerged at the top of the global rankings, recording an average score of 51.57 out of 60. The study found that respondents in the country strongly resonated with values that emphasise collective wellbeing, compassion and concern for the happiness of others.
The Philippines placed second with a score of 50.2, a result the study attributes to the cultural principle of pakikipagkapwa, which centres on shared identity, empathy and communal responsibility. The United States ranked third at 49.23, where generosity is often expressed through volunteering, fundraising and grassroots community initiatives.
Ireland and Canada rounded out the top five, followed by Portugal, Greece and the United Kingdom. Australia and Mexico completed the top 10 most generous nations globally.
Remitly’s Vice President of Marketing for EMEA and APAC, Ryan Riley, said the findings challenge the idea that generosity should be measured solely in monetary terms.
“Generosity is often viewed through a financial lens, but this research shows it goes far beyond money,” Riley said. “The highest-ranking countries are those where people consistently support one another through everyday acts of kindness, empathy and care.”
He noted that this spirit is evident among Remitly customers who live and work abroad while supporting families and communities in their home countries.
“This sense of generosity is deeply embedded in societies such as South Africa and the Philippines, where looking after others is seen as a shared responsibility rather than a personal choice,” Riley said.
He added that for people relocating to new countries, engaging with local communities and embracing a culture of generosity can help build meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
