It has been about 10 years since I really lived in my own country, and all my friends are long gone. My friends in recent years were BF's friends, although I did hang out with all the female ones separately.. as in, they had become my own friends.
So, knowing no-one, I decided to take a risk and put an "ad" up saying that I was new to the area and needed friends. Not a single reply in two weeks.
Of course, I also don't make new friends at work, because I am self-employed and work from home. While I will be likely looking for a job to help me get by in the next few months, it is a while away...
Looks like I am going to have to be a little inventive. (I don't mean that I'll come up with an imaginary friend!)