13 Safest Countries in the World: Data Ranked (Travel Guide)
Reading Time: 10 minutes This is the big one, the list of the safest countries in the world. You’ll see where each country ranks, which region they’re from, and some travel advisories and things to do if you’re planning a visit to any of these nations.
The safest country in the world is Iceland. This is based on data from the Global Peace Index. It compares conflict, safety and security, and militarization. Other safe countries include New Zealand, Ireland, and Denmark.
PLEASE NOTE: The following information on safety is not my personal opinion or from my personal experience. This comes from the 2022 Global Peace Index Report from Vision of Humanity (Download PDF report), which ranks 163 countries around the world. Any travel warnings listed below have been found on travel.state.gov.
Safest Countries in the World: Ranking System
The Global Peace Index uses three main factors (which are divided into 23 indicators) that are assessed, then a score is given. The countries can then be compared based on this standardized set of criteria.
As a quick summary, here are the 3 main sections that determine each country’s score:
- Ongoing Domestic and Internation Conflict: Duration and intensity of conflicts, number of deaths, and relationship to neighboring countries are some of the factors looked at.
- Societal Safety and Security: Political instability, refugees, terrorism, violent crimes, murders, number of incarcerated, and police are some examples of this section.
- Militarisation: Military expenses, armed services personnel, how much contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities are some points that contribute here.
The lower the score, the safer the country is considered, and the higher it is on the list. Here’s a handy map to visualize the safety of all the countries listed in the GPI.
The guide is part of a series covering regions around the world. Learn more about the safest countries in Africa, Central America, South America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Safest Country in the World: The List
Here is the list of the 13 safest and most peaceful countries in the world. Please note that tourist figures come from the site worlddata.info.
1. Iceland
- Safety Score: 1.107
- Population: 372,295 (2021)
- Capital City: Reykjavík
- Tourists Per Year: 2.2 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
Iceland is considered to be the safest and most peaceful country in the world. This European island nation has lots of things to do for the outdoor enthusiast.
You can go hiking at Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, see the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall, or check out the cool sights and sounds of the capital, Reykjavík.
Iceland is at a level 1 travel advisory, with no special warning.
2. New Zealand
- Safety Score: 1.269
- Population: 5.123 million (2021)
- Capital City: Wellington
- Tourists Per Year: 3.89 million (2019)
- Region: Oceania
New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud, comes in as the second safest country in the world, and the only one coming from Oceania. You can find quite a few adventurous things to do here.
You can go skiing during the Southern Hemisphere winter (starting in June and going until November), go swimming in Lake Wakatipu or soak in nature at the Bay of Islands.
New Zealand is at a Level 1 travel advisory, to exercise normal precautions.
3. Ireland
- Safety Score: 1.288
- Population: 5.028 million (2021)
- Capital City: Dublin
- Tourists Per Year: 10.95 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
The Republic of Ireland is the 3rd safest and most peaceful country on Earth. Taking up the majority of the island of Ireland (with Northern Ireland taking up the rest), Ireland is a beautiful country that I had the privilege of visiting in 2015.
You can visit such sights as Killarney National Park, the Rock of Cashel, or the Guinness Storehouse.
As a country so high on the GPI, it’s no surprise that Ireland is at a Level 1 travel advisory.
4. Denmark
- Safety Score: 1.296
- Population: 5.857 million (2021)
- Capital City: Copenhagen
- Tourists Per Year: 33.09 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
At number 4 worldwide is the Scandinavian country of Denmark. You can check out the statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, as Denmark is the birthplace of the writer Hans Christian Anderson, who was the author of the Little Mermaid.
You can also visit such centuries-old castles as the Kronborg Slot or Amalienborg Palace.
Despite being so high on the Global Peace Index, Denmark has a Level 2 travel advisory, due to possible terrorism.
Here’s more about living in Denmark.
5. Austria
- Safety Score: 1.3
- Population: 8.956 million (2021)
- Capital City: Vienna
- Tourists Per Year: 31.88 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
Austria is considered to be the 5th safest country in the world, and the 4th one in the top 5 coming from Europe. There are lots of things to do if you visit the landlocked Central European country.
You can see many different historical buildings like Schönbrunn Palace, go hiking and skiing in the Austrian Alps, or try the local cuisine like the Vienna Schnitzel.
6. Portugal
- Safety Score: 1.301
- Population: 10.3 million (2021)
- Capital City: Lisbon
- Tourists Per Year: 17.28 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
Coming in at number 6 of the safest countries in the world is Portugal. With beautiful weather most of the year, you can enjoy quite a lot in Portugal.
You can try wine tasting at the UNESCO-protected Douro Valley, enjoy beach life at many locations like Costa Nova or Ofir, or explore the local culture at fado (Portuguese music from Lisbon) houses.
Portugal is at a Level 1 travel advisory.
7. Slovenia
- Safety Score: 1.316
- Population: 2.107 million (2021)
- Capital City: Ljubljana
- Tourists Per Year: 4.7 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
The 7th safest country in the world is Slovenia. Nestled in between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia may not be the first place you think of visiting in Europe, but it definitely should be on your list.
