The least racist countries in the world in 2026 include Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Canada.
Racial equity is a crucial measure of a country’s social progress and overall inclusivity. A racially equitable society is one where everyone, regardless of race, is given the opportunity to thrive. This is done by addressing systemic inequalities and disparities that have historically affected disadvantaged groups.
While no one can prove a country is entirely racism-free, the current rankings compare specific race-related indicators, such as perceived racial equity, how people feel about neighbors of another race, reported cases of discrimination, and protections against race-based discrimination. A collective and individual look at these measures often produces very different results.
The countries suggested for Black expats have a separate consideration. Instead of using the Best Countries racial-equity ranking, the selection considers racial tolerance, anti-discrimination protections, the presence of Black communities, cultural connections to Black communities, among other factors, changing how suitable each country may be.
This top 10 least racist countries guide for 2026 was produced by Global Citizen Solutions using data from World Population Review (WPR). Expats considering residency abroad frequently ask about racism or discrimination when choosing where to relocate. Our research for this piece is particularly valuable for our audience, who are expats from specific regions and want to know how inclusive different countries are.
Least Racist Countries: Key Takeaways
How do you measure a country’s racism?
Measuring racism across countries is difficult because racism cannot be reduced to a single number. It can present itself through attitudes of the local population, which lead to hate crimes, workplace discrimination, or housing barriers, and gaps in social outcomes. A country may also perform well in one area, while underperforming in another.
The World Values Survey measures social, political, and cultural attitudes across countries. One question asks respondents which groups they would not want as neighbors, including “people of a different race.” A lower percentage selecting this option can reveal greater tolerance to other races, but it does not measure experiences, such as employment discrimination and racial profiling.
The 2024 Best Countries report produced by US News & World Report with the Wharton School and WPP’s BAV Group used responses from nearly 17,000 people across 36 countries to rank how 89 countries were perceived across different attributes, including racial equity. However, this is a perception-based ranking: Respondents evaluated countries based on their impressions, and they did not necessarily live in the countries they rated.
The ranking in this article is from the “Best Countries” racial equity results reproduced by World Population Review. The countries mentioned are those ranked highest for perceived racial equity, rather than those proven to have the least amount of racism.
Evidence at a Glance
| Country | Racial Equality Rank (2024) | WVS/EVS* | Seen From the Outside | What is Not Shown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 1st | 3.1% | Often viewed as socially progressive and tolerant, although this does not necessarily reflect every person’s experience of discrimination. | Actual experiences of racism, discrimination, or unequal treatment |
| Finland | 2nd | 6.8% | Generally seen as a safe, well-functioning and socially inclusive country, but outside perceptions cannot show the living experience of minorities. | How minorities experience everyday life, employment, or housing |
| New Zealand | 3rd | 2.7% | Often associated with multiculturalism, social tolerance, and protection of Māori and other cultures, although experiences can differ between communities. | Level of discrimination, racial hate incidents, or differences in experiences between ethnic groups |
| Netherlands | 4th | 4.5% | Commonly viewed as liberal and multicultural, but this broad reputation does not capture every experience of racial discrimination. | A complete picture of institutional or everyday racial discrimination |
| Canada | 5th | 4.5% | Often perceived as multicultural and welcoming to immigrants, although individual experiences can vary considerably. | Whether minority residents experience discrimination at work, in housing, or by law enforcement |
| Belgium | 6th | N/A | Often seen as multicultural and internationally minded, particularly because of its diverse population and international institutions. | No comparable 2017–2022 figure available for the EVS/WVS comparison |
| Sweden | 7th | 1% | Often viewed as progressive and socially inclusive, but this does not mean discrimination is absent. | Racial discrimination being uncommon or absent in everyday life |
| Norway | 8th | 2.6% | Generally associated with equality, social welfare and high living standards, although these broad measures do not capture every minority experience. | Full range of attitudes or experiences among minority groups |
| Iceland | 9th | 1.7% | Often perceived as peaceful, egalitarian and socially tolerant, but its small population does not mean individual experiences are uniform. | No measurement of individual experiences of racism or discrimination |
| Switzerland | 10th | 4.1% | Commonly viewed as stable, orderly and internationally oriented, although these characteristics say little about everyday experiences of racial equality. | No direct measurement of racial equality in everyday life or institutions |
*% who would not want neighbors of a different race (2017–22)
Sources: U.S. News Best Countries 2024; World Values Survey / EVS joint survey 2017–22. Checked on 1 October 2026
Top 10 Least Racist Countries
According to World Population Review, here are the top 10 least racist countries in descending order.
