We live on a big planet. Lots of us are here. As such, the world’s population is constantly changing, growing, and moving from place to place. It seems many of us want to live someplace else, and so we go and move.
But here is the thing. Some governments look out for their people. They provide better societal safety and social welfare for their citizens. More so than other countries.
And all of that is measured by something called “The Global Peace Index.” The Global Peace Index ranks the safest countries in the world, which is a great resource for tourists and immigrants alike.
So, what exactly is this Global Peace Index (GPI)? The GPI Report is an annual assessment measuring the well-being of various societies worldwide. It gathers information on several key qualities of each place.
There are several categories that are measured. The top three are:
Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
Societal Safety and Security
Military Expenditure
Despite the fact that there has been a sharp decline in global peace in recent years, many countries still consistently hold a high standard of peace and safety. Based on the Global Peace Index, here is a list of some of the safest countries in the world.
Here are the countries and descriptions taken directly from the GPI Report and article (BBC). (Skim over, if you like.)
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1. Iceland
Iceland is considered the world’s safest country based on current data. This island country in the Atlantic has a long history of being a shining example of positive peace. Even after a slight decline based on unprecedented terrorist activity in 2022, it still remains the safest country in the world.
2. Denmark
Scandinavia is considered the most peaceful region in the world, with Denmark being the safest country in the group. Denmark has a very low crime rate and is a favorite among solo female travelers. Citizens enjoy a high degree of social welfare and a low unemployment rate.
3. Ireland
Despite renewed tensions with the United Kingdom following Brexit, Ireland still exhibits strong societal safety and security for its citizens and high marks for travel safety for tourists visiting the serene countryside of the Emerald Isle.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand is considered one of the safest tourist areas. Thanks to an excellent healthcare system and well-trained police force, it is near the top of the safety and security list for ensuring the health of its citizens and keeping violent crime rates extremely low.
5. Austria
This mountainous country in Central Europe was once the home to the Habsburg Empire, which controlled several other European countries through forceful politics between the 13th and 16th centuries C.E.
However, Austrians have left that history behind and now enjoy a society with low crime rates and a high standard of living.
6. Singapore
This country in South Asia is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live, thanks to a growing trend of proactive citizens and a transparent legal system promoting the region’s lowest violent crime rates.
Singapore is also relatively protected from natural disasters, due to its distance from the Ring of Fire.
7. Portugal
Portugal is a tourism favorite, thanks to high travel safety standards and minimal criminal activity in city centers (apart from the occasional pickpocket).
Like Spain, its neighbor on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal has become a hotspot for retirees and expats since the culture is built on social cohesion and community.
8. Slovenia
Slovenia is yet another peaceful country in Northern Europe that maintains exceptionally low crime rates. Its homicide rate is almost nonexistent, and its strong legal system ensures that all citizens are provided a fair trial.
9. Japan
Japan is a global leader in technological advancement, and many tourists argue that visiting the island nation often feels like traveling into the future.
The “Land of the Rising Sun” is also one of the happiest countries in the world, with “blue zone” diets, strong communities and a respectful population that believes in law and civic responsibility.
10. Switzerland
This Alpine nation is one of the safest in the world and has always been a symbol of neutrality. Throughout history, the Swiss avoided the political instability of the rest of Europe while protecting their peaceful region from external threats.
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Notice the absence of the United States and Canada? And so many other places that I thought would have been up there. The list surprised me somewhat. Like, Slovenia? But the crime rate there is nearly nonexistent, so there is that.
So there it is, for what it is worth. If it were up to me, I’d be living in Vancouver right now. But Switzerland might be a great choice too. The question is, do any of these countries want a bunch of Americans moving into their countries? We’d become those horrible “immigrants” that you hear so much about in the news. Wouldn’t we?
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“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
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“No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.” – Warsan Shire
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“Immigration is the sincerest form of flattery.” – Jack Paar
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“We are a nation of immigrants. We are the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the ones who wanted a better life, the driven ones, the ones who woke up at night hearing that voice telling them that life in that place called America could be better.” – Sonia Sotomayor
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Feeling safe? Here’s your country.
