Safest places to live in the world
Let us dive into the world of global safety and learn about the safest countries in the world! Countries that are the most peaceful have the least crime, and stability taken into consideration, which create the perfect environment in which to live and travel. From vibrant metropolitan areas to small island getaways, these countries have a lot to boast about and a lot to offer; however, their elements of safety rank them above the rest with perfect opportunities for family excursions or permanent relocations, as many child-friendly sites welcome foreigners and single residents looking for their new forever homes.
Safety contributes to quality of life in addition to itineraries. Below are the safest countries based on world rankings of safety, regional breakdowns of safety, and more, as safety impacts travel regardless of where one chooses to go. Explore the safest places in the world to either visit or permanently settle, and you'll be doing so without a care in the world.
Before you dive into the map of the world’s safest countries, take a moment to see what it can reveal. The following map serves as a quick and easy gauge of safety worldwide. It helps gauge where you can and should travel without fear! Also, it gives a bigger picture of safety in the region.
This table with the safest places to live in the world is a reference to overall safety. It uses the Global Peace Index, which takes into account crime rate, political stability, mobilization, and conflicts.
Safety is crucial for tourists of all types. The high safety score is a big green flag. The reason is obvious: we as travelers aren't looking for criminal areas or political instability. This is why safe countries always get increased travel interest.
The safety ratings have become a marketing advantage and countries such as Iceland, Austria, and Ireland have become the real brands of safe countries for tourists.
As travelers, one of our biggest concerns is crime—and for good reason. Places with a high crime rate make travelers uneasy with options for theft, scams, and even violent incidents that put a damper on an otherwise great trip. Yet, countries with some of the lowest crime rates offer a more relaxed atmosphere to explore cities, book local activities, or just go about day-to-day life.
It's very useful for travelers to understand these corners of the world that, based on statistics, are easier to navigate—with or without strangers and families, and when in culturally off-the-beaten-path areas. Here's a list of the 20 countries with the lowest crime rate in 2025—and the perfect place to begin your research for safety!
Low crime rates are in high demand among luxury travelers who spend big money during their visits. The same applies to business professionals and digital nomads. This explains why the UAE and Qatar are famous as the top destinations for MICE tourism. These countries also have the most luxurious hotels, experiences, and luxury goods in the world.
So, looking at which countries have the lowest crime rate according to Numbeo (Andorra, UAE, Qatar) and the most peaceful countries to live in (Iceland, Austria, and Ireland), we can conclude that safety depends on multiple factors and the low crime rate is only one of them. Take this into account when planning your next tour!
Iceland, the safest place on Earth in 2025, achieved high safety through strong institutions, social stability, and low militarization, not just crime. Maybe it’s a sign that you should visit Iceland next?
We never recommend visiting countries with high crime rates because increased personal risks are simply not worth it. In these countries, authorities may struggle to guarantee tourist safety and limited coverage of travel insurance is the smallest issue one may encounter. Travelers should always remember that they can find safer alternatives with rich cultural experiences.
Africa is one of the most wondrous continents, full of some of the most magnificent natural wonders and traditional landscapes in the world. The savannas of Kenya, the dunes of Namibia, Zanzibar beaches, and Uganda rainforests are just some examples. Some of the oldest civilizations exist in Africa; its ancient sounds, marketplaces, and thousands of languages exist from centuries of developed historical processes and geo-cultural awareness. Moreover, Africa is as tempting for tourists as it is accessible.
Yet Africa is a complicated tourist destination, assessing safety. Where Mauritius, Botswana, and Madagascar are the safest countries, Sudan lacks travel safety; we as tourists should be informed about each country's safety ranking to either soothe or complicate a traveling experience. Thus, for good traveling vibes, let's discover the most peaceful countries in Africa!
Here’s a table that will help you understand what are the safest countries to visit in Africa.
There is a popular stereotype that Africa is unsafe. However, several countries have helped us debunk this myth.
Now we know that Mauritius, Botswana, Madagascar, Zambia, and Namibia are the safest African countries where you won’t need to worry about your health or wallet. And as your guide in the world of free tours, we highly recommend adding them to your travel list!
Here is the table with the 20 most unsafe countries in Africa:
Now we see that on the other end of the spectrum, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali are among the most dangerous countries in Africa, and we strongly advise against visiting them due to serious safety concerns.
