Safest Places In the World to Visit or Live
The Institute for Economics and Peace alias IEP conducts an annual survey to scale the Global Peace Index a.k.a. GPI rating of different countries around the globe. For 2024, the ratings of GPI are compiled for 163 countries. So, here we are with the list of the top 10 safest countries in the world in 2024.
Europe is home to 13 of the world’s top 20 safest places in the world. In comparison, the United States is ranked 129th on the Global Peace Index 2024. This is less than the Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, and Egypt.
GPI ratings depend on various factors, including the level of security, the safety of citizens, and the degree of conflicts (both on the domestic front as well as the global front). The GPI ratings are awarded on a scale of 1 to 5. A lesser GPI score relates to more safety.
Here goes the rundown of the top 10 safest countries around the world in 2024:
10. Japan – 1.408
With a GPI score of 1.408, Japan makes it to the tenth spot on the list of the top 10 safest countries to be in 2024. The Asian country is a harbinger of advanced technology. Japan’s low homicide rate coupled with minimal internal and external conflicts makes it a worthy name on the list of the top 10 safest countries worldwide. The Japanese government has made major investments in security protocols such as metal detectors and CCTV cameras, which help to serve as a deterrent to crime.
Also See: Cost of Living in Japan 2024
Japan has the highest life expectancy in the OECD, as well as low obesity rates and below-average alcohol and smoking usage. The country has a system of universal healthcare in which patients pay 30% of medical costs and the state pays 70%.
9. Switzerland – 1.373
Switzerland is one of the most picturesque countries in the world, thanks to the diverse green landscape it flaunts to have. Switzerland is known for its neutrality and has very low militarization. Very few cases of theft, violence, and crimes translate to its score of 1.373 on the Global Peace Index translating to its no.9th position on the list of top 10 safest countries to live in the world in 2024.
Despite having among the highest firearm ownership rates in the world, the country has an incredibly low rate of mass shootings or gun-related street crime. Guns are much more closely controlled in Switzerland than most folks understand.
The country shares its borders with countries like France and Italy, but the mountain ranges of Switzerland act as an impregnable barrier against terrorist attacks and invasion attempts.
8. Canada – 1.371
World’s second-largest country according to the total area, Canada is evaluated with a score of 1.371 GPI in 2024. Making itself worthy of the 8th spot on the list of top 10 safest countries in 2024, Canada is famed for its solid peace and safety regulations. For several years, crime in Canada has been decreasing, confirming the country’s position as one of the safest countries on the planet. The country’s gun laws are extremely strict.
Canada is much safer than its immediate neighbor – the United States, which is the 114th safest country in the world as per GPI’s listing of 2024. Canada’s little indulgence in militarization is a big factor contributing to its peaceful environment.
7. Slovenia – 1.364
Located in Eastern Europe, Slovenia is among the top 10 safest nations in the world in 2024 with a GPI rating of 1.364. The country has very less internal conflicts as well as very low criminal activities.
The active police personnel in the country makes it a much safer place to live and visit. Negligible terrorist activities have been recorded in the country, which allows Slovenia to grab the 7th position on the list of top 10 safest countries in 2024.
The high level of political stability is another contributing factor to Slovenia’s safety ranking. Since 2004, the country has been a member of the EU, and it has been under the same government since 2008.
6. Czech Republic – 1.360
The 6th spot on our pick of the top 10 safest countries to visit in the world in 2024 goes to the Czech Republic, a country located in Central Europe, with a GPI rating of 1.360.
While it is always prudent to exercise caution when visiting an unfamiliar destination, the Czech Republic is typically very open and accepting to tourists and has a solid system in place to keep tourists safe. The Czech Republic takes safety seriously, from its well-maintained system of public transportation to its numerous police officers and video surveillance.
Also See: Cost of Living in Prague 2024
The country shares its borders with European countries, namely Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. The Czech Republic is an inert country in terms of violence, criminal activities, and conflicts on both internal and external levels.
5. Denmark – 1.337
Denmark is a North European country ranking 5th on the list of top 10 safest nations in the world. The country experiences a few instances of incidents that can lead to catastrophe. Denmark is mostly surrounded by the gigantic Atlantic Ocean which leads to minimal terrorist activities.
This Scandinavian country is widely regarded as one of the world’s most safe. It has a low rate of crime and almost no natural disaster threat. The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is ranked first in the Economist’s Safe Cities Index. Denmark is a small nation with a largely homogeneous citizenry, making the rule of law simpler to maintain.
Moreover, the North European nation also ranks high among the happiest countries in the world.
4. Austria – 1.265
Austria is a mountainous and landlocked country located in the south-central Europe region. Austria is bordered to the north by the Czech Republic, which is the 6th safest country in the World. Austria achieved the 4th rank among the top 10 safest countries in 2024 with a score of 1.265 GPI.
The crime rate in Austria is low. There are relatively few violent crimes, and property crimes are uncommon. As a result, Austria is a very safe place to reside. Austria’s economy is robust. There is less overall crime since people are less inclined to engage in criminal activity if they have a steady income.
Austria has a strong political system and government. This helps to ensure that the country is well-run and that corruption is minimal. Low weapon usage and very less internal conflicts are responsible for its high rating on the GPI scale. The country shares its border with 8 different countries including Germany, Italy, and Hungary.
3. Portugal – 1.258
Portugal is ranked as the 3rd safest country in the list of top 10 safest cultures in the world in 2024 with a rating of 1.258. The crime rate of Portugal is very low, which leads it a safe country to visit or live in.
A strong legal system is beneficial to the country. Property rights are well guarded in Portugal, and corruption in government is rare. This creates a secure environment that dissuades crime while also encouraging economic expansion. Portugal’s ties with its neighbors have long been peaceful. It hasn’t been directly involved in a major war in over 200 years, and the government is still dedicated to resolving conflicts through diplomacy instead of strength.
Also See: Best Beaches near Lisbon, Portugal
The country shares its border only with Spain and the remaining boundary is covered by the sea. This factor is responsible for its low external conflicts and also acts as a potential barrier to conflicts breaking out.
2. New Zealand – 1.241
New Zealand is a group of 2 islands namely – the South Island and the North Island. The country is famous for its picturesque beauty and adventure travel. With regard to environmental disasters, New Zealand is vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, so knowing what to do in case of emergencies is critical. The good news is that strict building regulations are in place to help prevent earthquake damage. The vast majority of New Zealanders are well-equipped for any catastrophic events.
Also See: Best Beaches In New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its peace and has a very low crime rate with minimal threat of terrorism. The country grabs the 2nd spot among the assemblage of safest countries with a GPI rating of 1.241 in 2024.
1. Safest Country in the World : Iceland – 1.111
Iceland is the safest country in the world with a Global Peace Index rating of 1.111, and hence rules the top spot on the list of the top 10 world’s safest nations in 2024. Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates around the world, particularly violent crime, helping to make it one of the safest nations on the planet.
Iceland is also relatively free of natural disasters, helping to make it a safer place to live. It has some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery, including hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls.
The island country is located in the Atlantic Ocean and is a Nordic country. With low homicide rates and very low internal/external conflicts, Iceland makes it to the top of the safest countries sixth time in a row.