The safest countries in the world
World's Safest Countries
When traveling internationally, especially for the first time, many tourists research their destination country's safety. What makes a country safe? It could be whether you can walk your dog at night without looking over your shoulder or even how the country fares on women's rights.
Gallup conducted a to answer this complex question, interviewing more than 148,000 adults in 142 countries or areas in 2017 with a baseline of four questions to determine citizens' own feelings of safety in their daily lives. Questions included whether people felt confidence in their local police, whether they felt safe walking at night, if they've had anything stolen in the past 12 months, and whether they've been mugged or assaulted in the past year.
麻豆原创 analyzed the full results to rank the safest countries in the world. Consider these locales next time the travel bug strikes.
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#43. Croatia (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
As one of the newest members of the European Union, Croatia is part of the Balkan Peninsula鈥攁long with Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Hungary鈥攂ordering the Adriatic Sea. The country is famous for its endless coastline, 120-plus islands, alluring UNESCO Heritage Sites and major festivals and events like . Hikers and explorers would do well to stay on marked paths, as unexploded land mines still dot the countryside from a series of past conflicts.
#43. Poland (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
Though it鈥檚 been in the news for decidedly , that shouldn鈥檛 dissuade travelers from putting Poland on their travel lists. From its striking history sites and wildlife-rich forests to world-famous museums and , there is so much to see, eat, and do in this massive country, you鈥檒l be pressed to find the time. From a safety perspective, law and order is always high on their priority lists.
#43. Israel (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
If all you knew about Israel was from what you read in the news, one might assume Israel was a war-torn country engaged in daily battles. In fact, this couldn鈥檛 be further from the truth鈥攁nd Gallup鈥檚 index backs it up. Israel is home to the world鈥檚 largest three monotheistic religions, with . This travel boom compels the country to keep the sites and cities as safe as possible. Outside of the capital, the cuisine, beaches and are all world-class.
#43. Mauritius (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
This fascinating island in the middle of the Indian Ocean has a long history of colonization that strongly influenced its . Once at times ruled by the Dutch, French, and British, the island has developed a wide range and blend of languages, ethnicities, and religions that all make for a rich culture. Nature-lovers will be wowed as the island is home to some of the .
#43. Bangladesh (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
If you want to travel to Bangladesh, now may be the time鈥 may influence its tourism for decades to come. In the meantime, this south Asian country is home to diverse wildlife, , stunning beaches and islands, and medieval-era fortresses. Crime is relatively low here.
#43. Philippines (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
Nestled between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea, the Philippines is made up of 7,641 islands. There are in any country, and this country is no exception. Tourists are advised to steer clear of . If you are caught with even small amounts of drugs in the Philippines, , particularly in light of the current presidential administration鈥檚 reputation for enforcing these laws.
#43. Serbia (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
With the Kosovo War firmly in its rear window, Serbia is now a country known more for its 鈥, eclectic cuisine, , and a history that spans between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg monarchy. Traveling through the country will reveal hidden gems, ancient fortresses, and .
#43. Australia (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
On one hand, Australia has some of the most incredible , endless pristine beaches, soaring modern cities, and the , which is the planet鈥檚 largest living organism. On the other hand, the country has some of the most . The lesson here is to always stay on the path. In general, you鈥檙e in little-to-no danger from the human population itself.
#43. South Korea (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
Steering clear of Demilitarized Zone, which is still dense with war-era landmines, the rest of the country is a safe haven where food, family, and fun are all high priorities. Don鈥檛 miss out on fun attractions like 鈥斺攐r the array of , like Seoul鈥檚 700-year-old Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.
#43. Romania (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
Though it's considered , Romania has made a concerted effort in recent years to clean up their government and . The country boasts unique highlights not found anywhere else. On a single trip, you can visit Dracula's Castle, visit resorts on the Black Sea, and admire capital city by day and at night.
#43. Iran (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
Is Iran safe to travel to? That answer isn鈥檛 exactly straightforward. Geopolitics aside鈥攚ith which 鈥攖raveling in and around the country is with a landscape that might surprise a first-time visitor. There are sweeping deserts, rolling mountains, beach towns along the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea, and one-of-a-kind archaeological sites. Just keep in mind this while traversing the country, and you should fare just fine.
#43. Sri Lanka (tie)
Law and order index score: 82
Sri Lanka is a large island off the southeast coast of India. At the time of the Gallup poll, there had been a due to a number of violent uprisings in February and March of 2018. That aside, the country is usually a very safe place to travel, . Sri Lanka serves up stunning beaches, ancient temples, and untouched rainforests. .
