PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has beat Singapore and Thailand as the most loved country in Asia in a ranking by American financial website Insider Monkey.
It beat Singapore, which was at third place after Taiwan at second, Thailand at 11th and Indonesia at 12th place respectively.
The New York-based website said Malaysia is known for its diverse mix of cultures and religions, adding that the nation is a great example of unity and friendliness.
Insider Monkey said the allure of Malaysia extends beyond its modern urban landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty.
"It is a preferred destination for tourists eager to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of its local communities," said Insider Monkey.
"Malaysia's hospitality and friendliness enhance this cultural exploration, making it a memorable experience for visitors," it added.
It awarded Malaysia the top position after evaluating its consistent high rankings across various metrics culminating in an overall score of 0.701, with runner-up Taiwan scoring 0.595.
The ranking was derived from references to five articles published on the portal in 2023.
They are the five most respected countries in Asia, the 15 friendliest countries in Asia, the 20 most visited countries in Asia, 20 most diverse countries in Asia and 20 most democratic countries in Asia.
