Some countries leave a lasting impression not only because of their sights, but because of the people who call them home. These are places where visitors feel welcome the moment they arrive, where locals are quick to offer directions, share a meal, or simply start a conversation. From busy cities to quiet communities, these destinations stand out for their warmth and hospitality.

Contents
1. Panama
2. Mexico
3. Indonesia
4. Costa Rica
5. Philippines
6. Taiwan
7. Portugal
8. Ireland
9. Canada
10. Australia
11. Thailand

In this article, Nigerian Tribune highlights eleven friendly countries to visit:

1. Panama

Expats say Panama is one of the easiest places to settle into, with affordable living, friendly neighbours and a relaxed pace of life. Its mix of cultures reflects in the way locals open their doors to newcomers, whether you’re exploring rainforests or relaxing along the coast.

2. Mexico

Mexico’s hospitality is well-known. From big cities to small towns, visitors often talk about how locals guide them, recommend places to explore or strike up a chat. The welcoming spirit is part of daily life, making even first-time travellers feel at home.

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3. Indonesia

Community life plays a strong role here. Through the tradition of gotong royong, people work together and look out for one another. Tourists note how Indonesians patiently help with language barriers and enjoy sharing their culture, especially in places like Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Ricans are known for their warm, positive outlook, summed up in the phrase pura vida. Visitors say the people are approachable, ready to assist and always proud to show off their forests, waterfalls and beaches. Even non-Spanish speakers find it easy to settle in here.

5. Philippines

The Philippines offers more than beautiful islands. Many Filipinos speak English, which makes interaction easy, but it is the hospitality that stands out. Locals often treat visitors like family, adding a personal touch to travels across the country.

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6. Taiwan

Taiwanese people are polite, patient and eager to help. Travellers often mention how someone will stop to offer assistance if they look confused. The blend of traditional culture and modern life also creates an inviting environment for visitors.

7. Portugal

Portugal has gained a reputation for being warm and easygoing. Whether you are wandering through Lisbon or exploring seaside towns, you’ll find locals who are welcoming, helpful and proud to share their history, food and way of life.

8. Ireland

Ireland consistently ranks high for friendliness. The people are known for their humour, openness and storytelling. Many visitors recall how strangers struck up conversations or helped them find their way. Dublin, in particular, enjoys a strong reputation for being exceptionally welcoming.

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9. Canada

Canada’s multicultural setting and calm pace of life reflect how locals interact with visitors. Politeness is a strong cultural trait, and travellers often talk about the kindness they encounter from major cities to smaller towns surrounded by nature.

10. Australia

Australians are known for their relaxed approach and willingness to help. The spirit of “mateship” encourages people to look out for one another, and visitors see this in everyday interactions. Whether at a beach, café or tourist spot, the friendly attitude is hard to miss.

11. Thailand

Called the “Land of Smiles”, Thailand’s reputation speaks for itself. The cheerful attitude of locals, influenced by cultural values that embrace kindness and joy, makes travelling here pleasant. Even in busy markets or tourist centres, visitors still encounter genuine warmth.

These destinations show that travel is about places but the people you meet along the way. Their friendliness adds colour to the journey and often becomes the most memorable part of the experience.

Ismaila Biliaminu Manne
December 24, 2025
Cat risk of schizophrenia
In many households worldwide, cats are among the most popular domestic pets that humans coexist with. Research has shown that cats can offer emotional support, improve their owners’ moods, and contribute to their overall morale.

Contents
1. Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD)
2. Toxoplasmosis
3. Allergies and Asthma Triggers
4. Ringworm (Fungal Infection)
5. Rabies (Though Rare in House Cats)
6. Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, and Worms
7. Psychotic illnesses.

Although cats are great companions, cat owners should be aware that sometimes cats can carry harmful germs that pose health risks to humans and can make people sick. This can happen even when they appear healthy and clean.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Tribune discusses the major health risks of owning a cat that really matter to protect yourself and your household.

1. Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD)

When a playful kitten scratches you a bit too hard, it stings, but it can also lead to cat-scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. People become infected with Bartonella henselae from the scratch of domestic or feral cats, particularly kittens. Because cats can have fleas that carry B. henselae bacteria, these bacteria can be transmitted from a cat to a person during a scratch that is contaminated with flea feces (poop).

B. henselae infection occurs most often in children under the age of 15. The infection usually spreads through scratches, bites, or when a cat’s saliva gets into broken skin.

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2. Toxoplasmosis

This is one of the most talked-about risks of owning a pet, especially for pregnant women. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite found in cat feces. And while cats usually pick it up from hunting, humans can get infected when handling litter boxes or contaminated soil.