1. Denmark
Denmark has enacted anti-discrimination legislation, including the Act on Ethnic Equal Treatment and rules prohibiting discrimination in the labour market. Institutions such as the Danish Institute for Human Rights and the Danish Board of Equal Treatment also have roles in addressing discrimination and promoting equal treatment.
Denmark is often associated with strong social protections and an emphasis on equality. However, this does not mean that discrimination is absent. The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) has raised concerns about Denmark’s approach to its so-called “parallel society” areas, including the effects of policies targeting neighbourhoods with high proportions of residents from “non-Western” backgrounds.
ECRI’s 2024 follow-up found that Denmark had not implemented either of the two priority recommendations it had identified. One concerned adopting a national action plan against racism, with particular attention to anti-Muslim racism and discrimination. The other concerned avoiding forced evictions linked to the objectives of the “parallel society” legislation.
The issue also reached the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In a judgment delivered on 18 December 2025, the Court found that the use of the “non-Western” criterion in Denmark’s public-housing legislation could constitute direct discrimination based on ethnic origin. The Danish court handling the underlying disputes must now apply the CJEU’s interpretation when deciding the cases.
2. Finland
Finland’s Constitution protects equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on grounds including origin, language and religion. The Non-Discrimination Act also prohibits discrimination based on factors such as origin, nationality, language and religion. The Non-Discrimination Ombudsman monitors compliance with the legislation and assists people who have experienced discrimination.
Finland also recognizes the rights of several minority groups. The Constitution protects the Sámi’s right to maintain and develop their language and culture, while Finnish legislation protects the country’s Swedish-speaking population and Roma communities.
At the same time, the country’s legal protections do not necessarily reflect how every minority group experiences everyday life. Finland ranks second in the 2024 racial equality ranking used in this comparison, but the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) reported significant levels of discrimination among people of African descent.
In its 2022 survey, 66% of respondents in Finland said they had experienced discrimination on any ground during the previous five years, while 63% reported experiencing racism during the same period. Finland also recorded a 52% five-year rate of racist harassment, one of the highest rates in the survey.
This difference highlights why a national racial-equity ranking should not be treated as a complete picture of everyday experiences. The ranking offers one way to compare countries, while surveys such as the FRA’s show how particular minority groups report their experiences of discrimination, harassment, and treatment in areas such as employment, housing, education, and healthcare.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand has a diverse population, shaped by a long history of immigration, which includes European, Asian, and Pacific peoples.
The government actively promotes social cohesion through policies that foster inclusion and belonging, with the Treaty of Waitangi serving as a foundational document guiding relations between the Crown and Māori.
Efforts have been made to address inequalities and promote equity, particularly for Māori and other minority groups. The Human Rights Act 1993 was established to combat racism and discrimination.
While New Zealand is known for its tolerant and welcoming attitudes toward different cultures and religions, challenges persist, particularly in addressing systemic discrimination against Māori and other minorities, according to Amnesty International.
4. Netherlands
Dutch law works to tackle discrimination. Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution guarantees equal treatment. The Equal Treatment Act prohibits discrimination based on race and nationality.
People who experience discrimination can report it to local anti-discrimination services or request an assessment from the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights. The National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism also coordinates government efforts to address any discrimination issues.
