Safest Countries In The World for Travelling 2023 - Top 10
by B Kishwar
Updated Mar 30, 2023
Safest Countries In The World 2023
Safest Countries in the World" generally refers to a list of countries ranked according to their level of safety and security. These rankings are based on various factors such as crime rates, political stability, natural disaster risk, healthcare, and other factors that contribute to overall safety.
Organisations like the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and the United Nations (UN) publish annual reports that provide rankings of the safest countries in the world. These reports are based on thorough research and analysis of various data sets.
The rankings provide important information for people who are considering traveling or relocating to a new country. Additionally, governments and policymakers can use these rankings to identify areas where improvements are needed to enhance safety and security for their citizens.
Top 10 Safest Countries In The World 2023
Annually, the Institute for Economics and Peace publishes the Global Peace Index, which ranks the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. The Institute for Economics and Peace is an independent, non-profit organisation that aims to promote peace as a measure of human progress. The GPI report assesses countries based on 23 indicators, such as levels of political instability, trust, internal and external conflicts, potential for terrorist acts, homicides, and military expenditures. The report categorises these indicators into three sections: Ongoing International Conflict, Societal Safety and Security, and Militarization. The GPI report evaluates 163 countries, and a score is calculated for each country, with a lower score indicating a higher level of safety.
S. No
Safest Countries In The World
Global Peace Index(Lower is the safest)
1
Iceland
1.107
2
New Zealand
1.269
3
Ireland
1.288
4
Denmark
1.296
5
Austria
1.300
6
Portugal
1.301
7
Slovenia
1.316
8
Czech Republic
1.318
9
Singapore
1.326
10
Japan
1.336
1. Iceland
For the 14th consecutive year, Iceland has been deemed the safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Iceland, a Nordic nation with a population of around 340,000, boasts an extremely low crime rate, which is commonly attributed to factors such as its high standard of living, small population, strong social attitudes against criminal activities, a well-trained police force trusted by the populace, and the absence of tension between social and economic classes. Unlike many other nations, Iceland does not maintain a military force, and its police officers do not carry firearms but rely on extendable batons and pepper spray. Iceland has enacted laws to ensure equal rights, such as legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, protecting religious freedom, and enforcing equal pay for both genders.
2. New Zealand
Similar to Iceland, New Zealand ranks as the second-safest country globally, with a remarkably low rate of criminal activity, especially violent offences. While it's still necessary to be vigilant against theft, particularly in tourist hotspots (as is the case everywhere worldwide), the overall level of risk is minimal. Unlike Australia, where dangerous creatures like box jellyfish, taipan snakes, stonefish, and funnel web spiders are prevalent, New Zealand has no deadly animals. The populace in New Zealand is generally open-minded and respectful of others' freedom of speech or expression, as reflected by the laws in place to protect them. Like Iceland, police officers in New Zealand do not carry personal firearms.
3. Ireland
In the 2022 rankings, Ireland rose from the 11th to the 3rd position, indicating a notable increase in peacefulness in 2021. Although a few urban neighborhoods experience a relatively higher level of criminal activity, overall crime rates in the country are quite low. Similar to any other nation, it's advisable to remain cautious of pickpockets and scammers in densely populated tourist areas. Furthermore, cultural violence and terrorism are not a significant threat in Ireland. Interestingly, the country's natural landscape, including breathtaking cliffs and winding rural roads, may pose more significant safety risks than its people. In particular, sudden rainstorms or areas without cell reception require extra caution.
4. Denmark
Denmark, ranked fourth on the 2022 Global Peace Index, is among the world's safest and happiest countries. Notably, Denmark stands out as one of the few nations where people feel secure at all times, including children. This is largely due to Denmark's strong sense of equality and collective responsibility for social welfare, which fosters a sense of safety and contentment among its citizens. In Danish business and politics, honesty and trust are paramount, and corruption is rare. Although personal income tax rates in Denmark are high, the revenue is directed towards social programs that provide all citizens with access to a comfortable standard of living. For instance, all Danes can pursue higher education and receive healthcare services without paying additional fees, and elderly citizens are eligible for at-home care assistance.
5. Austria
In the 2022 rankings, Austria is the fifth-safest country globally. While the possibility of violent demonstrations due to ongoing social unrest exists, it's relatively easy to avoid them, and Austria is an otherwise safe destination to visit. Serious crimes are rare (although one should be cautious of pickpockets and purse-snatchers as usual). Furthermore, Austria has not experienced any significant acts of terrorism in recent times.
