Where will you find the world's most empathetic people?

Where in the world will you find people with them most empathy? For the first time, a study has looked into exactly that - with some surprising results.

Top of the list comes the south American nation of Ecuador.

Based on the findings, the USA can hold its head high, as it sits at number seven - but the UK doesn't feature in the top ten.

See also: World's 10 best cities to live in

See also: The best museums in the world 2016

Though being in the top 10 is great, the study's lead author, William Chopik from Michigan State University, noted that Americans 'are struggling more than ever to form meaningful close relationships'

He added: "We could see that position rise or fall depending on how our society changes in the next 20-50 years."


Saudi Arabia and Peru are second and third, and places four to six are awarded to Denmark, United Arab Emirates, and Korea, respectively.

Coming in just behind the USA are, in order, Taiwan, Costa Rica and Kuwait.

Notably, the least empathetic nation of the 63 examined is Lithuania, one of seven Eastern European countries to land in the bottom 10 bracket.

Here is the full list:

1.Ecuador

2. Saudi Arabia

3. Peru

4. Denmark

5. United Arab Emirates

6. Korea

7. USA

8. Taiwan

9. Costa Rica

10. Kuwait

According to a press release issued by Michigan State University: "The researchers analysed the data from an online survey on empathy completed by more than 104,000 people from around the world.

"The survey measured people's compassion for others and their tendency to imagine others' point of view."