A Forbes analysis of HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey released in December 2011 ranked the Philippines as the world's 8th friendliest country and 11th overall for quality of life for expatriates. 3,885 respondents rated 31 host countries according to the following four categories and other factors that include the economy, fitness of the place to raise children and overall experience:

(1) Easy to befriend locals
(2) Learn the local language
(3) Integrate to local community, and
(4) Fit into the new culture.

For overall experience, the Philippines ranked 4th and was top-rated for access to domestic staff as well as feeling welcome at work. The country likewise placed 2nd in terms of the ease of making friends, maintaining work/life balance and having a social life.

Forbes' top 15 friendliest nations based on HSBC's survey are as follows:

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

The survey also showed that expats are spending less on accommodation, public transport, food and childcare in the Philippines than in other countries. About 91% of expatriates in the Philippines were reported to be spending less on public transport while 60% spent less on nightlife and 69% on housing.

Story courtesy of GMA News