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LifestyleAfrica

What makes South Africa the world's friendliest country?

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October 10, 2025

South Africa was recently voted the world's friendliest country. So why is the 'Rainbow Nation' so friendly? DW looks at five factors that rank the country.

South Africa has been named the world's friendliest country — but locals say it's about more than smiles. DW's Afrimaxx host, Mohau Vuma, explores how South Africans embody the spirit of 'Ubuntu,' a philosophy of shared humanity, through warm hospitality, humor, generosity, and community. From Soweto's Little Rose Centre to Cape Town's streets, Ubuntu turns friendliness into everyday action.

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