Just like we have different attitudes towards other countries, other countries have specific feelings about Americans. And some countries are much friendlier than others.
If you're looking for a new vacation destination or looking to travel or study abroad, your best options are likely ones where the residents view Americans favorably. No matter where you travel, it's essential to be respectful of each country's cultures, traditions, and people.
Global Attitude Towards Americans
According to a report by the Pew Research Center, the share of the global public that has a favorable view of the United States is on the decline. Some countries oppose American-style democracy and President Trump's leadership, and many others oppose the spread of U.S. ideas and culture around the world.
Globally, a median of 49% holds a favorable view of the United States. This is significantly lower than the 64% during the final years of the Obama administration.
Pew Research Center has tracked 37 countries for favorability of the United States. Of these, Americans' favorability has only increased in Russia, Vietnam, Greece, Nigeria, Jordan, and Hungary. Russia had the largest improvement, with an increase of 26 percentage points from 15% to 41%. Favorability in Western Europe and Latin America has taken the hardest hit. Of the ten European Union countries surveyed, only four have positively inclined feelings towards the United States: Poland (73%), Hungary (63%), Italy (61%), and the United Kingdom (50%).
Countries with the Most Favorable Attitudes of Americans
1. Vietnam
Vietnam loves the United States the most. Vietnam has the most favorable view of Americans with a favorability of 84%. Despite the immense damage from the Vietnam War decades ago, both the United States as a whole and Donald Trump remain popular in Vietnam.
2. Israel
Israel's favorability of the United States is at 81%. While Israel did not like the U.S. in its first few decades, it has since taken a liking to it. Favorability remained at 81% from the end of the Obama presidency to the Trump presidency. This has been especially Israel stands alone in the Middle East in its favorability of the United States. In contrast, the other Middle Eastern countries surveyed have very low favorability of the United States.
3. Philippines
The Philippines is the third country that loves America the most. About 78% of survey respondents expressed positive attitudes towards the United States. About 57% of respondents reported liking American democratic ideas.
4. South Korea
South Korea has a favorability rating of 75%. South Korea and the United States have been allies for 70 years; however, recent events in North Korea have strained the relationship between South Korea and the U.S.
5. Poland
About 73% of respondents gave the United States a favorable response. This favorability rating is the highest in Europe. Poland's positive attitudes toward the United States is rooted in President Reagan's stance against the USSR and America's help when Poland left the Soviet bloc.
6. Nigeria
Nigeria ranks sixth for the countries that loved the United States the most. About 69% of respondents have favorable opinions of the U.S. Nigeria is the world's fourth-largest democracy and has obvious signs of American cultural influence, such as its "Nollywood" film industry. Nigeria also imports over $5.5 billion in American goods every year.
7. Hungary
Hungary has a favorability rating of 63%. Hungary is one of the few countries where Trump's presidency is believed to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Hungary. Favorability from the end of the Obama presidency to the Trump presidency rose by one percentage point from 62% to 63%.
8. Italy
Italy has a favorable view of the United States despite some confusion about Americans, specifically American clothing choices and the foods Americans label as "Italian." Italy's favorability rating for the United States is 61%. Since the Obama presidency, favorability fell 11 percentage points from 72% to 61%.
9. Ghana
Ghana has the ninth-highest favorability of America of 59%. Since the end of the Obama presidency, Ghana's favorability rating has dropped by 30 percentage points from 89% to 59%. This is likely in part because of President Trump's public comment about African countries that were vile and racist.
10. Tanzania
Tanzania ranks tenth for the countries that love Americans the most. Tanzania's favorability rating is 57%. Tanzania's favorability of the United States dropped 21 points from 78% to 57%. Only about 27% of survey respondents in Tanzania think that the spread of American influence and culture is a good thing.
11. Japan
Japan also has a favorability ranking of 57% for Americans. The Japanese are known for being kind and patient towards American visitors. They believe that the United States would use military force to aid Japan in conflict with China or North Korea. However, Japan's favorability has been declining with a 15-point drop from the Obama presidency to the Trump presidency.
The United States is one of the largest and most influential countries in the world, with political, military, and pop-cultural eminence that impacts every other country on the planet in one way or another—and as such, the citizens of those other countries often have specific perceptions, attitudes, and feelings about Americans. The world's friendliest countries are predictably hospitable, and as a rule, tourists from the U.S. are generally welcome in most countries. Still, U.S. citizens seeking an ideal vacation spot, the best place to study abroad, or even the perfect country to immigrate to may wish to start their search with countries whose people are known to love Americans. No matter where one travels, it's essential to respect the local cultures, traditions, and people. The table below highlights 25 countries that love American tourists, compiled from a panel of trusted culture- and travel-savvy reference sources including Travel+Leisure, Thrillist, and Culture Trip.
