Member News
20th December 2011Britain has been rated the world's fifth most charitable nation in a new survey that found people across the globe are becoming more likely to perform good deeds.
According the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the UK has moved up from eighth place in 2010 in the study of 153 nations.
The United States topped the World Giving Index, followed by Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
In the largest study into charitable behaviour across the globe, countries were ranked by how likely people are to donate money, volunteer their time and aid strangers.
Britons are the second most generous nation globally in monetary terms, with 79 per cent of the population donating to charity each month.
The survey found 28 per cent of the UK population volunteers time each month (down from 29 per cent last year) and 63 per cent help a stranger (up from 58 per cent).
However, the most generous nation in Europe overall is Ireland, which is ranked second globally.
Worldwide there was a 2 per cent increase in people helping strangers and a 1 per cent increase in volunteering over the past 12 months, but a 1 per cent drop in giving to charity, the study discovered.
John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: "The finding that the UK is the fifth most generous nation in the world, and second in terms of giving money, is excellent news for those who are less fortunate, and shows just how deep-seated the idea of charity and charitable giving is in our society.
"It is amazing that even during these tough economic times an overwhelming majority of the UK population gives to charity each month.
"However, there is always more that can be done. Creating an even stronger culture of giving in the UK will require ongoing commitment and effort by Government, business and charities."