GPI 2022
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
3
3.2
3.4
Hover overClick on a tile for details.
Whether one measures safety by the annual Global Peace Index, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, or my other metrics such as rates of violent crime, Europe is the safest continent in the world. In fact, 14 of the top 20 safest countries in the world in 2022 were located in Europe. Nevertheless, the level of safety varies from one European country to another—and some European countries are much safer than others.
Top 10 Safest Countries in Europe (2022 GPI)
- Iceland — 1.107
- Ireland — 1.288
- Denmark — 1.296
- Austria — 1.300
- Portugal — 1.301
- Slovenia — 1.316
- Czech Republic — 1.318
- Switzerland — 1.357
- Hungary — 1.411
- Finland — 1.439
1. Iceland
Opening the list of the safest countries in Europe is Iceland, which has ranked as the safest country worldwide for more than 10 consecutive years. This Nordic country has a very low crime rate thanks to its low population (about 340,000 people), high living standards, stellar social attitudes against crime, educated police units, and lack of hatred between people of different economic and social classes. Iceland has no army, and its police are unarmed.
2. Ireland
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the country known for its lush green hills has very few red flags. Ireland has very little risk of natural disasters, boasts safe and reliable mass transportation, and has low instances of petty crimes (such as pickpocketing and muggings) and even lower rates of violent crime. The few troubles that do arise are often alcohol-fueled, so exercise caution when out at night.
3. Denmark
Besides being one of the safest countries in Europe, Denmark is among the world's happiest countries. Denmark has extremely low crime rates, and people, including children, report feeling safe every time. The high safety level is attributed to equality and a shared sense of responsibility for social welfare. Also, the country is a welfare state, implying that all citizens get services and benefits that help improve their lives. Denmark has no risk of natural disasters like some European nations, and its capital, Copenhagen, is one of the world's safest cities.
4. Austria
Mozart's home country ranks as the third-safest in both Europe and the world as a whole. Austria has a very low crime rate, few violent protests, very little terrorist activity, and remarkably few natural threats such as hazardous weather, natural disasters, or dangerous wildlife.
5. Portugal
Portugal is second among the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates in Portugal are very low. Unlike Iceland, Portugal has a military force, and its police units are armed. The presence of security officers in the southwestern European nation is partly responsible for the high safety levels. The political stability also makes Portugal a safe country. It has harmonious relationships with other countries.
6. Slovenia
Yet another of the world's safest countries, this Central European country is known for its abundance of medieval castles, rugged natural beauty, and tendency to incorporate dragons into its cultural identity. It is not known for any type of crime or unrest, both of which are quite rare in the country.
7. Czech Republic
Nested in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is a very safe country. The nation has safe communities where people live in harmony. Crimes are seldom and are often minor. Accessing weapons in the Czech Republic is difficult, and the risk of terrorist attacks is meagre. There is high equality in the nation, and health care, as well as other essential services, are relatively cheaper.
8. Switzerland
Switzerland is a safe country in continental Europe, given its low crime rates. People feel safe walking and staying outside, even in isolated areas, at any time of the day or night. The chances of terrorist incidents are low in the nation. Although Switzerland is one of the largest exporters of firearms, getting weapons in the country is extremely difficult. Natural disasters are also infrequent in Switzerland.
9. Hungary
While visitors to tourist areas should be on the watch for pickpockets (which is true anywhere in the world), Hungary is still Europe's 9th-safest country in 2022 (and 13th-safest in the whole world) thanks to its minimal crime rate, few natural hazards, and welcoming people. Note, however, that cabbies may get a commission for delivering patrons to specicic pubs or restaurants, so their advice may be best avoided.
10. Finland
As long as one knows how to dress warmly and either stay inside or drive in snow during the winter, Finland is quite a safe place. Its capital, Helsinki, is often considered one of the world's safest cities, transportation is easy and reliable, and risk of even petty crime is quite low.
Here are the 10 least safe countries in Europe:
- Russia - 3.275
- Ukraine - 2.971
- Turkey - 2.785
- Azerbaijan - 2.437
- Belarus - 2.259
- Georgia - 2.065
- Cyprus - 1.903
- France - 1.895
- Moldova - 1.882
- Bosnia And Herzegovina - 1.85
Safest Countries in Europe 2023
Safest Countries in Europe 2023
Note: Lower peace index scores are preferable. Therefore, year-on-year changes that have a negative value are improvements, whereas year-on-year changes with a positive value indicate a decrease in peacefulness and safety. A handful of lower-scoring countries, such the transcontinental Russia, could arguably be considered either Eastern Europe or Western Asia and are included here for the sake of comprehensiveness.
Safest Countries in Europe 2023
Sources
FAQs
What country has the lowest crime rate in Europe? ›
Crime index: 24.14
Estonia is also relatively small, which makes it easier for the police to stay on top of things. And while there are always exceptions, Estonians are friendly and unlikely to perpetrate crimes. Estonia should be at the top of your list if you're looking for the safest European countries to visit.
