In our interconnected world, the search for safety and security has become quite important. Many individuals and families are looking for places that offer peace of mind and stability. Safety includes things like crime rates, political stability, and social cohesion, and some countries stand out more than others as a safe and peaceful place to live. Here are the top 10 safest countries to live in the world, based on global evaluations and several different safety indexes.
The Global Leaders in Safety
Iceland continues to be the world’s safest country to live in. With a score of 1.112, Iceland has maintained its position at the top of the Global Peace Index since 2008. This Nordic island nation is the perfect example of what peaceful living means. The country has extraordinarily low crime rates and a unique approach to keeping it’s people safe—there isn’t even a standing army. The country’s dedication to staying neutral and its strong social institutions make it a place where people feel very safe and trust one another.
Ireland comes in second with a Peace Index score of 1.303, which is a notable improvement from previous years. The Emerald Isle’s national police force, Garda Síochána, does a great job at keeping the peace. The country’s stable economy and welcoming attitude towards diversity adds to the country’s peaceful atmosphere. Ireland’s complicated past has led to a modern, safe society where conflict-related dangers are almost a thing of the past.
Austria is in third place with a score of 1.313, making it one of the safest places to visit in Central Europe. This Alpine country offers stunning natural beauty and a strong safety system, which makes it a great place for both locals and expats to live. Austria’s healthcare and education systems are so good that they actually make the country a safer place to visit.
Excellence in the Asia-Pacific
New Zealand is the fourth safest country in the world, with a Peace Index score of 1.323. What helps New Zealand score so high is its unique mix of natural safety and social security. The country’s isolation offers protection from conflicts with other countries, and its lack of dangerous wildlife makes outdoor activities pretty safe. New Zealand’s dedication to conservation and environmental protection makes residents feel even safer.
Singapore has achieved a historic milestone by placing in the top five of the Global Peace Index for the first time, as their score of 1.339 moved them to fifth place. This city-state demonstrates how good government and strict law enforcement working together improves safety conditions. Singapore’s strategic location and its strong economic make it one of the safest places to visit in Asia.
European Stability Champions
Switzerland continues to maintain its reputation as a safe place to visit, ranking sixth with a Peace Index score of 1.357. The country’s centuries-old commitment to neutrality, which began with the Treaty of Paris in 1815, has kept it out of major wars and helps make it a peaceful place to live. Switzerland’s exceptional wealth, with a GDP per capita of more than $93,000, makes it possible for the country to build a complete safety infrastructure.
Portugal has become one of Europe’s most remarkable safety success stories, coming in seventh globally with a score of 1.372. The country has really come a long way since 2014, when it ranked 18th in the world. This shows just how much effective policies and social cohesion can improve national security. Portugal’s economy is also getting better, and unemployment is going down, which also helps make the country safer.
Coming in eighth place is Denmark with a score of 1.383, which is the perfect example of the Nordic model of safety and social welfare. This Scandinavian country consistently ranks among the world’s happiest countries, thanks to its strong social systems and high levels of trust. Denmark’s community-oriented policing approach focuses on crime prevention rather than punishment, which helps create a more peaceful society.
Emerging Safety Leaders
Slovenia comes in ninth place with a score of 1.396, which is a remarkable change for a nation that only gained their independence in 1991. This small Central European country has become a stable democracy with strong social ties. This shows that even relatively young countries can have very high safety standards if they have a good government and social unity.
Malaysia rounds out the top ten and has distinguished itself as the third-safest country in the Asia-Pacific region. Even with its diverse population and complex geography, Malaysia has maintained low levels of internal conflict and created a safe environment for both residents and visitors.
Learning About Crime and Safety Metrics
When looking at countries with the lowest crime rates, Andorra leads way with a crime index of just 12.9, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 15.23 and Qatar at 16.0. These three countries demonstrate just how effective law enforcement and social stability can be in minimizing criminal activity in all areas.
When talking about theft rates specifically, the same countries that do a great job at preventing crime also have the lowest theft rates. Singapore, Japan, and Switzerland always report only a handful of theft incidents. This is mainly due to their strict laws and their social norms that strongly discourage criminal behavior.
When it comes to violent crime statistics, Japan stands out from the rest of the world as they have one of the lowest homicide rates at just 0.2 per 100,000 people. Iceland reported only 2 murders in 2021, while Slovenia maintains a homicide rate of just 0.7 per 100,000 people. This shows how effective social policies are when it comes to virtually eliminating violent crime.
Concerning illegal drug use, Singapore has very little drug use among its citizens. Only 733 per 100,000 people in the country have a drug addiction, which is far lower than many developed nations. The country’s strict drug laws and drug prevention programs have created one of the world’s most drug-free environments.
The Foundation of Safety
If you look at the top ten safest countries you will notice that they have quite a few things in common. Strong democratic institutions, good law enforcement, comprehensive social welfare systems, and high levels of social trust create environments where crime is less likely to happen and personal safety is a top priority. Additionally, these countries invest heavily in education, healthcare, and economic development, addressing the root causes of crime and social instability.
Safety goes beyond just crime rates; it also includes political stability, environmental security, and social cohesion. These countries show that long-term safety requires a whole-system approach that deals with economic inequality, provides opportunities for all citizens, and maintains strong social ties that discourage criminal behavior and promote peaceful living.
