Canada was just ranked one of the friendliest countries in the world — but we're not #1
Canada was just ranked one of the friendliest countries in the world, but we're far from the number one spot — and with our reputation for being extra welcoming, you'd think we'd be closer to the top.
According to Condé Nast Traveller's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards, we're the fifth-friendliest country in the world this year. While we're definitely proud of our spot, we can't help but wonder — shouldn't we be a little higher on the list?
CN Traveller's Readers' Choice Awards are based on votes from seasoned travellers across the U.K. who've experienced hospitality across the globe. These well-travelled folks rated countries on how welcoming and warm they are to visitors, and each one was given a score out of 100.
While this list didn't include Europe (it had its own ranking), only one European country — Austria — scored higher than Canada, with a score of 93.88 in the European ranking. So, if you want to get technical about it, we're actually the 6th friendliest country overall — not too bad for a place internationally known for how often we say "sorry"!
Let's dive into who else made the top 10. Here's the full rundown of the friendliest countries in the world for 2024 and their overall scores:
- Costa Rica (96.15)
- New Zealand (95.63)
- Thailand (94.37)
- Maldives (93.50)
- Canada (93.33)
- Japan (93.25)
- Sri Lanka (92.73)
- Mexico (92.17)
- Vietnam (90.00)
- Seychelles (88.84)
While Costa Rica took the crown this year, being recognized as one of the friendliest countries in the world is still a win for Canada. From the politeness you find even in bustling cities like Montreal and Vancouver to the small-town charm spread across the country, it's easy to see why travellers love visiting.
Plus, with natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the northern lights as backdrops, who wouldn't want to chat with a friendly Canadian?
In the end, this ranking confirms what most of us already know — Canada is one of the best places to visit, thanks to our warm and welcoming people. It's no wonder we're considered one of the best places to travel in the world!
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The breathtaking view from the Underground Hygge property. 
