The World Giving Index 2012 report focuses on three kinds of charitable behaviour - donating money to charity, volunteering and helping a stranger - across 160 countries to illustrate the nature of giving around the world. But did you know:

1. AUSTRALIA IS THE MOST GENEROUS COUNTRY ON EARTH

In a typical month, more than two thirds of Australians donate money and help a stranger, while more than a third volunteer. The Australian government promotes philanthropy and encourages all Australians to share the joy of giving, be it time or money .

And in case you need more general knowledge, Australia is followed by Ireland in second place, Canada in third. The United Kingdom is in eighth place. 
 

2. GLOBALLY, HELPING A STRANGER IS THE MOST POPULAR FORM OF GIVING

It appears that we have not become an isolated, selfish, too occupied with our mobile phones to help others, bunch.  In a typical month, a massive 1.9 billion people will help a stranger; 1.3 billion people donate money and whilst 0.8 billion volunteer.

CAF-World-Giving-Index-2012-500px

3. WOMEN ARE MORE FINANCIALLY GENEROUS THAN MEN

While more women are more likely to donate money to charity, men are more likely to volunteer or help a stranger. 

4. THE MOST GENEROUS COUNTRIES ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE RICHEST - OR THE BIGGEST

The top 20 countries for charitable giving vary economically, geographically and politically; there’s at least one country from each continent.

The list includes both Qatar, a country with the second highest GDP per capita and also Liberia, which has the second lowest GDP per capita.

The USA, a nation of 300 million people, also makes an appearance in the top 20 - as does Trinidad and Tobago, a nation of just over one million.

5. CONTINENTS DIFFER IN HOW THEY GIVE

More people in Africa than in Europe or Asia said they had helped a stranger, while four times more people in Oceania than in Africa donated money.

We hope you’ve had a fun time swotting up on our ultimate charity facts. Now you’re prepared to take on any quiz on charitable giving.

2167F_WGI_2017_CTA Banner_1440x420px

Giving around the world

CAF World Giving Index 2012

Find out how the world gives, and see where your country ranks.

Download the report