Most people have mild symptoms of this infection that may be similar to the flu. But infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or cause problems for the baby, including blindness and seizures. “Pregnant women and people with lowered immunity are most at risk,” according to The Conversation.

Most healthy adults never notice symptoms. But toxoplasmosis can be dangerous for pregnant women and people with compromised immunity.

3. Allergies and Asthma Triggers

According to a report, research showed that up to 1 in 5 people have an allergic response to cats, and this figure is increasing. Most people allergic to cats react to a protein called Fel d 1. The main cat allergen is produced in the glands of the cat, including the sebaceous (oil-producing skin glands) and salivary glands

Also, Cat dander (tiny flakes of skin) triggers reactions in millions of people.

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Allergic reactions range from itchy eyes to severe asthma attacks.

4. Ringworm (Fungal Infection)

Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the scalp, skin, or nails (onychomycosis). It gets its name because it causes a ring-shaped, itchy rash. And it typically looks red on light skin and appears gray or brown on darker skin.

Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s a contagious fungal infection that cats can carry, especially kittens. Humans can get ringworm by touching infected fur or surfaces.

5. Rabies (Though Rare in House Cats)

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can be spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal. Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.

After a rabies exposure, the rabies virus must travel to the brain before it can cause symptoms. This time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms is the incubation period, which may last for weeks or months.

Meanwhile, there is a slim chance for vaccinated indoor cats, but rabies is still among the serious risks of owning a cat if your pet roams outdoors or is not vaccinated. Rabies spreads through bites from infected animals and is almost always fatal once symptoms show.

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6. Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, and Worms

Fleas love cats almost as much as we do — and they bring problems. Fleas can cause allergic reactions, tapeworms, and even anemia in kittens. Ticks carry Lyme disease, and cats can also spread roundworms and hookworms to humans.

Hookworms are parasites that normally live in animals like dogs or cats. However, they can spread to humans through the skin. When they infect people, the hookworms can cause a disease called cutaneous larva migrans (CLM).

7. Psychotic illnesses.

According to a Tribune Online report, researchers from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research in Australia had examined data spanning 44 years and 11 countries, including the US and the UK, and found a significant link between cat exposure and later diagnosis of psychotic illnesses.

The report further explains that a “significant positive association” exists between having a cat and an increased risk of schizophrenia-related disorders, which affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, so discovering possible environmental factors is essential to advancing both prevention and treatment.

While the vast majority of Christian denominations celebrate Christmas on December 25 as the birth of Jesus Christ, a minority do not observe it as a religious holiday.

Here is a comprehensive list of major groups that officially or traditionally do not celebrate Christmas, based on their doctrines and practices:

1. Jehovah’s Witnesses

The most well-known group; they view Christmas as having pagan roots and note that the Bible does not command celebrating Jesus’ birth (or birthdays in general). They stopped observing it in the 1920s after research into its origins.

2. Armstrongite Churches of God (e.g., United Church of God, Living Church of God, Philadelphia Church of God, and other splits from the former Worldwide Church of God). These groups, influenced by Herbert W. Armstrong, reject Christmas due to its alleged pagan origins and lack of biblical mandate. They instead observe Old Testament holy days.

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3. Certain Strict Presbyterian
Denominations in Scotland (e.g., Free Church of Scotland, Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Associated Presbyterian Churches, Free Church of Scotland). These conservative Reformed groups view Christmas as an extra-biblical “Roman Catholic” holiday with no scriptural warrant and historically discouraged or banned its observance.

4. Churches of Christ (Restoration Movement): Many (though not all) congregations do not hold special Christmas services or emphasize the holiday in church, seeing it as unbiblical and treating it as a private cultural matter rather than a religious observance.

5. True Jesus Church

A restorationist group that rejects Christmas for theological reasons, emphasizing only biblically mandated practices.

6. Iglesia ni Cristo

This restorationist church from the Philippines does not celebrate Christmas, viewing it as unbiblical and of pagan origin.

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7. Some Independent or Fundamentalist Groups (e.g., certain Independent Baptists, Oneness Pentecostals). Various conservative or fundamentalist congregations reject it on similar grounds of pagan influence or lack of biblical support.

8. Other Notable Mentions

God’s Kingdom Society — Celebrates Jesus’ birth in October instead.

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) — Rejects it due to pagan origins.

Deeper Life Bible Church — Leadership has stated they do not celebrate it, viewing it as unbiblical.

Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) — Traditionally view every day as holy and avoid special religious holidays, though individual observance varies.