However, these protections do not mean that a minority resident will not experience racism in the Netherlands. A 2026 ECRI report showed structural discrimination still affected people of African descent, anti-Muslim prejudice, and racial profiling.
5. Canada
Canada has a commitment to multiculturalism that is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), which prohibits discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, and religion.
Furthermore, the Multiculturalism Act (1988) reinforces this by promoting the preservation of Canada’s diverse cultural heritage and ensuring social equality for all, including Indigenous peoples.
Provincial and territorial human rights laws provide additional protections against discrimination. Diversity is a core value in Canada, with the government actively promoting inclusion and equity.
The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants, contributing to a richly diverse population. This is especially evident in the country’s immigration programs, such as permanent residency and business immigration programs.
6. Belgium
Belgium has a legal framework covering discrimination across several areas. The 1981 Anti-Racism Law, as amended, addresses discrimination based on grounds including nationality, race, skin colour and ethnic origin. The 2007 Anti-Discrimination Law covers other protected grounds, including religion or belief, age, sexual orientation and disability.
Belgium also has an independent equality body, Unia, which works to prevent and address discrimination and promote equal opportunities. The organisation was established under its current name in 2016, replacing the former Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities.
Belgium has a diverse population, particularly in its larger cities, with communities of Moroccan, Turkish, Congolese and other backgrounds. Integration and inclusion policies also operate at different levels of government. However, the existence of these legal protections and a diverse population does not necessarily mean that discrimination is absent from everyday life.
7. Sweden
Sweden strongly promotes racial tolerance and has historically been outspoken about racism and colonialism. The country’s Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination connected to ethnicity, religion, and other protected characteristics. The Equality Ombudsman encourages equal rights, monitors compliance, and provides legal assistance to residents who report discrimination.
Swedes value ethnocultural diversity, with 2022 data from the Diversity Barometer showing that 74% view it as something that enriches the Swedish culture. Governmental policies emphasize inclusion and cultural preservation, ensuring people who immigrate to Sweden can maintain their cultural identities alongside integrating into Swedish society.
The country takes a “post-racial” approach, which aims to be color-blind regarding discrimination and social justice the replacement of “race” with an emphasis on “ethnicity” in the Discrimination Act in 2009. While equality is the intention, some argue that it obscures systemic racism and hinders meaningful racial discussions.
Despite shifts in and restrictions to Sweden’s historically welcoming immigration policy, the country continues to uphold its tradition of tolerance and integration. It continues to have some of the most progressive integration policies globally.
8. Norway
Norway’s culture is deeply rooted in egalitarianism, with a strong welfare state ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services for all residents, including immigrants. Openness, equality, and equal rights are core cultural values, which are reflected in daily life.
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act entered into force on 1 January 2018 and prohibits direct and indirect discrimination based on ethnicity, including national origin, descent, skin color, and language.
Norwegians have a strong connection to their public life. They are generally tolerant, respectful, and value equality. The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) acknowledges Norway’s progress in combating racism, but a concern was unreported hate speech and a public debate influenced by xenophobic and anti-migrant rhetoric.
9. Iceland
Iceland is generally considered a tolerant and inclusive society that emphasizes human rights, equality across races and genders, and social welfare. Individuals are legally protected against discrimination, promoting diversity.
Iceland’s Constitution and the Act on Equal Treatment in the Labor Market (2018) prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion. The Penal Code also criminalizes hate speech and incitement to racial hatred, ensuring legal safeguards against racism.
Iceland has seen an increase in immigration in recent decades, with immigrants making up 19.6% of the population on 1 January 2026. People born in Poland constitute the largest immigrant group, with Statistics Iceland data showing they account for 29.9% of the total immigrant population, as of 1 January 2026. The data also showed Lithuanians, Ukrainians, Romanians, and Filipinos as dominant immigrant groups.
While the country has historically been ethnically homogeneous, it has made efforts to promote multiculturalism through education and integration programs.
