MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has been named among the world’s politest and friendliest countries in a new global survey, ranking 6th in politeness and 19th in friendliness, according to data released by Remitly and World Population Review.

On March 19, 2026, cross-border digital financial services provider Remitly published results of a survey involving more than 4,600 respondents worldwide. The study asked participants to identify which countries they considered home to the most polite people.

Japan topped the list with 35.15 percent of votes, followed by Canada at 13.35 percent and the United Kingdom at 6.23 percent. China (3.07 percent) and Germany (2.8 percent) rounded out the top five, while the Philippines secured the 6th spot with 2.3 percent of respondents naming Filipinos as the most polite people globally.

The survey highlighted that perceptions of politeness were based on personal experiences and cultural impressions rather than standardized measures. Interestingly, while many foreigners ranked the Philippines highly, some Filipinos expressed skepticism about the result, noting that politeness is often subjective and culturally defined.

In addition to the politeness ranking, the Philippines also appeared in the Friendliest Countries 2026 list compiled by World Population Review. Canada, Spain, and New Zealand led the friendliness rankings, while the Philippines was placed 19th worldwide, ahead of countries such as Belgium, Japan, and Malaysia.

Analysts noted that the Philippines’ inclusion in both lists reflects the global recognition of Filipino hospitality and warmth, traits often associated with the country’s culture of community and respect. The findings also reinforce the Philippines’ reputation as a welcoming destination for tourists and expatriates.

For Filipinos, the recognition serves as a reminder of the nation’s cultural strengths, even as domestic debates continue about whether politeness and friendliness are consistently practiced at home. The survey results are expected to boost the country’s image internationally, particularly in tourism and global relations.

As global rankings continue to shape perceptions of nations, the Philippines’ placement among the politest and friendliest countries underscores its enduring reputation for hospitality and respect — qualities that remain central to its identity on the world stage.