We highly recommend visiting these destinations. They are very safe and offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Iguazu Falls in Buenos Aires and the Atacama Desert in Chile will leave you speechless and make you dance the tango out of happiness! These places will make you feel alive.
Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil are currently the most unsafe countries in South America, and we highly advise against visiting them due to ongoing issues with crime, instability, and traveler safety.
Europe is considered one of the safest places in the world—and in fact, a good part of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world are located here: Iceland, Austria, and Portugal. A good part of the continent is stable enough and welcoming to tourists; however, there are a few countries that are not. Ukraine and Russia are involved in an ongoing war conflict and are not safe to visit at this time. Thus, the below map shows where safety reigns and where it does not so that you can travel feeling confident in your decisions.
Here is the table with the top 20 safest countries in Europe:
The safest and most exciting travel destinations in Europe this year are Iceland, Austria, and Ireland. We highly recommend adding these to your travel bucket list this year! In Iceland, you'll experience geothermal lagoons, northern lights viewing, and hiking. Austria will bring you imperial palaces, alpine villages, and the sounds of classical music. Ireland has coastal cliffs and castles, as well as the friendliest pubs and people; your go-to local pub will feel like home by day one!
The continent of Asia is a magical place for many in the Western world: it's mysterious in many ways and culturally rich at the same time. This is why it's best to understand safety first before planning your trip. Knowing which countries are truly safe not only helps you prepare smarter but also allows you to relax and fully enjoy the experience once you’re there. For example, did you know that Japan has one of the lowest rates of petty theft in the world? It's not uncommon to see a Japanese citizen leaving his or her purse or phone on a cafe table and walking away without a second thought. Knowing things like this will transform fear into excitement—and empower a safe trip through Asia!
Here is the list of the most unsafe countries in Asia in 2025
GPI is a very reliable metric, but it is not specifically created for female travelers. This is why we are using the Women, Peace, and Security Index to build a list of the safest countries for female travelers in Asia:
Here is the list of the 20 safest Asian countries for solo female travelers in 2025:
Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan are the safest Asian countries for solo female travelers, offering a low crime rate, reliable infrastructure, and culturally understanding citizens. It means all you have to do is reserve the plane ticket and get on the plane because there are no worries about personal safety and you can enjoy everything the city has to offer. While in Singapore, you can see the gorgeous sky gardens, eat at Michelin-starred hawker centers, and shop in the cultural hubs. While in the United Arab Emirates, you must see the skyscrapers in Dubai, go shopping in the historic souks, and enjoy camel rides in the desert dunes. And while in Japan, you can see the tranquil temples, soak in onsens, and enjoy the cherry blossom season. All of that is completely worry-free!
Now that we’ve flown around the globe and explored both the safest and most dangerous places on Earth, you have a clear picture of how safety varies by region. This information is crucial—choosing the wrong destination could mean spending your holiday worried about your bag instead of watching the sunset. Use these insights as a guide when planning your next trip, so you can focus on discovery, culture, and joy—not stress. We want our audience to choose the safest countries and come home with nothing but amazing stories and memories that last a lifetime.
Fact-checked
Last reviewed: May 5, 2025
Last updated: May 5, 2025
Licensed under CC BY 4.0
Key facts:
- Iceland is the safest country in the world, achieving a safety index of 1.112 in 2025, according to the Global Peace Index
- Portugal ranks as the 7th safest country in the world, with a safety index of 1.372 in 2025, according to the Global Peace Index.
- The United States has a safety index of 2.622 in 2025, ranking 131st in the world by safety.
Safety contributes to quality of life in addition to itineraries. Below are the safest countries based on world rankings of safety, regional breakdowns of safety, and more, as safety impacts travel regardless of where one chooses to go. Explore the safest places in the world to either visit or permanently settle, and you'll be doing so without a care in the world.
Safest countries in the world: the map
Before you dive into the map of the world’s safest countries, take a moment to see what it can reveal. The following map serves as a quick and easy gauge of safety worldwide. It helps gauge where you can and should travel without fear! Also, it gives a bigger picture of safety in the region.
https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/22153768/
Top 20 safest countries in the world in 2025
This table with the safest places to live in the world is a reference to overall safety. It uses the Global Peace Index, which takes into account crime rate, political stability, mobilization, and conflicts.
