According to the latest survey from the World Giving Index, people from Down Under are the worlds most charitable.
New Zealand has been ranked first equal with Australia as the worlds most giving country in the largest ever study into global charitable behaviour.
The survey undertaken by the Charities Aid Foundation in Britian, uncovered charitable behaviour around the 153 countries around the world.
The overall rankings were made up from the results of three categories – the percentage of people who donated money, donated time and helped a stranger in the month prior to being surveyed.
The Director for Research at the Foundation, Richard Harrison said that the survey found the happier people are, the more likely they are to give time or money to charity.
"The findings suggest a positive cycle where one person gives to charity , the charity improves the happiness of the individuals they support and they in turn are more likely to give," said Mr Harrison.
After New Zealand and Australia tied for first place the top, Canada placed third in a tie with Ireland, followed by the United States and Switzerland in fifth place.
On the other end of the scale in Russia only 6% of the population gives to charity, and in China just 4% would give time to others, but Madagascar claimed the overall last place.
New Zealand and Australia have a history of emphasizing the importance of donating to those less fortunate, philanthropy is strongly supported by the government, the Charities Aid Foundation said.
The Charities Aid Foundation results for New Zealand are that 68 percent of New Zealanders donate, 41 percent volunteer and 63 percent help a stranger.
We want your feedback on how you give, and why you think its important to give?
Do you financially donate?
Do you volunteer your time?
And would you help a stranger?
Whether it is simply baking a cake for your neighbour, sponsoring a child overseas, or helping out at your children's school, we want to know what make us the most giving people in the world. Use the comments section below to share your thoughts.
Have a lovely weekend,
Choice Lifestyle