The 10 Safest Countries in the World

Find out which countries are considered the most peaceful according to the latest Global Peace Index list.

By: Meredith Rosenberg

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Rankings

The Institute for Economics and Peace produces its Global Peace Index, ranking the world's countries from most to least peaceful based on a number of key factors. Their findings concluded that overall global peacefulness has declined, and that eight of the 10 most peaceful countries are in Europe. Read on to learn which country has secured the top spot for peace and safety.

10. Canada

Canada is the only North American country to crack the GPI's top 10 list this year, although it dropped three spots from last year. But this vast country offers something for every traveler, spanning a French-speaking region in the East, world-class cities, a frozen tundra where polar bears roam, fishing villages that evoke another era, destination skiing and pristine national parks.

9. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is best known to many Western travelers for Prague, but this small country offers so much more. The Czech Republic dropped a spot in its ranking but remains one of the world’s most peaceful countries for exploring. You’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Český Krumlov, a small Bohemian village dating back to the 13th century; destination spa towns that take advantage of natural hot springs; hundreds of castles; and a strong beer culture — this is the home of Pilsner beer, after all.

8. Ireland

Ireland has moved into the top 10 of most peaceful countries, bumping Singapore off the list. Home to about 6 million people, the Emerald Isle is beloved for its iconic cliff walks, vibrant cities, abundance of castles (numbering in the thousands) and Guinness beer. Game of Thrones also filmed throughout Northern Ireland, and as luck would have it, Ireland is very road-trip friendly.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland moved up two spots on the peace index, although this compact landlocked nation has officially maintained its peaceful neutrality since 1815. Truth be told, Switzerland hasn’t gone to war in more than 500 years. This peaceful reputation is among the reasons why millions of tourists visit every year, along with some of the best skiing in the world, storybook villages, orderly cities and fantastic chocolate. Plus, an extensive train network offers some of the most scenic rides in the world.

6. Austria

The GPI noted that "Austria had the second largest deterioration in peacefulness in Europe," yet Switzerland’s eastern neighbor dropped just two spots this year to land at number six. This safe and tranquil country offers skiing to rival Switzerland, mountain and lake scenery that looks straight out of a movie, idyllic villages and the renowned cafe culture and cultural offerings of Vienna.

5. Slovenia

Austria’s neighbor to the south, Slovenia jumped up five spots on this year’s GPI list. Home to fewer than 2 million people, tiny Slovenia isn’t as popular among US travelers as others on this list, but it should be. This country possesses just as much natural beauty as its better known neighbors of Italy, Austria and Croatia, including popular Lake Bled and its medieval Bled Castle. Slovenia is also home to the easily navigable and charming capital of Ljubljana, plus an extensive cave system and notable wine region near the Italian border.

4. Portugal

Portugal dropped two spots this year to number four, but it remains one of the safest countries and offers a famous wine region that produces Port, sophisticated food culture, colorful cities and towns, soft sand destination beaches and a warm, sunny climate. The small Atlantic country is easy to navigate, and visitors wanting even more peace and quiet can head over to the Azores, Portugal’s lesser-known chain of islands.

3. Denmark

Denmark moved up two spots this year, and this Scandinavian country isn’t just one of the safest, but it often ranks as one of the happiest places on Earth. Its high quality of life extends to tourists, many of whom flock to sophisticated Copenhagen for its many attractions — from Tivoli Gardens and Rosenborg Castle to the annual Christmas Market. The country’s prevalent bike culture also facilitates exploring everything from cities to coastal towns in a relaxed, safe manner.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand moved up one spot to nab number two, and this island nation prioritizes safety — from health to gun laws — for visitors and locals alike. New Zealand also attracts tons of tourists thanks to stunning natural landscapes, highly ranked wine regions, famed beaches and happening cities. The country is also a magnet for Lord of the Rings fans who come for Hobbiton, as well as adrenaline junkies who take advantage of New Zealand’s extreme sport offerings.

1. Iceland

Iceland can be considered the current GOAT (greatest of all time) of safe and peaceful countries, since this tiny Nordic nation has maintained the number one spot on GPI's list since 2008. In recent times annual visitors have surpassed locals, who number around 365,000. This small size contributes to Iceland’s tight-knit community, and it’s easy for tourists to experience local life, like taking part in hot spring culture. No traffic makes road tripping a cinch, and Iceland’s otherworldly, empty landscapes are a favorite for movie shoots. The Northern Lights, countless waterfalls and outdoor adventures are also among the top reasons why this peaceful country is so incredibly popular.

The 10 Safest Countries in the World

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Rankings

10. Canada

9. Czech Republic

8. Ireland

7. Switzerland

6. Austria

5. Slovenia

4. Portugal

3. Denmark

2. New Zealand

1. Iceland

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