Safety is crucial for tourists of all types. The high safety score is a big green flag. The reason is obvious: we as travelers aren't looking for criminal areas or political instability. This is why safe countries always get increased travel interest.
The safety ratings have become a marketing advantage and countries such as Iceland, Austria, and Ireland have become the real brands of safe countries for tourists.
Top 20 countries with the lowest crime rates in 2025
As travelers, one of our biggest concerns is crime—and for good reason. Places with a high crime rate make travelers uneasy with options for theft, scams, and even violent incidents that put a damper on an otherwise great trip. Yet, countries with some of the lowest crime rates offer a more relaxed atmosphere to explore cities, book local activities, or just go about day-to-day life.
It's very useful for travelers to understand these corners of the world that, based on statistics, are easier to navigate—with or without strangers and families, and when in culturally off-the-beaten-path areas. Here's a list of the 20 countries with the lowest crime rate in 2025—and the perfect place to begin your research for safety!
Which country has the lowest crime rate in the world?
- Andorra has the lowest crime rate in the world in 2025, with a crime index score of 12.9, according to the Numbeo Crime Index.
Low crime rates are in high demand among luxury travelers who spend big money during their visits. The same applies to business professionals and digital nomads. This explains why the UAE and Qatar are famous as the top destinations for MICE tourism. These countries also have the most luxurious hotels, experiences, and luxury goods in the world.
So, looking at which countries have the lowest crime rate according to Numbeo (Andorra, UAE, Qatar) and the most peaceful countries to live in (Iceland, Austria, and Ireland), we can conclude that safety depends on multiple factors and the low crime rate is only one of them. Take this into account when planning your next tour!
Iceland, the safest place on Earth in 2025, achieved high safety through strong institutions, social stability, and low militarization, not just crime. Maybe it’s a sign that you should visit Iceland next?
Top 20 countries with the highest crime rate
We never recommend visiting countries with high crime rates because increased personal risks are simply not worth it. In these countries, authorities may struggle to guarantee tourist safety and limited coverage of travel insurance is the smallest issue one may encounter. Travelers should always remember that they can find safer alternatives with rich cultural experiences.
Which country has the highest crime rate in the world?
- Venezuela has the highest crime rate in the world, with a crime index score of 81.2, according to Numbeo.
Most peaceful countries in Africa
Africa is one of the most wondrous continents, full of some of the most magnificent natural wonders and traditional landscapes in the world. The savannas of Kenya, the dunes of Namibia, Zanzibar beaches, and Uganda rainforests are just some examples. Some of the oldest civilizations exist in Africa; its ancient sounds, marketplaces, and thousands of languages exist from centuries of developed historical processes and geo-cultural awareness. Moreover, Africa is as tempting for tourists as it is accessible.
Yet Africa is a complicated tourist destination, assessing safety. Where Mauritius, Botswana, and Madagascar are the safest countries, Sudan lacks travel safety; we as tourists should be informed about each country's safety ranking to either soothe or complicate a traveling experience. Thus, for good traveling vibes, let's discover the most peaceful countries in Africa!
Here’s a table that will help you understand what are the safest countries to visit in Africa.
What is the safest country in Africa?
- Mauritius is the safest country in Africa, with a Global Peace Index score of 1.577 in 2025.
There is a popular stereotype that Africa is unsafe. However, several countries have helped us debunk this myth.
- Mauritius is Africa’s safest country. It is well-known for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and welcoming environment. Both honeymooners and luxury travelers often prefer Mauritius over the Maldives.
- Botswana is famous for its well-regulated safari industry. Due to its safety, it attracts more than one million ecotourists who want to experience wildlife in protected reserves without security risks.
Now we know that Mauritius, Botswana, Madagascar, Zambia, and Namibia are the safest African countries where you won’t need to worry about your health or wallet. And as your guide in the world of free tours, we highly recommend adding them to your travel list!
What are the most dangerous countries in Africa?
Here is the table with the 20 most unsafe countries in Africa:
Now we see that on the other end of the spectrum, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali are among the most dangerous countries in Africa, and we strongly advise against visiting them due to serious safety concerns.
What are the safest countries to visit in South America?
- Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile are the safest countries in South America, with Global Peace Index scores of 1.893, 1.855, and 1.978 in 2025, respectively.
What South American country is the safest?
- Argentina is the safest country in South America, with a Global Peace Index score of 1.855 in 2025.
