THE MOST CHARITABLE COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD 2024
Charitable acts transcend borders, driven by a universal spirit of generosity. Corporate Connect magazine’s Global Giving Index illuminates global philanthropy, analysing monetary donations, time contributions, and aid to strangers. Notably, assisting strangers is a prevalent form of charity, embraced by over 2.5 billion people in recent years.
United Nations data spotlights lower- to middle-income nations like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Kenya, and Liberia among the world’s top 20 charitable countries. This underscores how generosity flourishes across diverse landscapes, bridging economic, cultural, and religious divides.
Challenges spurred uplifting narratives. Indonesia and Thailand saw robust giving fuelled by faith, while Africa’s Ubuntu ethos fostered communal generosity. Globally, the surge in people aiding strangers reached 77%, reflecting a deep-seated impulse to help. The period from 2013 to 2023 showcased nations’ steadfast commitment to philanthropy.
Here’s an in-depth look at the decade’s most charitable countries around the world:
top 15 charitable countries in the world
1. United States
The United States leads in overall charitable behavior (58%), with a strong emphasis on donations (61%) and helping strangers (72%). This reflects a culture of generosity and community support, where individuals actively contribute to various causes and extend assistance to those in need. The significant time volunteered (42%) further highlights Americans’ commitment to philanthropy, engaging in hands-on efforts to address societal challenges and support charitable initiatives.
2. Myanmar
Myanmar stands out for its exceptionally high level of donations (81%), showcasing a deeply ingrained culture of generosity and giving. However, there is room for growth in helping strangers (49%) and time volunteered (43%), indicating potential areas for further development in charitable activities to broaden the impact and reach of their philanthropic efforts.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand demonstrates a balanced approach to charity, with notable contributions in donations (65%), helping strangers (64%), and time volunteered (41%). This holistic engagement reflects a strong sense of community spirit and social responsibility, where individuals actively participate in various charitable endeavors to support their fellow citizens and address societal needs.
4. Australia
Australia ranks high in donations (68%) and helping strangers (64%), indicating a strong culture of altruism and empathy. The significant time dedicated to volunteering (37%) further underscores Australians’ commitment to making a positive difference in their communities and contributing to the well-being of others through charitable actions.
5. Ireland
Ireland showcases commendable charitable efforts, particularly in donations (69%) and helping strangers (62%). This reflects a culture of compassion and solidarity, where individuals prioritize supporting those in need and extending a helping hand to fellow citizens and communities. The substantial time volunteered (38%) also highlights active civic engagement and social responsibility among the Irish population.
6. Canada
Canada’s philanthropic spirit is evident in its contributions across donations (63%), helping strangers (64%), and time volunteered (37%). Canadians demonstrate a strong commitment to social welfare and community well-being, actively engaging in charitable activities to address societal challenges and support vulnerable populations, both locally and globally.
7. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom demonstrates a strong commitment to charitable giving, with notable contributions in donations (71%) and helping strangers (60%). While the time volunteered (30%) is relatively lower, the UK’s charitable landscape reflects a blend of financial support and direct assistance to those in need, emphasizing the importance of both monetary contributions and hands-on involvement in charitable initiatives.
8. Netherlands
The Netherlands excels in donations (71%) and demonstrates a willingness to help strangers (53%), indicating a culture of generosity and social responsibility. The substantial time volunteered (36%) further underscores the Dutch population’s active engagement in charitable activities, contributing to societal well-being and supporting various causes to create a positive impact on communities.
9. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka showcases a balanced approach to charity, with a focus on helping strangers (55%) and time volunteered (46%). While donations (50%) are moderate, the country’s charitable ethos emphasizes direct support and community engagement, where individuals actively participate in volunteer work and extend assistance to those in need, reflecting a strong sense of solidarity and compassion among the Sri Lankan population.
10. Indonesia
Indonesia exhibits strong charitable behavior in donations (69%) and time volunteered (40%), reflecting a culture of generosity and social responsibility. While there is potential for growth in helping strangers (42%), the country’s active engagement in charitable activities demonstrates a commitment to addressing societal challenges and supporting community well-being through philanthropic efforts.
11. Kenya
Kenya demonstrates a strong commitment to helping strangers (68%) and time volunteered (37%), showcasing a culture of communal support and active civic engagement. While donations (38%) are relatively lower, the country’s emphasis on direct assistance and volunteerism reflects a deep sense of compassion and solidarity within Kenyan society, addressing societal challenges and supporting community well-being.
12. Malta
Malta excels in donations (71%), highlighting a culture of generosity and philanthropy among its population. While helping strangers (45%) is commendable, there is room for growth in time volunteered (24%), indicating opportunities for increased civic engagement and hands-on contributions to charitable initiatives, further enhancing Malta’s impact in supporting societal needs and fostering community welfare.
13. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE showcases strong charitable behaviour in donations (52%) and helping strangers (63%), reflecting a culture of giving and social responsibility. However, there is potential for growth in time volunteered (19%), indicating opportunities for increased civic engagement and active participation in charitable activities to further strengthen the UAE’s impact in supporting community welfare and addressing societal challenges.
14. Austria
Austria demonstrates a balanced approach to charity, with notable contributions in donations (53%), and helping strangers (53%). The country also shows a significant commitment to time volunteered (27%), highlighting active civic engagement and community involvement in charitable initiatives. Austria’s philanthropic efforts contribute to societal well-being and address various challenges, reflecting a culture of compassion and social responsibility among its population.
15. Switzerland
Switzerland showcases strong charitable behavior in donations (56%) and time volunteered (32%), reflecting a culture of generosity and active civic engagement. While helping strangers (48%) is commendable, there is potential for growth in this area to further extend support and assistance to those in need. Switzerland’s philanthropic initiatives contribute significantly to community welfare and address societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of charitable contributions and hands-on involvement in fostering social well-being.