#37. New Zealand (tie)
Law and order index score: 83
It鈥檚 no wonder that New Zealand is considered one of the safest places in the world: The population is tiny and . Thanks to its sparsely occupied nature, the countryside is wide open鈥攜ou can find some of the epic vistas that were featured in
#37. Estonia (tie)
Law and order index score: 83
Since breaking away from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has thrived in every way. Not only is it , it鈥檚 had nearly and is considered to be of the former eastern bloc. For travelers, check out the capital of Tallinn, full of Medieval architecture and .
#37. Laos (tie)
Law and order index score: 83
Just because it's the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia doesn't mean there isn't a lot of water activities for travelers in Laos. Tourists of all stripes flock to the Nam Song River around the town of Vang Vieng to kayak, go tubing, and enjoy a local beverage or two as they float along the water. Laos is also known for its , and unspoiled countryside. Like other Southeast Asian countries, it's smart to stay on the paths, as unexploded landmines and bombs remain from the Vietnam War.
#37. Rwanda (tie)
Law and order index score: 83
As long as you steer clear of its , your traveling experience in Rwanda should be relatively safe and easy. With its darkest chapter behind it, the country is now known for its 鈥斺攁nd friendly locals eager to help tourists. Insect repellent is recommended for daily use, as .
#37. Slovakia (tie)
Law and order index score: 83
Slovakia is a landlocked European country surrounded by Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, Ukraine, and Poland, and is considered one of the . The country is home to seven , the largest numbers of castles and chateaus per capita, and . The capital, Bratislava, shares a border with Hungary and Austria.
#37. Belgium (tie)
Law and order index score: 83
This country is so much more than chocolate, waffles, and beer鈥攖hough you鈥檇 be missing out on the best chocolate, waffles, and beer in the world if you didn鈥檛 partake. Beyond the , Belgium has . Electronic music lovers also have a lot to love and tend to , one of the biggest festivals on the planet.
#32. Czech Republic (tie)
Law and order index score: 84
Is it Czech Republic or Czechia? . What鈥檚 clear is that this country, especially its capital Prague, is filled with , a long history, and rich culinary traditions. Like any country with masses of tourists, , but generally speaking, Czechia is one of the safest places to travel in Europe. For beer-lovers, visit the . You can enjoy a guided tour and free suds for about $10.
#32. Sweden (tie)
Law and order index score: 84
in this Scandinavian country, and there are thousands of other reasons to visit. There are 221,831 islands in Sweden and during the warm months, for Swedes across the country. When it's not warm, check out the , from the Vasa Museum鈥攚hich houses an intact warship from the 17th century鈥攖o the ABBA Museum.
#32. France (tie)
Law and order index score: 84
A in France has dominated the news of late, but these rare problems shouldn鈥檛 be a deterrent for traveling to the land of romance, champagne, and cheese. and traversing the country by car, train, or plane is typically a hassle-free experience. This is a good thing, because hitting France鈥檚 wine, cheese, and champagne regions is a must-do when visiting.
#32. United States (tie)
Law and order index score: 84
Gun violence aside, , the United States is a large country with a wide range of safe and less-safe spots to visit. Generally speaking, and in comparison to other countries on this list, , but visitors should always exercise caution in major cities and tourist spots when it comes to petty theft. Whether you鈥檙e in New York, California, Colorado, or Florida, there鈥檚 no shortage of dazzling cities, enormous national parks, and amazing food to tempt visitors year-round.
#32. Taiwan (tie)
Law and order index score: 84
Although China claims Taiwan under its 鈥淥ne China鈥 principle, Taiwan maintains its independence with its own democratically elected government, , and a robust economy. Putting geopolitics in the background, with a , one of the , and ancient temples all worth exploring.
#25. Azerbaijan (tie)
Law and order index score: 85
Known as the land of fire, 鈥擜zerbaijan is a country of contradictions. It鈥檚 both Islamic and secular, oil-rich and cash-poor, has beautiful, and slums. There鈥檚 an entire . Safety-wise visitors won鈥檛 have much of a problem outside the usual scam artists that prey on unsuspecting tourists.
#25. Spain (tie)
Law and order index score: 85
From a safety perspective, travelers won't have many issues in Spain, with one major exception: in tourist spots around the country. Being generally aware of your surroundings, avoiding crowded areas, and zipping up your belongings are the best deterrents and will allow you to bask in Basque, , and tackle all of the tapas without any problems.
#25. Japan (tie)
Law and order index score: 85
Even though it鈥檚 not topping the list, there are few places on the planet where you鈥檒l feel safer by day or night in both cities and the countryside. With , it鈥檚 easy to understand how Japan runs such a tight ship. It鈥檚 not crime-free, and you should avoid certain for that reason. Japan has an unparalleled food culture, immaculate gardens and temples, and some of the .
