Understanding global safety is paramount in our increasingly interconnected world. The question “What Is The Safest Country In The World?” is a common one, reflecting a universal desire for security and peace. To answer this, we turn to the Global Peace Index (GPI), a comprehensive report published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This report serves as a vital tool for assessing and ranking countries based on their levels of peace and safety.
The Institute for Economics and Peace, the organization behind the GPI, defines itself as a non-partisan and non-profit dedicated to making peace a measurable and tangible aspect of human progress. Their annual report meticulously examines 163 countries, evaluating each nation’s safety and peacefulness using a detailed framework of 23 indicators. These indicators are carefully chosen to reflect various facets of peace, ranging from societal security to international conflicts.
The GPI’s indicators are categorized into three broad domains: Ongoing International Conflict, Societal Safety and Security, and Militarization. These categories encompass factors like internal and external conflicts, levels of societal trust, political stability, the threat of terrorism, homicide rates, and military expenditure as a proportion of GDP. Each country receives a score based on these indicators, and crucially, a lower score signifies a higher ranking in terms of safety and peace.
Top 10 Safest Countries in the World (Global Peace Index 2023)
The 2023 Global Peace Index provides a definitive ranking of the safest countries. Consistently, certain nations stand out for their commitment to peace and security. Here are the top 10 safest countries according to the 2023 GPI:
| Rank | Country | GPI 2023 | GPI 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 1.124 | 1.107 |
| 2 | Denmark | 1.310 | 1.296 |
| 3 | Ireland | 1.312 | 1.288 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 1.313 | 1.269 |
| 5 | Austria | 1.316 | 1.300 |
| 6 | Singapore | 1.332 | 1.326 |
| 7 | Portugal | 1.333 | 1.301 |
| 8 | Slovenia | 1.334 | 1.316 |
| 9 | Japan | 1.336 | 1.336 |
| 10 | Switzerland | 1.339 | 1.357 |
It’s noteworthy that Iceland has held the top position as the safest country for an impressive 15 consecutive years, demonstrating remarkable consistency in its commitment to peace and security.
In contrast, the United States, a major global power, ranks much lower on the GPI. In 2023, the United States was positioned at 131st. This ranking reflects a concerning trend, as the U.S.’s safety score has declined annually since 2016. Factors contributing to this drop include decreasing life satisfaction among citizens, increasing political polarization, and a widening wealth disparity.
Global Peace Trends: Is the World Getting Safer?
The 2023 GPI report paints a concerning picture regarding global peace trends. Over the past 15 years, the world has become less peaceful, with the average country score deteriorating by 5%. This indicates a widespread decline in global safety and tranquility. Specifically, the report highlights that global peacefulness has decreased in thirteen out of the last fifteen years. The 2023 results revealed a 0.42% deterioration in the average global peacefulness level compared to the previous year. While some progress was made in certain regions, with 84 countries improving their safety scores between 2022 and 2023, a significant 79 countries experienced a decline in safety.
An important shift identified in the 2023 report is the changing nature of global conflicts. Since the 1990s, intrastate conflicts, or conflicts within countries, have been decreasing. However, interstate conflicts, conflicts between nations, are on the rise, particularly in the last decade. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is a stark example of this trend, and it remains a primary driver of global insecurity. Ukraine and Russia experienced the most significant and fifth-largest deteriorations in peacefulness between 2022 and 2023, respectively. Other countries experiencing substantial declines in peace include Haiti, Ecuador, and Sri Lanka.
While the long-term trend indicates a decrease in global peace, there have been periods of relative stability. For instance, the decrease in world peace between the 2020 and 2021 reports was smaller, at 0.07%. During this period, 87 countries improved their scores, while 73 deteriorated. The COVID-19 pandemic and escalating tensions between major global powers were identified as key factors contributing to this decrease. Looking back further, the comparison between the 2020 and 2019 reports showed a similar mixed picture, with 81 countries becoming more peaceful and 80 deteriorating, resulting in an average country score deterioration of 0.34%.
