What is the least friendly country in the world?

The Least Friendly Country for Expats in 2025

According to the Expat Insider 2025 ranking, Kuwait has been named the least friendly country in the world for foreigners—retaining its position from previous years. For expats living there, the experience often involves more isolation than inclusion.

Many report significant challenges when it comes to forming meaningful connections with locals. Despite a large foreign population, cultural barriers and social norms make integration difficult. One expat shared that conversations beyond formal settings are rare, and invitations into personal or family life are even rarer.

Language differences, strict social customs, and limited opportunities for casual interaction contribute to a sense of detachment. While Kuwait offers financial incentives and modern infrastructure, especially for professionals, the emotional and social return is often lacking. As one survey participant put it, “You can live in Kuwait for years and still feel like an outsider.”

The Expat Insider report highlights that friendliness isn’t just about politeness—it’s about openness, inclusivity, and the ease with which foreigners can become part of the community. On these measures, Kuwait continues to rank at the bottom globally.

Other countries that scored low on friendliness include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and South Korea, often for similar reasons—deep-rooted cultural insularity and high barriers to local friendship circles. Still, Kuwait stands out for how consistently expats describe the social environment as unwelcoming and difficult to navigate.

For those considering a move abroad, the takeaway is clear: a high salary or modern cityscape doesn’t always come with warm welcomes. In Kuwait, the human connection remains the hardest thing to find.