Singapore top ranked friendliest country in global

Singapore has been top ranked  in a list of the world’s friendliest countries, according to a global survey of expatriates.

The HSBC Expat Explorer surveyed over 3,300 expatriates in over 100 countries. In the initial survey, Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates came in as the top three overall scorers.

What impressed expats living in each of these countries were improved career prospects and high incomes.

However, for the annual report by Forbes magazine on the friendliest countries, the magazine isolated the survey results to the ability and success in befriending locals, learning the native language, integrating with the local community and the assimilating into the new culture.

That's when it found Singapore fell short in helping expats to feel at home with the local community. Expats living in Singapore said that they tend to hang out with fellow expats and were more likely to send their children to international boarding schools. 

So which country topped the list of 31 "friendliest" countries?

New Zealand scored the highest, with expats raving about the Kiwis’ friendliness and “pitch-in-and-help” mentality that helped expats to feel welcomed.

The country’s navigable government and good healthcare system were also draws to expats.

Australia came in second, with South Africa, Canada and the United States rounding up the top five.

The least friendliest country, according to the Forbes formula, was the United Arab Emirates.

Other notable entries were the Philippines who ranked 8th, and Malaysia, who came in at No. 10.

Of the Philippines, the report said, “This country is friendly on wallets, too: 47% report an increase in access to luxuries, including domestic staff, swimming pools, and owning properties.

On Malaysia, it said, “ Many expats here say they have learned the local language and befriended locals.

Said one respondent, “Malaysia is a peaceful country. Government transactions like tax, EPF [Employees Provident Fund], are very efficient. Food is relatively cheap. Also the country is clean and green and they respect the environment.”