10. Switzerland
Switzerland ranks tenth in the racial-equality survey used for this list. The country’s constitution prohibits discrimination based on race and origin, while Article 261bis of the Criminal Code covers certain forms of public racial discrimination and hate speech.
The Federal Commission against Racism also monitors discrimination and advises the government. However, racism is still a concern in Switzerland. In 2025, counseling centers documented 1,245 racial prejudice cases, particularly in education, workplaces, and public spaces.
Anti-Black racism, xenophobia, and anti-Muslim racism were among the most frequently reported issues. Therefore, Switzerland’s ranking should not be interpreted as evidence that the country is free from discrimination.
The Best Countries for Black Expats
Due to past colonialism and ongoing institutional racism in certain countries, Black expats must look a bit more carefully at where to settle than other races.
They should look for countries with high levels of racial tolerance and anti-discrimination laws, visible Black communities, easy immigration, cultural connection or heritage to Black culture, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
1. Ghana
Ghana has a rich history and deep connection to the African diaspora, and Accra has become a hub for Black Americans in particular. The government has even initiated the “Beyond the Return” program for those looking to reconnect with their roots.
Ghana has historically required visas from many non-African nationals, but that has started to change. In recent years, it has established visa waiver arrangements with several Caribbean nations with predominantly black populations, including those offering Caribbean citizenship by investment.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica combines a peaceful environment with a well-established Afro-Caribbean community, particularly in Limón, where Black expats may find familiar cultural influences and a strong local heritage. For Black expats considering a longer-term move, the Costa Rica Investor Visa offers an accessible relocation option, depending on circumstances and investment plans.
3. South Africa
South Africa provides the best of both worlds. Modern cities that will feel familiar to American expats mixed with true African culture. Johannesburg and Cape Town have large urban communities with plenty of Black professionals and creatives.
4. Mexico
Mexico is great for Black American expats as it is close to the United States. It is also affordable and has a vibrant culture to immerse yourself in. Mexico City, Oaxaca, and coastal towns like Puerto Escondido are expat-friendly and increasingly diverse.
5. Thailand
Thailand has a low cost of living, modern infrastructure, and warm weather. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok have tight-knit expat communities that will make for a welcoming entry into this culturally interesting country.
6. Portugal
Portugal may appeal to Black expats because of its Portuguese-speaking African communities, established diaspora networks, and links with Brazil and African countries. It also offers several the opportunity to relocate to the country through its CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) ties, as well as several investment migration options, including the Portugal Golden Visa.
The EU Fundamental Rights Agency “Being Black in the EU” (2023) survey found that Portugal had the lowest reported rate of racist harassment among the 13 countries surveyed, at 10% over the previous five years.
What Minority Expats Should Consider Before Relocating
A high racial-equality ranking can be a useful starting point, but it does not guarantee the same experience for every minority expat.
Before choosing a country to relocate to, consider:
- Legal rights: Check whether discrimination is prohibited for employers, landlords, schools and universities, and public services, as well as how race-related complaints are handled by authorities.
- Employment and housing: Research data that reveals discrimination in hiring, pay, or renting to other demographics rather than considering national rankings alone.
- Community support: Look for communities where minorities have long been established, as well as cultural organizations and services that support these communities.
- Police and hate crime: Review reports from internal affairs investigations and data gathered by other organizations showing incidents of racial profiling and racism by local law enforcement.
- Everyday practicalities: Compare the rules for foreign migrants, whether there’s language requirements, the quality of healthcare, and access to education, particularly for low-income families.
Whenever possible, visit the city first and speak with local residents of minority groups or expats with a similar background. Their lived experiences will give you a better sense of what it’s really like to live there and help you manage your expectations.
Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- Trusted by 15,000+ clients worldwide
- Over a decade of advisory expertise
- Dedicated relationship manager
- Transparent fees and guidance
- Support beyond approval
