The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a measurement of how peaceful a country is across three primary areas: ongoing conflict, societal safety, and militarization. Analysts study crime levels, political stability, incarceration rates, and military spending to produce a numerical score. Lower scores indicate higher levels of peace.
Here is a list of the world’s safest countries by GPI. Note that there are 163 countries in the world.
1. Iceland
- Global Peace Index ranking: 1
- Population: 377,689
- GDP per capita: $59,911
Iceland sits in the North Atlantic with a population under 380,000. Its economy thrives on fishing, tourism, and renewable energy. Cultural life blends Norse heritage and modern arts. There is no standing military. Police officers patrol without firearms. Low population density supports strong community bonds. Social trust runs high across the island.
Crime rates remain extremely low. Petty theft is rare. Police rely on batons and pepper spray only. Equality under the law receives firm legal protection. Public services cover health care and education universally. Emergency response teams reach remote areas quickly. Natural hazards like volcanoes and storms pose the main risks to residents.
Outdoor adventure defines travel here. Tourists trek glaciers, ascend volcanic peaks, or soak in hot springs. The Blue Lagoon offers a geothermal spa experience. Whale watching and puffin spotting delight nature lovers. Reykjavik’s cultural scene includes museums, concerts, and vibrant cafes. Ring Road drives unveil waterfalls and black sand beaches. Visitors feel confident exploring year-round.
2. Denmark
- Global Peace Index ranking: 2
- Population: 5,939,695
- GDP per capita: $61,947
Denmark occupies a peninsula between the North and Baltic Seas. It has close to six million residents. The economy rests on manufacturing, services, and renewable energy. Copenhagen blends historic charm with modern design. Cycling remains a national pastime. Social welfare funds provide free health care and education. Institutions earn high public trust.
Violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas but seldom escalates. Police visibility deters wrongdoing before it starts. Corruption levels rank among the lowest in Europe. Strong social programs cushion economic downturns. Citizens report feeling safe at any hour. Gender equality underpins societal balance.
Travelers enjoy safe, reliable transport. Bike lanes crisscross cities, reducing traffic risks. Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens offers secure family fun. Coastal drives lead to sandy beaches and quaint villages. Museums and galleries operate securely even at night. Royal palaces and castles lie open to day visitors. Denmark’s safety lets visitors focus on local culture without worry.
3. Ireland
- Global Peace Index ranking: 3
- Population: 5,255,017
- GDP per capita: $92,885
Ireland lies to the northwest of continental Europe. Its population nears 5.3 million. The economy centers on tech, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Dublin buzzes with startup energy and historic sites. Gaelic traditions persist alongside modern arts. Pubs host live music nightly. Irish pride shows in sports and festivals.
Crime stays low outside urban neighborhoods. Pickpockets target tourist spots but major crime is uncommon. Police forces maintain community policing standards. Legal systems protect citizens and visitors equally. Public investment ensures reliable health care and education. Rainstorms and narrow roads pose more danger than crime. Cell service drops in remote areas.
Travel highlights include coastal cliffs and lush green countryside. Cliffs of Moher draw photographers and hikers alike. Ring of Kerry tours reveal ancient ruins and scenic vistas. Galway’s arts festival celebrates culture with calm crowds. National parks offer well-maintained trails for all skill levels. Historic castles sit within safe village boundaries. Visitors find warmth in both city life and rural escapes.
4. New Zealand
- Global Peace Index ranking: 4
- Population: 5,269,939
- GDP per capita: $41,892
New Zealand consists of two main islands in the South Pacific. Nearly 5.3 million people call it home. The economy balances agriculture, tourism, and technology. Māori culture remains central to national identity. Cities like Auckland blend urban life with access to nature. English and Māori both serve official roles. Communities stay tight-knit, welcoming newcomers warmly.
Crime rates stay very low island-wide. Violent offences rank among the lowest globally. Police carry minimal armaments. Wildlife poses no major threat to hikers. Infrastructure supports universal health care and education. Emergency services respond rapidly, even in remote areas. Earthquakes and cyclones remain the primary hazards.
Tourism thrives on outdoor exploration. Hiking trails such as the Milford Track offer stunning vistas. Fiordland National Park draws nature enthusiasts from everywhere. Queenstown provides adventure sports within safe guidelines. Rotorua’s geothermal areas invite cautious exploration. Maori cultural villages welcome respectful visitors. Travellers relax, knowing safety measures back every activity.
5. Austria
- Global Peace Index ranking: 5
- Population: 9,148,750
- GDP per capita: $59,225
Austria sits in central Europe, cradled by the Alps. Over nine million people reside here. The economy thrives on machinery, tourism, and services. Vienna serves as a cultural hub with music and art. German is the dominant language. Public transport runs efficiently throughout urban and rural areas. Social welfare programmes provide health care and free education.
Crime occurs mainly as pickpocketing in crowded spots. Violent crime rates remain very low. Police force presence deters serious offences. Citizens benefit from strong legal protections. Health care ranks among Europe’s best. Mountain rescue teams keep hiking trails secure. Winter sports operate under strict safety protocols.
Tourists flock to Vienna’s museums, palaces, and opera house. Salzburg’s musical legacy draws classical music lovers. Alpine resorts in Tyrol offer skiing with robust safety measures. Danube River cruises provide scenic, calm passage. Historic towns like Hallstatt sit within secure valleys. Visitors enjoy Austrian culture without major concerns.
6. Singapore
- Global Peace Index ranking: 6
- Population: 6,052,709
- GDP per capita: $67,058
Singapore occupies a small island at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its population exceeds six million. The economy excels in finance, trade, and technology. English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil serve official roles. Strict laws govern daily life. Cleanliness and order receive constant reinforcement. Infrastructure boasts world-class efficiency.