We highly recommend visiting these destinations. They are very safe and offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Iguazu Falls in Buenos Aires and the Atacama Desert in Chile will leave you speechless and make you dance the tango out of happiness! These places will make you feel alive.
What are the most dangerous countries in South America?
- Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil are the most unsafe countries in South America, with Global Peace Index scores of 2.887, 2.821, and 2.589 in 2025, respectively.
Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil are currently the most unsafe countries in South America, and we highly advise against visiting them due to ongoing issues with crime, instability, and traveler safety.
What are the safest countries to visit in Europe?
Europe is considered one of the safest places in the world—and in fact, a good part of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world are located here: Iceland, Austria, and Portugal. A good part of the continent is stable enough and welcoming to tourists; however, there are a few countries that are not. Ukraine and Russia are involved in an ongoing war conflict and are not safe to visit at this time. Thus, the below map shows where safety reigns and where it does not so that you can travel feeling confident in your decisions.
https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/22154107/
Here is the table with the top 20 safest countries in Europe:
What countries are safest in Europe?
- Iceland, Austria, and Ireland are the most peaceful countries in Europe, with Global Peace Index scores of 1.112, 1.124, and 1.124 in 2025, respectively.
The safest and most exciting travel destinations in Europe this year are Iceland, Austria, and Ireland. We highly recommend adding these to your travel bucket list this year! In Iceland, you'll experience geothermal lagoons, northern lights viewing, and hiking. Austria will bring you imperial palaces, alpine villages, and the sounds of classical music. Ireland has coastal cliffs and castles, as well as the friendliest pubs and people; your go-to local pub will feel like home by day one!
What are the most dangerous countries in Europe?
- Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus are the most unsafe countries in Europe, with Global Peace Index scores of 3.28, 3.249, and 2.291 in 2025, respectively.
Top 20 safest countries in Asia
The continent of Asia is a magical place for many in the Western world: it's mysterious in many ways and culturally rich at the same time. This is why it's best to understand safety first before planning your trip. Knowing which countries are truly safe not only helps you prepare smarter but also allows you to relax and fully enjoy the experience once you’re there. For example, did you know that Japan has one of the lowest rates of petty theft in the world? It's not uncommon to see a Japanese citizen leaving his or her purse or phone on a cafe table and walking away without a second thought. Knowing things like this will transform fear into excitement—and empower a safe trip through Asia!
What are the safest countries to visit in Asia?
- The most peaceful countries in Asia in 2025 are Singapore (1.339), Malaysia (1.427), and Japan (1.525), according to the Global Peace Index.
What are the most dangerous countries in Asia?
Here is the list of the most unsafe countries in Asia in 2025
Safest Asian countries for solo female travelers in 2025
GPI is a very reliable metric, but it is not specifically created for female travelers. This is why we are using the Women, Peace, and Security Index to build a list of the safest countries for female travelers in Asia:
Here is the list of the 20 safest Asian countries for solo female travelers in 2025:
Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan are the safest Asian countries for solo female travelers, offering a low crime rate, reliable infrastructure, and culturally understanding citizens. It means all you have to do is reserve the plane ticket and get on the plane because there are no worries about personal safety and you can enjoy everything the city has to offer. While in Singapore, you can see the gorgeous sky gardens, eat at Michelin-starred hawker centers, and shop in the cultural hubs. While in the United Arab Emirates, you must see the skyscrapers in Dubai, go shopping in the historic souks, and enjoy camel rides in the desert dunes. And while in Japan, you can see the tranquil temples, soak in onsens, and enjoy the cherry blossom season. All of that is completely worry-free!
Conclusion
Now that we’ve flown around the globe and explored both the safest and most dangerous places on Earth, you have a clear picture of how safety varies by region. This information is crucial—choosing the wrong destination could mean spending your holiday worried about your bag instead of watching the sunset. Use these insights as a guide when planning your next trip, so you can focus on discovery, culture, and joy—not stress. We want our audience to choose the safest countries and come home with nothing but amazing stories and memories that last a lifetime.
Sources
- Women Peace and Security Index - GIWPS
- Global Peace Index 2025 - IEP
- Crime Index by Country - Numbeo
Fact-checked
Last reviewed: May 5, 2025
Last updated: May 5, 2025
Licensed under CC BY 4.0