Europe: The Safest Continent
When examining the geographical distribution of safety, Europe emerges as the safest continent in the world. A significant majority of the top 25 safest countries are located in Europe. Notably, the Nordic countries of Europe – Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland – are not only among the safest in Europe but also consistently rank among the top safest globally. This region is recognized as the safest in the world, characterized by an exceptionally low homicide rate of just 0.8 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants. Furthermore, these Nordic nations are also consistently ranked among the happiest countries globally, highlighting a strong correlation between safety and overall well-being.
Asia is recognized as the second-safest region among the top 25 safest countries. Both Europe and Asia boast remarkably low homicide rates, with 3 or fewer incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, underscoring their relative safety compared to other regions.
Common Traits of the Safest Countries
Analyzing the world’s safest countries reveals several recurring characteristics. These nations often share common societal and economic features that contribute to their high levels of peace and security. Generally, safe countries tend to exhibit high levels of economic prosperity, robust social welfare systems, and well-developed education systems. These factors contribute to a higher quality of life and reduce social inequalities that can fuel unrest and crime.
Furthermore, safe countries typically possess effective and fair criminal justice systems. These systems are characterized by transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law, fostering public trust and deterring criminal activity. The governments in the safest countries often maintain healthy and positive relationships with their citizens. This involves responsive governance, protection of civil liberties, and mechanisms for citizen participation, all of which contribute to social cohesion and stability.
Profiles of the Top 10 Safest Countries
To further understand what makes these countries so safe, let’s delve into profiles of the top 10 safest countries in the world:
1. Iceland
For 15 years running, Iceland has been crowned the safest country globally by the Global Peace Index. This Nordic nation, with a small population of approximately 382,000, consistently demonstrates an exceptional commitment to peace and security. Iceland boasts remarkably low crime rates, attributed to a combination of factors including a high standard of living, a close-knit society with strong social disapproval of crime, high public trust in a well-trained and unarmed police force (they carry only batons and pepper spray), and minimal social and economic class tensions. Notably, Iceland is one of the few countries in the world without a standing army, further emphasizing its peaceful nature. Icelandic law also strongly emphasizes equality, with legal provisions for same-sex marriage and adoption, religious freedom, and equal pay for men and women, contributing to a harmonious and just society.
2. Denmark
Denmark, consistently ranked among the safest and happiest countries globally, secures the second position in the 2023 Global Peace Index. A remarkable aspect of Denmark is the widespread feeling of safety among its population. Reports indicate that people in Denmark, including children, feel safe at any time of day or night, reflecting a deeply ingrained sense of security. Denmark’s high level of social equality and a strong sense of collective responsibility for social welfare are key contributors to this pervasive feeling of safety and happiness. Corruption is exceptionally rare in Danish business and politics, with honesty and trust serving as fundamental societal values. While Denmark has a high personal income tax rate, these revenues fund extensive social programs that guarantee access to essential services and benefits for all citizens, including tuition-free higher education, universal healthcare with no out-of-pocket costs, and comprehensive elder care services.
3. Ireland
Ireland has made significant strides in improving its peacefulness in recent years. After rising from 11th place to 3rd in 2022, Ireland maintained its third-place ranking in 2023, demonstrating sustained progress in safety and security. Outside of a few urban areas (a common caveat in any country, where vigilance against petty theft is advisable), crime rates in Ireland are generally low. The threat of cultural violence or terrorism is minimal. Interestingly, the natural landscape of Ireland, with its dramatic cliffs and winding rural roads, may pose a greater safety risk than interpersonal interactions. These scenic areas require caution, particularly during sudden weather changes or in areas with limited cell phone reception.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand is the fourth safest country in the world, sharing many characteristics with Iceland in terms of safety and social harmony. New Zealand has a very low overall crime rate, and violent crime is particularly rare. While petty theft can occur, especially in tourist hotspots (a common concern globally), the overall risk to personal safety is minimal. Unlike its neighbor Australia, known for its diverse range of dangerous wildlife, New Zealand lacks any deadly indigenous animals, adding to its perceived safety. New Zealanders are generally known for their open-mindedness, and the country has robust legal frameworks to protect freedom of speech and expression. Similar to Iceland, police officers in New Zealand do not routinely carry firearms, reflecting a low-crime environment and a focus on community policing.
