Safety rankings shape travel plans, relocation choices, and policy debates when crime, conflict, and disasters threaten daily life. Metrics like peace indices and homicide rates reveal which nations deliver the strongest real-world protection. Vote on the order that best matches your priorities.
What counts: Best means lowest combined risk across violence, crime, and disasters using approximate public data; figures are rounded estimates from global indices.
Iceland▲ Rising
Iceland tops most peace tables thanks to near-zero gun violence and strong social trust built since its Viking-era founding. Its isolated North Atlantic location and small population have kept it out of wars for centuries. The 2008 financial crisis tested resilience but crime stayed minimal.
Peace Index: 9.5/10Homicide Rate: 0 /100kCrime Index: 20/10Disaster Risk: 4/10Stability Score: 9.8/10
added by IJRin 8 rankingsIceland
New Zealand▲ Rising
New Zealand earns high marks for geographic isolation and strict gun laws tightened after the 2019 mosque attacks. Its disaster-preparedness culture dates to frequent earthquakes. Low population density limits urban crime hotspots.
Peace Index: 9/10Homicide Rate: 0.9 /100kCrime Index: 30/10Disaster Risk: 6/10Stability Score: 9.3/10
added by IJRin 5 rankingsNew Zealand
Singapore▲ Rising
Singapore's safety comes from strict laws and efficient policing enforced since independence in 1965. Low tolerance for drugs and vandalism keeps streets orderly. Its island geography aids border control.
Peace Index: 8.6/10Homicide Rate: 0.2 /100kCrime Index: 15/10Disaster Risk: 2/10Stability Score: 9.4/10
added by IJRin 14 rankingsSingapore
Denmark▲ Rising
Denmark consistently ranks near the top due to low corruption and effective policing developed through centuries of stable monarchy. Its welfare model reduces inequality-linked crime. Recent terror plots were foiled quickly.
Peace Index: 9.3/10Homicide Rate: 1 /100kCrime Index: 25/10Disaster Risk: 2/10Stability Score: 9.5/10
added by IJRin 8 rankingsDenmark
Czech Republic▲ Rising
The Czech Republic benefits from Central European location without major ethnic conflicts since the Velvet Divorce. Strict gun laws and EU standards keep crime low. Prague's historic center remains heavily policed.
Peace Index: 8.7/10Homicide Rate: 0.6 /100kCrime Index: 32/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 8.5/10
added by IJRin 4 rankingsCzech Republic
Sweden▲ Rising
Sweden's safety has declined slightly from 1990s peaks but remains strong due to welfare systems. Strict gun control and EU policing standards help. Gang shootings in Malmö prompted new laws.
Peace Index: 8.2/10Homicide Rate: 1.1 /100kCrime Index: 38/10Disaster Risk: 2/10Stability Score: 8.6/10
added by IJRin 9 rankingsSweden
Ireland's safety stems from post-Troubles peace and low gun ownership after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Tourism-driven economy keeps streets lively and watched. Cybercrime has risen but street violence remains rare.
Peace Index: 9.1/10Homicide Rate: 0.7 /100kCrime Index: 28/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 9.2/10
added by IJRin 5 rankingsIreland
Switzerland▲ Rising
Switzerland's safety rests on armed neutrality since 1815 and strict militia gun rules. Alpine borders and banking secrecy have kept external threats low. Zurich and Geneva maintain high policing standards.
Peace Index: 8.5/10Homicide Rate: 0.5 /100kCrime Index: 24/10Disaster Risk: 4/10Stability Score: 9.6/10
added by IJRin 11 rankingsSwitzerland
Norway's safety record follows from oil-funded welfare and low inequality after WWII. Strict gun licensing and Nordic cooperation keep crime down. The 2011 Utøya attack led to tightened security.
Peace Index: 8.4/10Homicide Rate: 0.5 /100kCrime Index: 28/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 9.7/10
added by IJRin 9 rankingsNorway
Finland ranks high due to post-WWII neutrality and education-focused social policy that reduces crime. Strict alcohol laws and rural lifestyle keep incidents low. The 2022 NATO accession added defense layers.
Peace Index: 8.3/10Homicide Rate: 1.2 /100kCrime Index: 26/10Disaster Risk: 2/10Stability Score: 9/10
added by IJRin 7 rankingsFinland
Japan's low crime traces to post-WWII social norms and strict gun control. Earthquake drills and tsunami warnings have saved lives repeatedly. Tokyo's dense population is managed with minimal street disorder.
Peace Index: 8.5/10Homicide Rate: 0.2 /100kCrime Index: 22/10Disaster Risk: 7/10Stability Score: 8.8/10
added by IJRin 11 rankingsJapan
Austria maintains safety through Alpine geography and post-WWII neutrality that kept it out of conflicts. Strict border controls after 2015 migration waves helped control crime. Vienna's public transport is famously secure.
Peace Index: 8.9/10Homicide Rate: 0.8 /100kCrime Index: 27/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 9/10
added by IJRin 7 rankingsAustria
Portugal▲ Rising
Portugal's safety improved dramatically after the 1974 Carnation Revolution ended dictatorship and stabilized politics. Low gun culture and EU integration boosted policing standards. Lisbon's tourist boom has not brought major crime spikes.