You can check out cool sights like Ljubljana Castle, go underground biking or kayaking at Mt. Peca, or explore Lake Bohinj.
8. Czechia (The Czech Republic)
- Safety Score: 1.318
- Population: 10.7 million (2021)
- Capital City: Prague
- Tourists Per Year: 37.20 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
Czechia, or the Czech Republic, is the 8th safest country in the world. This landlocked European country, might not be big in size, but it still has a great deal to offer tourists.
You can explore the architecture of Prague, enjoy the outdoors at Šumava National Park or Lake Mácha, or relax at the spa city of Karlovy Vary.
Czechia is at a Level 1 travel advisory.
9. Singapore
- Safety Score: 1.326
- Population: 5.94 million
- Capital City: Singapore (City-State)
- Tourists Per Year: 19.12 million
- Region: Asia
Singapore is the 9th safest country in the world and is our first of two countries from Asia. Being a city-state, Singapore is the smallest country on this list, but don’t let the size of this Southeast Asian nation fool you.
Whether it’s checking out its many gardens, strolling and shopping thru Clarke Quay, or soaking up some of the outdoors at the Southern Ridges, Singapore has lots to offer tourists.
The travel advisory for Singapore is a Level 1, or to exercise normal precautions.
10. Japan
- Safety Score: 1.336
- Population: 125.68 million
- Capital City: Tokyo
- Tourists Per Year: 31.88 million
- Region: Asia
Rounding out the top 10 safest countries in the world is Japan, and is the second of 2 countries from Asia. There’s plenty to do in the Land of the Rising Sun.
You can try the local cuisine like sashimi (my personal favorite) and udon, go go-karting around Tokyo or explore the cultural capital of Japan in Kyoto.
Japan is at a Level 1 advisory, which is an update from its previous advisory in the Safest Asian Countries article. It had previously been at a level 3 advisory due to COVID-19 restrictions.
11. Switzerland
- Safety Score: 1.357
- Population: 8.698 million (2021)
- Capital City: Bern
- Tourists Per Year: 11.82 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
The 11th safest country in the world is Switzerland. Sometimes known as “the playground of Europe”, you can have quite a good time (if not an expensive one) in the country.
You can explore the Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe; visit the picturesque Interlake; or take in the largest alpine lake in Europe, Lake Geneva.
Switzerland is at a Level 1 travel advisory.
Here are 10 pros and cons of living in Switzerland.
12. Canada
- Safety Score: 1.389
- Population: 38.25 million (2021)
- Capital City: Ottawa
- Tourists Per Year: 32.43 million (2019)
- Region: North America
Coming in at number 12 for the safest countries in the world is Canada, where my wife and I currently live. The second largest country in the world, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Great White North.
You can visit the scenic streets of my hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland; go on a boat tour at Niagara Falls in Ontario; or explore the Rocky Mountains bordering Alberta and British Columbia. There’s no shortage of things to do from coast to coast to coast.
You can find beautiful lighthouses, waterfalls, and beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Canada is at a Level 1 travel advisory.
13. Hungary
- Safety Score: 1.411
- Population: 9.71 million (2021)
- Capital City: Budapest
- Tourists Per Year: 61.4 million (2019)
- Region: Europe
Closing out our list of the 13 safest countries in the world is Hungary. This Central European country boasts many wonderful destinations for visitors.
You can relax on the shores of Lake Balaton, check out Buda Castle in Budapest, or feast on local cuisines like goulash and chicken paprikash.
Like nearly all of the other countries on this list, Hungary is at a Level 1 travel advisory.
Safest Countries in the World: FAQ
What is the safest country in the world?
Iceland is the safest country in the world, with a GPI score of 1.107. Other safe countries include New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, and Austria. All of these countries score 1.3 or lower on the Global Peace Index.
What is the most stable country in the world?
Iceland is the most stable country in the world. New Zealand has also been stable a stable country. These two countries have been ranked 1st and 2nd on the Global Peace Index since 2018.
With that said, most of the other countries in the top 13 have maintained similar positions over the last few GPI reports.
Hungary is an exception, having just reached the top 13 in the 2022 GPI, rising steadily over the previous reports.
What country gets the most tourists in the world?
France gets the most tourists of any country in the world, getting 217.88 million tourists in 2019. The United States had 165.48 million visitors, China had 162.54 million tourists, and Spain had 126.17 million tourists in 2019.
France has a score of 1.895 and is at number 65 worldwide for the safest countries in the world. The United States is ranked 129th (score of 2.44), China is ranked 89th (score of 2.01), and Spain is ranked 29th (score of 1.603).
What is the most dangerous country in the world?
The most dangerous country in the world is Afghanistan, with a score of 3.554, ranked 163 out of 163 countries.
Other dangerous countries include:
Unsurprisingly, all 4 countries have a Level 4 travel advisory, Do Not Travel.
Your Turn!
Remember to do more extensive research when traveling, as this list is just a snapshot of each of the countries mentioned.
Where would you like to travel, whether somewhere on this list or otherwise? What was your experience like?
Let us know in the comments below!
