There are more than 7,101 reasons why it’s more fun in the Philippines (see the latest ad campaign of the DoT), and among those reasons is the Philippines’ rank in the The World’s Friendliest Countries. The Philippines ranked eighth (#8) most friendly among 100 countries.

[Do you agree or disagree with this ranking? Please use the comment section below.]

The ranking, as released by Forbes, is based on HSBC‘s survey of 3,385 expatriates in 100 countries between May and July 2011. Forbes used four categories to determine the friendliest countries:

* ability to befriend locals
* success in learning the local language
* capacity for integrating themselves into the community
* ease in which they fit into the new culture

The Top 15 friendliest countries in the world are as follows (the highest rated):

1. New Zealand

2. Australia

3. South Africa

4. Canada

5. United States

6. Turkey

7. United Kingdom

8. Philippines

9. Spain

10. Malaysia

11. Brazil

12. Italy

13. Mexico

14. Singapore

15. France

Wow. The Philippines, as described in Forbes: “This country is friendly on wallets, too: 47% report an increase in access to luxuries, including domestic staff, swimming pools, and owning properties.” Again, if you agree or disagree with the description or the ranking, do let us know through the comment section below.