Crime rates rank among the lowest globally. Strict penalties deter even minor infractions. Gun ownership remains virtually nonexistent. Surveillance cameras and community policing maintain order. Public transport runs safely at all hours. Cybersecurity measures keep data and finances secure. Residents report a high sense of personal safety.
Visitors explore Marina Bay Sands safely day and night. Gardens by the Bay offers secure, well-maintained paths. Hawker centres provide vibrant, hygienic dining experiences. Sentosa Island delivers family-friendly attractions with tight security. Chinatown and Little India remain lively yet safe zones. Cultural festivals draw large crowds under detailed safety plans. Tourists feel protected throughout their stay.
7. Portugal
- Global Peace Index ranking: 7
- Population: 10,223,349
- GDP per capita: $28,969
Portugal lies along the Atlantic coast of southwestern Europe. Its population surpasses ten million. The economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Cities like Lisbon and Porto blend history with modern flair. Portuguese dominates local life, but English sees rising use. Coastal winds and mild winters define its climate. Social programmes support education and health care.
Crime remains low, especially outside urban centres. Pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas but seldom escalates. Police patrol both cities and countryside. Democratic stability limits political unrest. Public investment funds reliable infrastructure and emergency services. Citizens and visitors alike benefit from strong social safety nets. Coastal roads and rural paths maintain clear signage for safety.
Travel highlights include historic castles and beaches. Lisbon’s tram lines carry travellers through narrow, safe streets. Porto’s riverside cellars offer secure wine tastings. Algarve’s beaches draw sun-seekers under calm guardrails. Sintra’s palaces sit within easy, secure hiking paths. Festivals across the country proceed with effective crowd control. Tourists enjoy Portugal’s warmth without major worries.
8. Slovenia
- Global Peace Index ranking: 8
- Population: 2,118,697
- GDP per capita: $34,026
Slovenia rests between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Its population hovers around two million. The economy focuses on services, manufacturing, and tourism. Ljubljana merges medieval charm with modern livability. Slovene serves as the primary language. EU membership ensures adherence to high safety and health standards. Sustainability guides environmental and urban planning.
Crime remains minimal even near borders. Road safety ranks among Europe’s best. Healthcare meets EU benchmarks with local around-the-clock service. Fire and flood response units train regularly. Public transport uses secure, punctual buses and trains. Visitors report feeling safe in both cities and countryside. Rural areas offer strong community engagement and low risk.
Nature calls include Lake Bled’s peaceful shores and Triglav National Park’s trails. Caves at Postojna and Škocjan feature guided, secure tours. Ljubljana’s pedestrian-friendly old town feels safe day and night. Festivals emphasise local traditions under thorough safety plans. Wine regions offer tastings in secure cellars. Travellers enjoy Slovenia’s unspoilt landscapes without concern.
9. Japan
- Global Peace Index ranking: 9
- Population: 122,631,432
- GDP per capita: $34,144
Japan stretches from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean. Its population exceeds 122 million. The economy leads in technology, automotive, and manufacturing. Japanese culture blends ancient traditions with modern innovation. Tokyo’s neon skyline contrasts with rural mountain shrines. The language and customs centre on respect and harmony. Education emphasises safety and community values.
Crime rates remain remarkably low nationwide. Gun control laws keep firearm incidents rare. Police patrol both urban and rural areas with minimal force. Earthquake preparedness ranks among the world’s best. Fire and tsunami drills occur regularly. Public health programmes ensure fast medical response. Safe, reliable public transport serves millions daily.
Travel offerings include Tokyo’s bustling neighbourhoods and ancient temples. Kyoto’s historic districts lie within secure perimeters. Bullet trains whisk visitors safely between cities. Mount Fuji trails receive constant maintenance and clear signage. Okinawa’s beaches attract families under strict lifeguard supervision. Seasonal festivals unfold with precise crowd management. Visitors feel confidence exploring Japan’s mix of tradition and progress.
10. Switzerland
- Global Peace Index ranking: 10
- Population: 8,851,431
- GDP per capita: $98,800
Switzerland sits in the heart of Europe, bordered by France, Germany, and Italy. Its population nears 8.9 million. The economy relies on banking, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech manufacturing. German, French, Italian, and Romansh reflect its linguistic diversity. Political neutrality and direct democracy foster stability. Public transport connects remote alpine villages to major cities. High living standards show in well-maintained infrastructure.
Crime remains low in cities and rural regions alike. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist hubs but rarely escalates. Gun ownership follows strict regulations. Mountain rescue services operate around the clock. Healthcare and education receive ample public funding. Emergency response systems coordinate across cantons seamlessly. Natural hazard mitigation focuses on avalanches and rockslides.
Tourists explore Zurich’s old town and Bahnhofstrasse safely. Geneva’s lakeside paths offer secure walking and cycling trails. Alpine resorts in Valais and Graubünden use rigorous safety measures. Matterhorn views remain accessible via well-engineered trails and lifts. Lucerne’s medieval bridges stand within calm pedestrian zones. Cultural events from music festivals to art fairs unfold under meticulous planning. Visitors enjoy Switzerland’s precision and order without worry.
Where Do Other Countries Rank?
Here are where other countries rank on the Global Peace Index:
- Canada ranks 11th (GPI 1.449), reflecting strong social services, low militarization, and effective policing.
- Australia stands at 19th (GPI 1.536), balancing stable governance with moderate incarceration rates.
- The United Kingdom, at 34th (GPI 1.703), generally manages a lower level of violent crime than some peers but must still address occasional unrest or terrorism threats.
- The United States ranks 132nd (GPI 2.622), linked to higher violent crime rates, political polarization, and widespread gun ownership.
