Across 25 countries and more than 4,500 participants, one message stood out clearly: South Africans lead the world when it comes to generosity, driven by empathy and a deep sense of shared humanity.
Global (20 December 2025) – South Africans are often told who we are by headlines that focus on hardship. But this week, a global study flipped that narrative, naming South Africa the most generous nation in the world… not for what we give but for how deeply we care.
A new international study conducted by digital financial services provider Remitly has analysed generosity across 25 countries and South Africa has claimed the top spot with an average score of 51.57 out of a possible 60. The Philippines followed closely behind with 50.2, while the United States ranked third with 49.23.
What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is what the study chose to measure. Rather than focusing on financial donations or material giving, the research looked at generosity as a broader human behaviour. Empathy. Emotional support. Patience. Kindness. The willingness to put others first.
And on those measures, South Africans led the world.
The research surveyed more than 4,500 adults across 25 countries, using the Interpersonal Generosity Scale, a research-validated psychological tool developed by Christian Smith and Jonathan P. Hill. Participants were presented with a series of statements and asked how strongly they identified with them. These responses created a snapshot of how generosity shows up in everyday life, with higher scores reflecting more consistent patterns of kindness, empathy and supportive behaviour. The highest score any nation could achieve was 60.
South Africa didn’t just perform well. It stood out.
Claiming the number one position, South Africans showed particularly strong agreement with statements centred on caring about the happiness of others and not being solely focused on themselves. The results pointed to high levels of empathy and an instinctive sense of shared responsibility. It’s a kind of generosity that many South Africans recognise immediately. It lives in neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, community food drives, lift clubs, quiet acts of support and strangers stepping in when someone needs help. It’s not always loud or public but it’s deeply ingrained.
The Philippines ranked second, celebrated for its culture of pakikipagkapwa, a social concept rooted in empathy, mutual support and communal responsibility. The United States placed third, where generosity often takes the form of volunteering, fundraising and community initiatives. Ireland ranked fourth, long admired for its warmth and care towards others, while Canada placed fifth, reflecting values of fairness, courtesy and good citizenship. Portugal (6th), Greece (7th), the United Kingdom (8th), Australia (9th) and Mexico (10th) completed the top ten.
Ryan Riley, VP of Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, explained why this broader view of generosity matters, “Generosity is often seen purely through a financial lens, but our study shows it’s much more than that. The countries that rank highest aren’t just those who give the most money, but those where people consistently show up for others with kindness, empathy and everyday acts of support.”
“At Remitly, we see this spirit of generosity in action every day, especially among our customers who work hard abroad to support loved ones back home. It’s reflected in the culture of countries like South Africa and the Philippines, where caring for your community is a shared value rather than an individual choice.”
“If you’re planning on making the move to a new country, immersing yourself in the local community and showing your generous side could be a great way to get involved and forge new and meaningful relationships.”
Not every country in the world was included in the research due to polling limitations, something Remitly has indicated it would like to expand on in the future. All data in the study is accurate as of November 2025.
Still, this recognition carries weight.
At a time when it’s easy to feel worn down by difficult news, this study highlights something quietly powerful. It reminds us that generosity doesn’t only live in grand gestures but in everyday choices. In showing up. In caring. In putting people first.
According to the data, South Africans do that better than anyone else in the world… and that’s something worth holding onto.
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