5. Austria
Austria retained its position as the fifth safest country in the world in the 2023 GPI rankings. While occasional social unrest and related demonstrations remain a concern, these events are typically localized and easily avoidable. For the most part, Austria is a very safe country for residents and visitors alike. Serious crimes are uncommon, although the usual precautions against petty theft, such as pickpocketing, are advisable in tourist areas. Notably, Austria has been spared from major terrorist attacks in recent years, contributing to its overall sense of security.
6. Singapore
Singapore ranks sixth in the 2023 Global Peace Index, reflecting its consistently high levels of safety and security. A 2018 Gallup report highlighted that residents of Singapore reported the highest sense of personal security and the most positive interactions with law enforcement compared to any other country surveyed. Singapore boasts one of the lowest crime rates globally, potentially attributable to stringent laws and severe penalties, even for minor offenses. The government and law enforcement agencies maintain strict control over firearms, and violent crime is rare. As a highly urbanized city-state, Singapore also ranks as the second safest city in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index. In 2019, Singapore excelled in infrastructure and personal security, ranking first in both categories, and also performed strongly in digital and health security.
7. Portugal
Portugal secured the seventh position in the 2023 rankings of the most peaceful countries, demonstrating a significant improvement in its safety profile over the past decade. In 2014, Portugal was ranked 18th globally, showcasing a remarkable ascent in the GPI rankings. Unlike Iceland and New Zealand, Portugal’s police force is armed. However, an increased and visible police presence has contributed to a notable decrease in crime rates across the country. In recent years, Portugal has experienced a strong economic recovery, significantly reducing its unemployment rate. Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries for retirement, owing in part to its high levels of safety, pleasant climate, and quality of life.
8. Slovenia
Slovenia, once part of Yugoslavia, achieves a high safety ranking, largely due to its strong performance in key safety indicators. Slovenia scores exceptionally well in travel security, medical risk assessment, and road safety, making it a safe and secure destination for travelers and residents. Following the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Slovenia transitioned to a democratic government in the mid-1990s and has since prioritized improving the quality of life for its citizens in various domains, including safety and environmental sustainability.
9. Japan
Japan is recognized as the ninth safest country globally in 2023, consistently maintaining a top-ten position in the Global Peace Index for 15 years. Japan consistently receives high scores for its exceptionally low crime rates, minimal levels of internal conflict, and virtually non-existent political instability. While Japan’s geographical proximity to potentially volatile neighbors like China and North Korea could pose a future security challenge, it has not significantly impacted its current safety and peacefulness. Japan is known for its strict gun control laws, reflecting a societal view that firearm ownership is not an individual right. According to the Safe Cities Index, Tokyo, Japan’s capital, was ranked the safest city in the world in 2019, excelling in cybersecurity, health security, infrastructure security, and personal safety.
10. Switzerland
Switzerland rounds out the top ten safest countries in 2023, moving up one position from the previous year. Switzerland’s long-standing policy of neutrality in international conflicts has historically attracted intellectuals and artists, fostering a stable and peaceful environment. Its European neighbors have respected Switzerland’s neutrality, allowing it to remain uninvolved in both World Wars and outside of the European Union. As a result, Geneva, a major Swiss city, is a prominent hub for international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Switzerland is also highly regarded as a safe and desirable tourist destination, reflecting its overall stability and security.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Global Peace
In conclusion, the question “what is the safest country in the world?” is answered by the Global Peace Index, which consistently points to countries like Iceland, Denmark, and New Zealand as leading the way in global peace and security. These nations, and others in the top 10, demonstrate that prioritizing social well-being, effective governance, and peaceful international relations are key to creating safe and thriving societies. While global peace has unfortunately deteriorated in recent years, understanding the factors that contribute to safety and peace is crucial for fostering a more secure world for everyone. Exploring these safest countries provides valuable insights into building more peaceful and secure communities globally.