Peace Index: 8.8/10Homicide Rate: 0.8 /100kCrime Index: 29/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 8.7/10
added by IJRin 6 rankingsPortugal
Australia's safety comes from island geography and strict gun laws after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Strict immigration and anti-terror laws add layers. Bushfire seasons test emergency systems.
Peace Index: 8/10Homicide Rate: 0.8 /100kCrime Index: 32/10Disaster Risk: 6/10Stability Score: 9/10
added by IJRin 8 rankingsAustralia
Belgium's safety rests on EU headquarters status and heavy security investment after 2016 attacks. Strict gun laws and central location aid rapid response. Brussels remains well-patrolled.
Peace Index: 7.8/10Homicide Rate: 1 /100kCrime Index: 35/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 8.3/10
added by IJRin 6 rankingsBelgium
Canada's safety benefits from vast geography and strong gun laws updated after mass shootings. Post-9/11 border cooperation reduced terrorism risks. Toronto and Vancouver remain low-crime cities.
Peace Index: 8.4/10Homicide Rate: 1.8 /100kCrime Index: 35/10Disaster Risk: 4/10Stability Score: 9.1/10
added by IJRin 9 rankingsCanada
Spain's safety recovered after ETA's 2011 ceasefire and improved Mediterranean policing. Tourism economy funds visible security. Madrid and Barcelona maintain strong presence despite occasional protests.
Peace Index: 7.6/10Homicide Rate: 0.7 /100kCrime Index: 32/10Disaster Risk: 4/10Stability Score: 8/10
added by IJRin 11 rankingsSpain
The Netherlands maintains safety via efficient policing and bike-friendly urban design that reduces theft. Post-WWII neutrality and EU membership helped. Recent drug-related issues in Amsterdam led to new enforcement.
Peace Index: 7.9/10Homicide Rate: 0.6 /100kCrime Index: 30/10Disaster Risk: 4/10Stability Score: 8.8/10
added by IJRin 10 rankingsNetherlands
Estonia▲ Rising
Estonia's safety stems from post-Soviet independence and rapid digital governance that deters corruption. NATO and EU membership added defense. Tallinn's medieval center is heavily monitored.
Peace Index: 7.7/10Homicide Rate: 2 /100kCrime Index: 32/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 8.5/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsEstonia
United Kingdom▼ Falling
The UK's safety improved after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and post-7/7 security upgrades. Strict knife laws and CCTV coverage help. London remains busy yet orderly.
Peace Index: 7.4/10Homicide Rate: 1.2 /100kCrime Index: 40/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 8.1/10
added by IJRin 9 rankingsUnited Kingdom
Germany's safety improved after reunification and strict post-war gun laws. EU border management and strong economy limit unrest. Berlin's diverse districts stay orderly through heavy policing.
Peace Index: 8.1/10Homicide Rate: 0.9 /100kCrime Index: 35/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 8.9/10
added by IJRin 9 rankingsGermany
South Korea▼ Falling
South Korea's safety benefits from strict gun control and military conscription culture. Post-Korean War development brought order. Seoul's dense population is managed with advanced surveillance.
Peace Index: 7.5/10Homicide Rate: 0.6 /100kCrime Index: 25/10Disaster Risk: 5/10Stability Score: 8.2/10
added by IJRin 9 rankings
Slovenia▼ Falling
Slovenia's safety improved after peaceful 1991 independence from Yugoslavia. Alpine terrain and EU accession brought stability and low crime. Ljubljana's small size aids community policing.
Peace Index: 7.8/10Homicide Rate: 0.5 /100kCrime Index: 28/10Disaster Risk: 4/10Stability Score: 8.4/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsSlovenia
Poland▼ Falling
Poland's safety improved after EU accession and post-communist reforms. Strict gun laws and NATO membership provide stability. Warsaw's growth has not brought major crime waves.
Peace Index: 7.1/10Homicide Rate: 0.7 /100kCrime Index: 35/10Disaster Risk: 3/10Stability Score: 8/10
added by IJRin 5 rankingsPoland
United States▼ Falling
The US shows wide safety variation by state due to gun culture and federal system. Post-9/11 security investments helped major cities. Rural areas often feel safer than dense urban zones.
Peace Index: 6.8/10Homicide Rate: 5 /100kCrime Index: 48/10Disaster Risk: 5/10Stability Score: 7.5/10
added by IJRin 10 rankingsUnited States
Italy's safety comes from post-WWII stability and EU integration despite regional mafia issues. Strict gun laws and cultural emphasis on family reduce street violence. Rome's historic sites are well-protected.
Peace Index: 7.3/10Homicide Rate: 0.7 /100kCrime Index: 38/10Disaster Risk: 5/10Stability Score: 7.8/10
added by IJRin 11 rankingsItaly
France▼ Falling
France's safety has been reinforced after 2015 attacks with increased patrols and intelligence. Strict gun laws and republican values promote order. Paris remains heavily secured.
Peace Index: 7.2/10Homicide Rate: 1.3 /100kCrime Index: 42/10Disaster Risk: 4/10Stability Score: 7.9/10
added by IJRin 11 rankingsFrance
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Missing a few names that belong in the top ten, but the top three is basically right.
Wild that Iceland is winning this. Scroll down — the real answer is further down the board.
Somebody explain the Iceland votes to me. Genuinely. I want to understand.
Voted, but this order is going to look very different in a month once more people find it.