#25. Tajikistan (tie)
Law and order index score: 85
The highlight of Tajikistan might be traveling along the Pamir Highway, , dotted with spas and saunas, unpaved tracks, exotic markets, and unbeatable vistas. The lowlights are more numerous: a scarcity of potable water, scam artists, and petty crime. But if you鈥檙e willing to look past the dated infrastructure, , you鈥檒l discover a country that is wholly unique, with a .
#25. India (tie)
Law and order index score: 85
India is massive, and to attempt to boil down the entire country鈥檚 safety scores would be difficult. But to make some generalizations, India rates high on safety indexes because of a . Sure, cities are polluted and crowded, and petty crime exists, but get away from the metropolises and you鈥檒l that鈥檚 awash in color and filled with . Its geography includes mountains, rainforests, , and deltas. Take logical precautions, avoid local scam artists, and take in the wonders.
#25. Myanmar (tie)
Law and order index score: 85
Myanmar was shrouded in mystery until recently, when the . Dotting the country are thousands of temples, with a mass concentration of at least . It鈥檚 safe to travel鈥 as questions of where tourism money is going arises. There are places to avoid, especially in Rakhine state where the government has been accused of perpetrating a genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority.
#25. Germany (tie)
Law and order index score: 85
Germany is arguably the most prosperous country in Europe, known for ' especially when it comes to cars, food, beer, castles, and partying. As far as crime is concerned, Germany is one of the safest places on the continent, and has despite the influx of refugees pouring in from war-torn regions in the Middle East and Northern Africa.
#20. Ireland (tie)
Law and order index score: 86
While crime is relatively low in this island oasis, is still something to look out for when visiting tourist-oriented areas. Once you mind your money, delve deep into the country鈥檚 cuisine, castles, , and music that are wholly unique to the Emerald Isle. Some can鈥檛-miss highlights include the , the Cliffs of Moher, and the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone.
#20. United Kingdom (tie)
Law and order index score: 86
The UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and while each country is unique, what is common among them is their low rate of crime. is important to heed, traveling to all areas of the UK shouldn鈥檛 be discouraged. Just hitting the main cities of Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and London could fill any travelogue for weeks.
#20. Jordan (tie)
Law and order index score: 86
While many areas of the , Jordan is a bastion of ushered along by its monarch, Abdullah II. Traveling to Jordan is filled with ancient wonders and unique geography. The city of Petra is its crown jewel: rock-hewn temples stretch across miles of desert that was once home to an ancient civilization dating back 2,000 years.
#20. Malta (tie)
Law and order index score: 86
The small island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is actually part of an archipelago that consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Known as a relatively crime-free country, the biggest issues tend . A former British colony, Malta has been independent since 1964 and is known for unique cuisine and a .
#20. Kosovo (tie)
Law and order index score: 86
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. Kosovo also shares a border with Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro, and the majority of its people speak Albanian. From a safety standpoint, for tourists. Check out the capital city of Pristina for a mix of Soviet Era and modern architecture, or venture into the countryside where the rivals the slopes of Austria and Italy for a fraction of the price.
#17. Georgia (tie)
Law and order index score: 87
Not only is Georgia a , it also happens to be the . Some additional fun facts about Georgia: It鈥檚 home to a unique language not anywhere else, two ancient European cities dating back 3,000 years, and one of the .
#17. Portugal (tie)
Law and order index score: 87
One of the , Portugal can owe its mini-renaissance to a favorable climate, famously delicious cuisine, unbeatable wine, and . Charming destinations dot the coastline, and tourists should take advantage of seaside cities Porto and Lisbon for the eye-catching architecture and .
#17. Turkmenistan (tie)
Law and order index score: 87
Based on Gallup鈥檚 four criteria for safety, Turkmenistan ranks high on this list. What it leaves out, however, is that torture is widespread, freedom of the press is limited, and elections have . Despite living under dictatorial rule, you can still walk around after dark without feeling threatened.
#10. Denmark (tie)
Law and order index score: 88
Home to LEGO, Noma鈥攖he ,, and one of the , it鈥檚 not that surprising that Denmark is also one of the . Denmark is a country built on water, and includes 406 islands and countless canals and waterways. Other great highlights include Elsinore Castle from Shakespeare鈥檚 鈥淗amlet,鈥 and for pop and rock music.
#10. Slovenia (tie)
Law and order index score: 88
Sitting at the crossroads of central, eastern and western Europe, Slovenia shares a border with Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary. Known as one of the , Slovenia is a mixed bag that combines its customs, culture, food, and languages with those of its neighbors. Spelunking fans will love it here, as there are more than to explore. It's also home to , warmed from thermal springs underground.