3. Ireland. Ireland jumps five places in 2022 and ranks as the 3rd safest country in the world. The country has low crime rates, a good economy, and a friendly population.
Is Europe safer than USA? ›Of the world's top 20 safest countries, 14 are in Europe. And 29 European countries are in the world's top 50. Almost all countries in Europe are safer for students than the United States of America. Europe is generally considered the safest region in the world.
Which country in Europe is best for life? ›- Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
- Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
- Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
- Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
- Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
- Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.
#2.
In fact, according to the Global Peace Index 2022, New Zealand is the second safest country in the world, behind only Iceland. There are several reasons why New Zealand is such a safe place to live. For one, it has a relatively small population and a low crime rate.
No, American cities are generally much more dangerous than European ones. The United States has four cities in the list of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world by murder rate (St. Louis, Baltimore, New Orleans, and Detroit), whereas Europe has none.
Is America the safest country in the world? ›The following 10 countries are viewed as the safest, according to U.S. News. The United States failed to make the list, coming in at No. 47 after placing 38th in 2021. Learn more about how countries are assessed in the Best Countries methodology.
Is Canada safer than the US? ›The U.S. News 2021 Best Countries Report gave Canada a score of 96.7 out of 100 for safety. This ranking puts Canada significantly above the United States (10.8) and the United Kingdom (55.4).
How safe is the United States? ›OVERALL RISK : LOW. There's a low overall risk, but that risk can change quickly depending on which city or state you visit. Homeland Security oversees terroristic threats on a global scale, the FBI investigates crime on a federal level, and communities are either served by law enforcement locally or county-wide.
What countries have lowest crime rates? ›Some of the world's lowest crime rates are seen in Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Japan, and New Zealand. Each of these countries has very effective law enforcement, and Denmark, Norway, and Japan have some of the most restrictive gun laws in the world.
What is the top 10 safest country? ›
- Iceland.
- Switzerland.
- New Zealand.
- Denmark.
- Austria.
- Portugal.
- Sweden.
- Canada.
Overall, Europe has a lower cost of living due to lower healthcare expenses, a weakening euro currency, and low inflation. Europeans, however, tend to pay more of their income to taxes, and average wages tend to be lower than in America.
What is the number 1 safest country? ›Denmark consistently ranks high in terms of liveability and happiness, and Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is number 1 in the Economist's Safe Cities Index for 2022.
Is England or us safer? ›But despite the recent spike, the BBC notes that London remains safe compared to American cities. In 2017, London's murder rate per 100,000 people was 1.2. New York City's rate was nearly three times higher, at 3.4.
Where should an American live in Europe? ›If you can handle the cold, Germany and the Netherlands are two of the most popular countries for expats, both offering international communities and unique residency options. Switzerland: Although many European countries offer a better quality of life than the U.S., Switzerland takes the cake.
Where to move in Europe from USA? ›There are 16 European countries that are easiest for U.S. citizens to move to, including popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany and Estonia. Spain and Portugal are attractive for a variety of reasons: low cost of living, high quality of life and captivating cultures!
Where should I live peacefully in Europe? ›- Zurich, Switzerland. Beautiful nature and home to some of the best restaurants in Europe, Zurich is definitely a must-visit destination. ...
- Munich, Germany. ...
- Cologne, Germany. ...
- Glasgow, Scotland. ...
- Mont-Saint-Michel, France.
- Germany. Cost of Living: Varies from city to city, but typically lower than in the U.S. (Munich is the most expensive city to live in, and it will cost about the same as living in Philadelphia) ...
- Mexico. ...
- Czechia (The Czech Republic) ...
- Canada. ...
- Singapore. ...
- Argentina. ...
- Montenegro. ...
- Greece.
- Glens Falls, New York. The Glens Falls MSA includes Warren and Washington counties. ...
- Midland, Michigan. ...
- State College, Pennsylvania. ...
- The Villages, Florida. ...
- 5. Logan, Utah. ...
- Wausau, Wisconsin. ...
- Cambridge, Massachusetts. ...
- Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
- The most dangerous country worldwide. El Salvador saw a murder rate of 52.02 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the most dangerous country for this kind of crime worldwide in 2022. ...
- Violent conflicts worldwide. ...
- Causes of death.
Which US city is most like Europe? ›
- Boston, Massachusetts - feels like England and Italy. ...
- Leavenworth, Washington - feels like Germany. ...
- Holland, Michigan - feels like Amsterdam. ...
- New Orleans, Louisiana - feels like France. ...
- Solvang, California - Feels like Denmark.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Settled by the French, turned over to the Spaniards, then passing back through French hands before landing in America's lap, New Orleans might be the most outwardly European city in the nation.
