If we're talking giving percentage, it's neck and neck between Norway and Luxembourg, both of which donated one percent of their Gross National Incomes last year.
In terms of deepest pockets, though, it's the United States, and by far. Last year, we gave away $28.7 billion in aid, more than runner-ups France and Germany combined.
But if there's anything the planet's recent environmental catastrophes have shown us, it's that you don't have to be rich or powerful to give to your neighbor. Here's a list of some of the surprising countries that are doing their part.
Photo: Getty Images
Cuba
Cuba sends out 37,000 medical professionals each year on humanitarian aid missions. One of the first responders in Haiti, its state-sponsored doctors continue to fight that country's cholera epidemic on the ground today—free of charge.
Photo: Reuters
Russia
Russia was a major humanitarian force during the height of the Cold War—it gave away some $26 billion in 1986 alone. Now considered a "re-emerging" donor, the nation gave away $472 million in aid last year.
Photo: Reuters
Venezuela
Hugo Chavez sent 50 tons of humanitarian aid to Central America earlier this year after tropical storms flooded the region. He also pledged $5 million to Somalia over the summer to help with its growing food shortage.
Photo: Getty Images
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates is the only non-Western nation to make the global top 10 for donations per person (in 2009, an average of $30.30 per person). It recently pledged $1 million in laptops for the tornado-torn schools in Joplin, Missouri.
Photo: Getty Images
Nigeria
Despite its share of hardships at home, Nigeria has pledged $5 million in aid to Haiti, $1 million for Pakistan's floods, and $1 million for victims of Katrina in recent years.
Photo: Getty Images
Turkey
Turkey is one of the most generous countries in the region. In 2005, it led the world with $165 million in humanitarian aid to Pakistan.
Photo: Getty Images
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has one of the largest humanitarian budgets in the world. The oil-rich nation recently pledged more than $50 million to Turkey to help victims of the devastating October earthquake.