25 Countries that Love American Tourists:
| 1. | Australia | The land down-under has beautiful countryside, kangaroos and koalas, no language barrier, and friendly people who—as former British colonists themselves—feel a kinship to "Yanks." |
| 2. | Belize | This English-speaking Central American country boasts a myriad of ecotourism-related attractions, including lush jungles, vibrant coral reefs, and extensive caves. |
| 3. | Brazil | South America's largest country, offering natural attractions including the Amazon rainforest and river, more than 1500 beaches, and cultural highlights such as Carnaval. |
| 4. | Canada | America's northern neighbor is famous for its polite populace and natural beauty, including thousands of lakes, pristine pine forests, and the Northern Lights. |
| 5. | Colombia | With natural attractions from the Amazon to the Andes mountains and a capital city (Bogota) full of museums and entertainment, there's more to Colombia than just coffee. |
| 6. | Cuba | A closeby island nation with beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, and people so friendly they may invite you home for dinner. Capital city Havana is known for its classic cars and vibrant nightlife. |
| 7. | Denmark | This Northern European "fairytale country" is known for *hygge* (pronounced "hoo-gah"), the warm feeling of spending quality time with good people. |
| 8. | England (UK) | England offers attractions ranging from castles and Stonehenge to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, with zero language barrier. Stories about Brits being condescending are exaggerated. |
| 9. | Georgia | Not to be confused with the U.S. state, this former Soviet republic is covered in majestic mountains and deep forests. Known for excellent skiing, winemaking, medieval architechture, and ecotourism. |
| 10. | India | The friendly, English-speaking people of India are eager to share their culture, food, beautiful natural surroundings, and architechtural wonders such as the Taj Mahal, Mahabodhi temple, and more. |
| 11. | Ireland | The Irish love to share a pint with just about anyone, and share such a kinship with Americans that one can soak in the country's picturesque rolling green hills for up to three months with no visa. |
| 12. | Israel | Many people in Israel speak English, and Israelis as a whole enjoy American culture. Attractions include beaches, Petra (in nearby Jordan), and Biblical sites such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Dead Sea. |
| 13. | Italy | Italians appreciate Americans' love of fine food and wine, as well as their interest in Italian culture. Italy also boasts attractions ranging from the Roman Coliseum to Pompeii to the verdant Tuscan countryside. |
| 14. | Japan | The Japanese are known for their kindness and politeness. Moreover, Japan blends a vibrant urban culture and world-class culinary scene with the beauty of cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and tranquil gardens. |
| 15. | Norway | This Scandinavian country is filled with warm, welcoming people and ruggedly captivating natural beauty. One can hike mountains, see glaciers, watch the northern lights, or just hang out in funky Oslo. |
| 16. | Philippines | Filipinos are renown for their hospitality. Also, the country itself is best described as an island paradise, offering pristine beaches, gleaming waters, jungles, waterfalls, cave rivers, coral reefs ... even volcanoes. |
| 17. | Poland | This Eastern European country blends friendly people, beautiful forested mountains, and impressive medieval architecture with a love of American food, culture, and entertainment. |
| 18. | Portugal | From the incredible mountain waterfalls of the Azores to countless scenic beaches and inspiring architectural must-sees, Portugal has something to please every traveler. |
| 19. | Russia | The U.S. and Russia may be rivals on the world stage, the Russian people are typically quite welcoming to actual Americans—though non-caucasians and members of the LGBTQ+ community may be less warmly received. |
| 20. | Solomon Islands | Composed of hundreds of tiny islands, this South Pacific country is one of the world's top destinations for scuba divers, snorkelers, and people who just want to relax on a beach, surrounded by tropical beauty. |
| 21. | Spain | Spain is overflowing with delicious food, warm culture, and sun-drenched beaches—and also offers Andalucía, the Guggenheim Museum, and the wonderfully weird architecture of Antoni Gaudi, particularly in Barcelona. |
| 22. | Sweden | Much like its neighbors Norway and Denmark, Sweden is filled with unsullied forests, sparkling lakes, rugged terrain, and smiling people. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and winter sports are all very popular. |
| 23. | Thailand | Known for its cuisine and nightlife, this Southeast Asian country also offers postcard-worthy beaches, lush jungles filled with wildlife, and man-made wonders including the stunning Sanctuary of Truth. |
| 24. | Vietnam | In addition to vibrant cities like Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnam is overflowing with exotic sights, from the caves of Phong Nhe-Ke Bang National Park to the temples of Angor Wat and the peaceful Ba Be lakes. |
| 25. | Wales (UK) | Wales is as lush, green, and gorgeous as Ireland and the rest of the U.K., but arguably even more quaint and idyllic. Attractions include hiking, sharing a pint, and spotting wild ponies at Brecon Beacons National Park. |
Global attitudes toward America as a whole
Regardless of how welcoming they may be to tourists from the U.S., the people of many countries have an entirely different opinion of the U.S. government and its actions. According to a 2017 report by the Pew Research Center, the share of the global public that held a favorable view of the United States declined significantly during Donald Trump's presidency. Globally, a median of 49% of countries held a favorable view of the United States government, compared to 64% during the final years of the Obama administration. A median of 58% of countries still viewed individual Americans favorably during this same time. Fortunately for America, after sinking to a 20-year low in 2020, the world's view of America rose dramatically with the transition to Joe Biden's presidency in 2021.
Change in U.S. Favorability Rating from 2020 to 2021 (Pew Research):
| Country | 2020 | 2021 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 33% | 48% | +15 |
| Canada | 35% | 61% | +26 |
| France | 31% | 65% | +34 |
| Germany | 26% | 59% | +33 |
| Greece | 54% | 63% | +9 |
| Japan | 41% | 71% | +30 |
| Italy | 45% | 74% | +29 |
| Netherlands | 30% | 57% | +27 |
| South Korea | 59% | 77% | +18% |
| Spain | 40% | 62% | +22 |
| Sweden | 33% | 57% | +24 |
| United Kingdom | 41% | 64% | +23 |