World's Most Generous People? Not Us

Aussies, Kiwis top philanthropy index
By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 9, 2010 7:00 AM CDT
Updated Sep 12, 2010 5:30 PM CDT
World's Most Generous People? Not Us
Just 39% of Americans volunteer.   (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)

Home to the world's biggest coral reef and most poisonous snake, Australia now boasts another superlative: the most generous people in the world. The Land Down Under came out on top in the latest Gallup World Giving Index, which ranks countries' philanthropy on the basis of individual donations, volunteer time, and willingness to help strangers. The US tied with Switzerland for fifth place, behind New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland.

The Gallup poll also noted that the happiest countries, rather than the wealthiest, donate most, and that older people donate more than younger ones. In the US, 60% of us donate to charity, 39% volunteer, and 65% help strangers. US philanthropy fell almost 5% this year because of the recession, a spokeswoman for the poll told the Christian Science Monitor.
(More Australia stories.)

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