CAN you guess which is the world’s first friendliest country in the world. Yes, it is the Sultanate of Oman.
Oman has been ranked as the top friendliest country in the world from among a list of 50 countries.
The rankings were based on InterNations’s 2019 ‘Ease of Settling in Index’ which used the pre-pandemic numbers for its accuracy.
Among the ranking for 50 countries, the Sultanate of Oman scooped the top spot followed by Mexico and Portugal in the second and third spot.
This was followed by Taiwan, Vietnam, Colombia, The Philippines, Indonesia, Costa Rica with Bahrain in the tenth spot.
According to the InterNation’s survey, the 50th place went to South Korea.
The reason for this was mainly pertaining to language barriers, with a good knowledge of Korean being necessary for things like opening up bank accounts and finding a place to live.
The Sultanate of Oman got the sixth ranking for the ease of settling in the country, the 19th for feeling at home and 20th among finding new friends.
The online story mentions Oman splitting its attractions between cities, where ancient and stunning mosques invite tourists to visit, with special mention of the Rimal Al Sharqiya, one of the most popular destinations for adventure lovers and the famous sand dunes region.
The survey mentions that Oman was perhaps a surprising choice for No 1 on the list.
It also mentions how tourism from the West is increasing in the Sultanate of Oman, which made significant efforts to modernise in the first decade of this century.
Far and Wide published pictures of Omani musicians providing music for a tribal dance and a panoramic sunset view of the long stretch of Muttrah sea front.
“Travellers can expect a modern, bustling destination and people who will go out of their way to embrace outsiders. Indeed, 87 per cent of expatriates describe the locals specifically as ‘welcoming,’” it mentions.
The ranking survey was published in Big Edition, a digital media company which reports on the smaller stories that spark conversations, widen perspectives and build communities of like-minded readers.
The five brands of Big Edition are Always Pets, FamilyMinded, Far & Wide, Stadium Talk and Work+Money.
The survey was published in the online edition of Far & Wide which is a modern take on traditional media delivering classic Sunday newspaper experience from online to the sports or travel verticals.
Far & Wide encourages travellers of all types to see the world and enjoy adventures basically from big countries to small towns and take people places.
The article also mentions how for many travellers, the warmth of the welcome they receive in a foreign country can make or break their trip.
“Who wants to travel halfway around the world only to be met with hostility?” it asks.
Feeling appreciated by the people of your destination can help you forget long flights, stomach complaints and all of the other horrors of journeying abroad.
The article notes that the friendliest countries in the world will help plan the next vacation and learn about a few hidden gems ideal for those seeking a warm welcome from locals. And naturally Oman came out as the first choice in this regard.
Pictures by Bavish Kizhakoodan Balan
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