#10. Luxembourg (tie)
Law and order index score: 88
Luxembourg has the distinction of being the fourth-smallest country in Europe, and it also boasts an . A major financial hub, Luxembourg has one of the . For tourists who come for the architecture, there are and a capital city that is full of medieval design.
#10. Austria (tie)
Law and order index score: 88
If you鈥檝e watched 鈥淭he Sound of Music鈥 you have a pretty good idea of what the mountains of Austria look like. Besides having the a picturesque countryside and a , Austria is also known for , a booming ski industry, , and idyllic towns that are straight from fairy tale books鈥?
#10. China (tie)
Law and order index score: 88
With 1.4 billion people and growing, one could expect China would have a serious crime problem. But not only is crime in China low, the authoritarian government has the ability to and routinely subject criminals to . Just make sure you stay on the good side of government while enjoying your vacation.
#10. Netherlands (tie)
Law and order index score: 88
Frequently in the top 10 for the , the Netherlands is a relatively safe and secure country. The country is also one of the most fit, as . Visitors should be aware of the country's views on drugs and prostitution: The sale and use of drugs like cannabis and mushrooms are allowed, and prostitution is a legal industry.
#10. Egypt (tie)
Law and order index score: 88
One of the , Egypt is also a country with . Public displays of affection and physical conduct with the opposite sex鈥攊ncluding shaking hands鈥攊s not acceptable. This ancient locale has a long list of cultural and historical attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
#9. Indonesia
Law and order index score: 89
Indonesia is an enigma as it is part of an archipelago with more than 18,000 islands, so it鈥檚 impossible to pigeonhole the entire country on a safety index. There are beautiful, safe, and secure areas like Bali and sprawling metropolises that rank low on security indexes, like Jakarta. There are also parts of the country like Aceh, where civil wars have broken out in recent years. Overall, the country has many and petty crimes that act as general deterrents across the board.
#7. Switzerland (tie)
Law and order index score: 90
Breathtaking mountains, gilded cities, mouthwatering chocolate, aromatic cheese, and ornate watches are all Swiss staples. And so is a . Also known for its incessant neutrality, Switzerland is a bastion of peace and stability on a continent with a long history of war. Finally, Switzerland has one of the , which has slashed usage and death rates.
#7. Canada (tie)
Law and order index score: 90
Canada has a population of about 36 million people and boasts one of the . There are here, but it might have more to do with a citizenry that is . Canada also has the longest coastline in the world at 152,100 miles, , and is the second-largest country on the planet after Russia.
#5. Uzbekistan (tie)
Law and order index score: 91
Only recently has . Of course, police states generally mean it鈥檚 safe to travel as long as you follow the rules. and adhere to other cultural customs, and you should be fine. Steer clear of the borders鈥 from past conflicts and narco-terrorists are known to conduct operations along the country鈥檚 border with Afghanistan. For those interested in checking out 鈥攖his is the spot for you.
#5. Hong Kong (tie)
Law and order index score: 91
Hong Kong is an awe-inspiring city along a bay and an architect's dream. There are in the city, and at night the megalopolis is stunning lit up. Hong Kong is incredibly safe, due to a . The most you'll encounter is petty theft and robberies, which shouldn't be surprising when you consider that .
#2. Norway (tie)
Law and order index score: 93
Like its Scandinavian neighbors, Norway is consistently on the and , and scores top marks for as well. The country boasts jaw-dropping fjords, thousands of lakes, and the , which is not for the claustrophobic. Finding time to visit the more than 240,000 islands should also be on your itinerary.
#2. Iceland (tie)
Law and order index score: 93
Iceland is a small island with a massive amount of volcanic activity that makes for incredible natural hot springs throughout the country. Besides being one of the . It has no military, its police force doesn鈥檛 carry guns, and are among the best in the world.
#2. Finland (tie)
Law and order index score: 93
Similar to its Scandinavian counterparts, Finland scores highly on education, , and happiness indexes. The country is also among the in the world and has the most saunas per capita, as well as . Finland鈥檚 geography is mesmerizing with more than 100,000 lakes and 40,000 islands to explore, while also offering beautiful views of the Aurora Borealis.
#1. Singapore
Law and order index score: 97
Coming in at the #1 spot for safety, Singapore is so crime-free that the number of days the police force reports . When a crime is committed, Singapore has that record everything in the city. That may sound creepy to some, but it鈥檚 a level of safety that inevitably lands this extra-secure country at the top of the list.