6. Portugal
Portugal secured the sixth position in the 2022 rankings of the most peaceful countries globally, a significant improvement from its 18th position in 2014. Unlike Iceland and New Zealand, Portugal's police force is armed. However, increased police presence has led to a reduction in crime rates in the country. Moreover, Portugal has witnessed an economic upswing in recent years, with its unemployment rate plummeting from over 17% to under 7%. Thanks to its high level of safety, Portugal frequently appears among the top countries for retirement.
7. Slovenia
Slovenia, a former member of Yugoslavia, owes its high safety ranking to its exceptional performance in three distinct categories: travel security, medical risks, and road safety. Similar to several Slavic nations, Slovenia established a democratic administration in the mid-1990s and is currently devoted to enhancing the quality of life in several aspects, including safety and sustainability.
8. Czech Republic
Over the years, the Czech Republic has witnessed a gradual decline in crime rates, particularly in violent crimes. Additionally, the country experiences low occurrences of terrorism and natural calamities. Furthermore, the Czech Republic has numerous clean and well-organised hospitals, and a government-managed health insurance system that provides affordable rates and ensures nearly universal coverage.
9. Singapore
According to the 2022 GPI rankings, Singapore is placed ninth globally. In 2018, Singapore was reported by Gallup to have the highest sense of personal security and the most positive experiences with law enforcement in the world. Singapore boasts one of the world's lowest crime rates, which could be attributed to its strict laws and severe penalties for even minor offences. Singapore has strict gun control laws, and violent and confrontational crimes are rare. As a city-state, Singapore is also ranked as the second-safest city in the world in the Safe Cities Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). In the EIU's 2019 report, Singapore placed first in infrastructure security and personal security, second in digital security, and eighth in health security.
10. Japan
The country ranked tenth on the Global Peace Index for 2022 is Japan. Japan has maintained its position in the top ten countries in the index for 14 years, thanks to its low crime rates, minimal internal conflict, and negligible political unrest. Despite its proximity to potentially hostile neighbours, such as China and North Korea, Japan remains a safe place to visit.
Japan is known for its limited immigration and strict control of firearms, as the Japanese do not consider carrying firearms to be an individual's right. According to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Tokyo was ranked the safest city in the world in 2019, topping the list for cybersecurity and ranking second for health security, as well as ranking fourth for infrastructure security and personal security.
Which is the Safest Country in the World?
Iceland has consistently been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world by various indexes and reports, including the Global Peace Index and the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. In the 2022 Global Peace Index, Iceland was ranked as the safest country in the world for the 14th consecutive year. Iceland has a low crime rate, with almost no violent crime reported. The country also has no military forces, and its police officers do not carry firearms, which contributes to its reputation as a safe and peaceful place.
In addition to its safety, Iceland is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and glaciers. The country is also home to a vibrant culture and rich history, with museums, galleries, and landmarks to explore. Tourism is a significant industry in Iceland, with visitors drawn to its unique landscape, outdoor activities, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Iceland remains a safe and welcoming country for visitors.
What are the Other Safest Countries in the World?
Below listed are some of the other safest countries in the world. Have a read!
S. No
Safest Countries In The World
Global Peace Index(Lower is the safest)
1
Switzerland
1.357
2
Canada
1.389
3
Hungary
1.411
4
Finland
1.439
5
Croatia
1.440
6
Germany
1.462
7
Norway
1.465
8
Malaysia
1.471
9
Bhutan
1.481
10
Slovakia
1.499
Top 10 Safest Countries In The World 2021
Below listed are the safest countries in the world in the year 2021. Have a read!
S. No
Safest Countries In The World
Global Peace Index(Lower is the safest)
1
Iceland
1.1
2
New Zealand
1.253
3
Denmark
1.256
4
Portugal
1.267
5
Slovenia
1.315
6
Austria
1.317
7
Switzerland
1.323
8
Ireland
1.326
9
Czech Republic
1.329
10
Canada
1.33
Safest Countries In The World 2023 - FAQs
The Global Peace Index is an annual report published by the Institute for Economics and Peace that ranks the safety and peace of countries based on 23 different indicators.
Iceland is currently ranked as the safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index.
: The Global Peace Index takes into account 23 different indicators across three broad categories: Ongoing International Conflict, Societal Safety and Security, and Militarization
Some of the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index include Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Singapore, and Japan.
These countries are considered safe due to a variety of factors, including low rates of violent crime, political stability, effective law enforcement, low levels of terrorism, and access to quality healthcare.