Coming in at the top of the list as the safest city in America is Columbia, Maryland. A planned community, Columbia is located between Washington D.C. and Baltimore and is a sister of The Woodlands in Texas, which was named the best place to live in America in a recent report.
What is the 1 safest state in America? ›The safest state in the USA is Vermont. It has the lowest violent crime rate in America, with only 1.46 per 1,000 people out of a population of 647,064. In 2022, there were only 15 murders, 64 robberies, and 790 assaults in Vermont. Residents have a 1 in 595 chance of becoming victims of a violent crime.
Is the US not a good place to live? ›The US is still the land of opportunity and still ranks as one of the most desirable countries in the world to move to. The US offers great career opportunities, an unparalleled lifestyle and one of the highest standards of living in the world – all in a beautiful environment.
What is the safest country for an American travel? ›- Switzerland. #1 in Safe. #1 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Denmark. #2 in Safe. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- New Zealand. #3 in Safe. #11 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Norway. #4 in Safe. #13 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Sweden. #5 in Safe. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Finland. #6 in Safe. ...
- Canada. #7 in Safe. ...
- Netherlands. #8 in Safe.
Our two countries share a deep and longstanding defence and national security partnership, providing both countries with greater security than could be achieved individually. Trade and investment between Canada and the U.S. supports millions of jobs.
What is the safest country to live? ›The safest place in the world is Iceland, which ranks number one on the 2022 Global Peace Index. Iceland, with a score of 1.107, has held this position on the GPI for over a decade.
Where is the safest place in the world right now? ›Iceland. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row. Iceland is a Nordic nation with a relatively small population of 340,000.
Who keeps US safe in the country? ›Protecting America
Providing for the common defense is one of the federal government's primary constitutional obligations. Both the President and Congress have significant responsibilities in this area to set the policies that keep our country safe.
How safe is Mexico to live? ›
Violent crime is prevalent throughout Mexico, though it is typically infighting between Mexicans. The best way to stay safe in the face of violent crime is to research your destination ahead of time. Stick to tourist areas as much as possible. Stay tuned to the local media and avoid any dangerous areas.
Is it safe to go to Russia as an American? ›Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the ...
Which country has the least violence? ›Iceland. With very low homicide rates, few people in jail (per capita) and few terrorist events, Iceland scored 1.078. The study made several topline conclusions: The gap between the least and most peaceful countries continues to grow.
Which is richest safest country in the world? ›You'll never believe these surprising facts about World Cup host Qatar... Qatar in the Middle East is one of the richest states in the world and a major exporter of natural gas and oil.
What country has lowest crime rate? ›- Switzerland. #1 in Safe. #1 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Denmark. #2 in Safe. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- New Zealand. #3 in Safe. #11 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Norway. #4 in Safe. #13 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Sweden. #5 in Safe. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Finland. #6 in Safe. ...
- Canada. #7 in Safe. ...
- Netherlands. #8 in Safe.
Vienna is a great place to visit and according to World Capital Cities, it is one of the top ten safest capitals in the world. The city's center is UNESCO listed and a treat to visit, but not only that, it is also considered one of the most livable cities in the world - it is frequently ranked among the top ten.
Are there any unsafe countries in Europe? ›Without a doubt, the most dangerous country in Europe right now is Ukraine. Typically, this is a beautiful country to visit with a lot to offer; however, Ukraine was recently invaded by Russia, so it is an active war zone.
What is the safest country in America? ›When evaluated by 2022 GPI, the top three safest countries in North America are Canada, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Which is the safest country in us? ›1. New Jersey. New Jersey's distinction as the safest state in the U.S. in our rankings is in large part due to its runaway score in the law enforcement officers per capita category, which is over 100% greater than the national average.
Where in the world Is crime the worst? ›Rank | City | Homicides per 100,000 per year |
---|---|---|
1 | Tijuana | 134.24 |
2 | Juárez | 104.54 |
3 | Uruapan | 85.54 |
4 | Irapuato | 80.74 |
Which European country is the easiest to live? ›
Sweden. Sweden has some of the most permissive citizenship regulations in Europe, with no language requirements for new Swedes and only a five-year residency time required to become a Swedish citizen.
Which country has most murders in Europe? ›...
Homicide rate in Europe in 2020, by country (per 100,000 inhabitants)
Characteristic | Murder rate per 100,000 inhabitants |
---|---|
Latvia | 4.88 |
Lithuania | 3.54 |
Estonia | 2.78 |
The countries that make the extreme list are Ukraine - due to the ongoing invasion from Russia - as well as Pakistan, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso. However, holiday hotspot Mexico made the high risk list, due to the ongoing violence problems.
Is Europe unsafe right now? ›Most European countries no longer have any COVID-19 travel restrictions in place. The latest big changes include: Spain, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Malta, Portugal, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Cyprus, Austria and Greece no longer have any COVID-19 travel restrictions for visitors.