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A survey conducted by InterNations among expatriates living in 53 different nations worldwide revealed some insights.
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A recent survey has identified the most welcoming nation for expatriates globally, placing a Central American destination at the top of the rankings.
The outcome originates from a survey conducted by
InterNations
, an expat guide that invited foreign residents across 53 countries worldwide to share their opinions about their adopted homes.
Foreigners were queried regarding their social activities, if they felt like they had settled in, how straightforward it was for them to adapt to the cultural norms, and the amiability of the indigenous populace.
Therefore, where are the most welcoming locations for expats to relocate?
The friendliest…
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
ranks first as the most welcoming nation for expats looking to move abroad.
Most expatriates (88 percent) find themselves very welcomed in Costa Rica, and 83 percent report feeling as though they have found a second home there.
More than a third (35 per cent) think it’s very easy to get used to the local culture, compared to just 21 per cent worldwide.
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.”
With nine out of every ten expatriates deeming the locals as welcoming, it comes as less of a shock that 58 percent find forming friendships with locals to be straightforward.
Mexico
Mexico takes second place in the ranking with top marks for its friendly residents.
Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of expatriates report being satisfied with their social life in Mexico, and an impressive 85 percent say they feel welcomed there.
Making local friends is easy according to 67 per cent of expats, while 31 per cent say the majority of their friends are Mexican – much higher than the global average of 17 per cent.
A U.S expat tells InterNations: ‘Social connections seem important to people here, so they are eager to make new friends, including expats.’
The Philippines
Over forty percent of expatriates (41%) in the Philippines, ranking third 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, whereas 68 percent are satisfied with their social life in this Southeast Asian nation.
A UK expatriate tells InterNations: “I enjoy the laid-back and unrestricted way of life here. People are always ready for a conversation.”
Almost eight out of ten expatriates feel welcomed in the Philippines (85 percent), and slightly less than eighty percent (78 percent) report feeling at home there.
The least friendly…
Kuwait
Kuwait is considered the least welcoming nation for expatriates. Just one-quarter of these individuals feel welcomed (26 percent), and nearly half (49 percent) do not feel at home there.
Slightly less than half (47 percent) of the respondents find it challenging to adapt to the local culture, whereas merely 22 percent express satisfaction with their social interactions in Kuwait.
Over half (53 percent) of the expatriates polled indicate that their friendships are limited to other foreigners residing in the Middle Eastern nation.
This might be due to the fact that 61 percent of expatriates mention finding it challenging to form friendships with locals in Kuwait.
Norway
Norway is nearly at the bottom of the rankings, coming in just above one other nation. Many expatriates struggle to form friendships locally within this Scandinavian country; 67 percent report finding it challenging to connect with locals, whereas 49 percent express dissatisfaction with their social lives.
fewer than half of the residents in Norway (49 percent) feel a sense of belonging, whereas 40 percent perceive the locals as unwelcoming.
Expat individuals often struggle with adapting to the local customs in Norway, even when they have picked up some language skills.
An expatriate from Kenya told InterNations: “Regardless of how proficient my Norwegian language abilities are, I still struggle to form friendships with Norwegians.”
Germany
Germany similarly places low, ranking third from last in terms of friendliness with 32 percent of expatriates feeling unwelcome.
Less than 40 percent (39 percent) of expatriates perceive locals as friendly in Germany, whereas 65 percent mention finding it difficult to form friendships with people from the area.
A Czech expatriate tells InterNations: “It’s challenging to form friendships with Germans since they often stick to their groups of friends from early childhood or school.”
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