Safety Around the Globe
In our interconnected world, safety and security are central to our wellbeing and peace of mind, whether we're at home, at work, or on vacation. Global peace is a complex construct that hinges on various factors, including crime rates, political stability, quality of healthcare, and even the effectiveness of the country's response to global crises like pandemics.
Every year, the Global Peace Index (GPI) is released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), providing a comprehensive analysis of the world's safest countries. The GPI uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three broad themes: the level of Societal Safety and Security, the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and the degree of Militarization. This ranking system helps us understand how nations around the world compare in terms of safety.
Key findings from the data include:
- The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2022 observed a slight deterioration in global peacefulness by 0.3%, marking the eleventh decrease in peacefulness in the last fourteen years.
- Iceland maintained its position as the world's most peaceful country since 2008, followed by New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, and Austria. Afghanistan remained the least peaceful country for the fifth consecutive year.
- The largest regional improvements in peacefulness occurred in South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, driven by reductions in deaths from internal conflicts and improvements in military expenditure and terrorism impact.
- The conflict between Russia and Ukraine led to a significant deterioration in peacefulness in the Russia and Eurasia region, adversely impacting global peacefulness, and causing repercussions beyond the region.
- The economic impact of violence on the global economy in 2021 was $16.5 trillion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, with the countries most affected by violence having the average economic impact of violence equivalent to 34% of GDP.
The economic impact of violence remains staggering, underscoring the urgency to foster peace and stability worldwide. As we strive towards these goals, monitoring peace indexes such as the GPI remains crucial, serving as a barometer of global peace and safety, and guiding our efforts in building a more harmonious world.
10 Safest Countries in the World
Leading the pack is Iceland, with an impressive GPI score of 1.107. Not only is Iceland recognized for its unique geographical features, but it continually maintains its status as the safest country worldwide since 2008.
Following closely, New Zealand scores 1.269, claiming the second position. Known for its tranquility and nature-oriented quality of life, New Zealand promotes peaceful living conditions.
The third safest country is Ireland, with a GPI score of 1.288. Its citizens enjoy a high level of safety, promoting a peaceful and calm environment that attracts both tourists and immigrants.
Documented as the fourth safest country, Denmark has a GPI score of 1.296. The country has consistently ranked high in safety, thanks to its well-functioning public system and societal security.
Austria stands fifth in line with a GPI score of 1.3, mainly due to its socially secured infrastructure and low crime rate.
Moving down the list, we have Portugal and Slovenia, ranking sixth and seventh with GPI scores of 1.301 and 1.316, respectively. Both these countries have exhibited requisite commitment to maintaining peace, safety, and security among their respective populations.
Next in line, the Czech Republic and Singapore stand at eighth and ninth positions, with GPI scores of 1.318 and 1.326. These nations have shown commendable resilience in maintaining peace and safety, notably amidst global challenges.
Finally, completing the list of the top ten safest countries in the world, is Japan with a GPI score of 1.336. Despite being one of the world's most populous countries, Japan's societal security measures ensure peace and safety for its residents.
10 Safest Countries and their GPI scores:
- Iceland - 1.107
- New Zealand - 1.269
- Ireland - 1.288
- Denmark - 1.296
- Austria - 1.3
- Portugal - 1.301
- Slovenia - 1.316
- Czech Republic - 1.318
- Singapore - 1.326
- Japan - 1.336
By Country
Full Data Set
The data points presented are defined as follows:
- Global Peace Index (GPI)- A composite index measuring the peacefulness of countries made up of 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators each weighted on a scale of 1-5. The lower the score the more peaceful the country.
To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the safest country in the world?
The safest country in the world is Iceland. This ranking is based on a multitude of factors, including the country's low levels of violent demonstrations, minimal perceptions of criminality, and overall societal tranquility. In 2022, Iceland even managed to improve its safety score by 3.4 percent.
In addition, Iceland has one of the lowest global scores for perceptions of criminality, ranking tenth. This means that citizens and visitors alike perceive Iceland as a very safe place, with low levels of crime.
2. What are the top 10 safest countries in the world?
The Global Peace Index (GPI), the world's leading measure of national peacefulness, has determined the top 10 safest countries in the world in 2022 based on a comprehensive assessment of safety, security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarization. Here they are:
- Iceland: Topping the list, Iceland stands out with its tranquil landscapes and low crime rates, consistently ranking as the world's safest country.
- New Zealand: Known for its warm-hearted people and beautiful natural settings, New Zealand secures the second position, reflecting its peaceful society and low levels of both domestic and international conflict.
- Ireland: Ireland ranks third due to its strong societal safety, political stability, and minimal conflict both domestically and internationally.
- Denmark: Denmark, with its excellent societal safety and security, places fourth in the list. It also has a low level of militarization, contributing to its high rank.
- Austria: Austria is fifth, acclaimed for its secure society and its insignificant involvement in international conflicts.
- Portugal: In sixth place, Portugal boasts impressive societal safety and security, while maintaining low levels of domestic and international conflict.
- Slovenia: Ranking seventh, Slovenia stands out for its peaceable society and low levels of militarization.
- Czech Republic: The Czech Republic holds the eighth position, with high levels of societal safety and low ongoing domestic and international conflict.
- Singapore: At ninth place, Singapore is recognized for its robust societal security and low conflict rates.
- Japan: Rounding out the top ten, Japan is applauded for its societal safety, low crime rates, and minimal international conflict.
These countries exemplify what it means to prioritize peace, safety, and security, leading them to be recognized as the top 10 safest countries in the world as of 2022 according to the GPI.
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