Iceland: Where Police Don’t Carry Guns
Picture walking down a street at midnight without looking over your shoulder. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world for the 15th year in a row. This Nordic island nation makes even the safest neighborhoods in major cities look chaotic by comparison.
Iceland has no military, and the police do not carry firearms (only extendable batons and pepper spray). Iceland has a very low level of crime, which is typically attributed to its high standard of living, small population, strong social attitudes against crime, a high level of trust in its well-trained police force, and a lack of tension among social and economic classes.
United Arab Emirates: Five Cities in the World’s Top Six
Here’s something that would make any New Yorker jealous: This places five UAE cities among the top six safest in the world. Abu Dhabi leads the global list of safest cities with a score of 88.8, followed closely by Ajman (85.5), Dubai (83.9), Ras Al Khaimah (83.8), and Sharjah (83.7).
The UAE’s approach to safety is comprehensive and strict. In a parallel study, the Crime Index by Country 2025 Mid-Year, also released by Numbeo, the UAE was ranked 148th – the lowest position on the index – reflecting a Crime Index of just 14.8. Women and children can move around safely, even at night, due to well-lit streets, frequent police patrols and strict anti-harassment laws.
Singapore: Where Crime Doesn’t Pay
Singapore takes a no-nonsense approach to safety that puts many Western cities to shame. In fact, Singapore reports one of the lowest intentional homicide rates globally – just 0.2 per 100,000 people, according to the UNODC. Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, possibly due to the severe penalties that are issued for even small crimes.
The government and police strictly control guns and other firearms, and violent and confrontational crimes are rare in Singapore. Public safety is further enhanced by its state-of-the-art surveillance systems, efficient police force, and effective criminal justice systems, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers, expats, and families.
Qatar: Middle Eastern Safety Excellence
Qatar consistently ranks among the world’s safest destinations, making headlines for its remarkable security measures. Following the UAE in the safety rankings are Andorra (84.8), Qatar (84.6), Taiwan (83.0), and Macao (China) (81.8). Known for its conservative laws and low crime rate, Qatar is considered one of the safest countries for travelers in the Middle East.
The capital city Doha specifically stands out in global safety rankings. Doha holds the second position on this year’s list, continuing its trend of high safety rankings since first entering the top ten in 2017. The Qatari capital has steadily improved its infrastructure and public policies to enhance security.
Switzerland: Rehabilitation Over Punishment
Switzerland proves that a civilized approach to justice creates genuinely safe societies. In Europe, Switzerland ranks as the 4th safest country and the 6th safest country in the world. Like many other countries on this list, Switzerland has very low crime rates. However, the reason why it stands out is it focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment for offenders in its judicial system.
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.
Japan: A Culture of Safety and Respect
Japan represents the pinnacle of social harmony and safety in Asia. The ninth-safest country in the world for 2023 is Japan. Japan has been in the top ten countries in the Global Peace Index for 15 years, consistently receiving high marks for low crime rates, minimal internal conflict, and virtually nonexistent political unrest.
Japan is known for citizens having limited access to firearms, as the Japanese do not view carrying a firearm as an individual’s right. According to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Tokyo was the safest city in the world in 2019, ranking first in cybersecurity, second for health security, and fourth for infrastructure security and personal security.
Denmark: Nordic Safety Model
Denmark exemplifies what happens when strong institutions meet community trust. Ranked second on the 2023 Global Peace Index, Denmark is another one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. Denmark is one of the few countries where people report feeling safe at any time of day or night, even children.
In 8th place globally comes Denmark, a country famous for its high level of living, well-functioning institutions, and stable political system. The country’s reputation for safety and security is due to its well-run institutions, low crime rate, and effective law enforcement.
Taiwan: Asian Safety Without the Strictness
Taiwan offers remarkable safety levels while maintaining a more relaxed atmosphere than some of its regional neighbors. Similarly, Taiwan ranks fourth with a score of 82.9, recognized for its relatively low levels of violent crime and theft, making it another attractive option for safety-conscious tourists in East Asia.
It is followed by the United Arab Emirates, with a crime index of 15.23, and Taiwan, with a crime index of 15.46. This places Taiwan among the countries with exceptionally low crime rates globally, outperforming many European nations.
New Zealand: Natural Beauty Meets Social Safety
New Zealand combines stunning landscapes with genuinely safe communities. New Zealand ranks 3rd on the 2025 Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world and a leading choice for nature lovers, retirees, and remote workers seeking peace of mind. Known for its stunning landscapes and welcoming culture, New Zealand has consistently low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of just 0.7 incidents per 100,000 people, and high levels of public trust in institutions.
Like Iceland, New Zealand has a very low crime rate, and violent crime is especially rare. Theft is still worth guarding against, especially in tourist areas (which holds true in every country in the world), but overall risk is minimal.
Austria: Central European Stability
Austria demonstrates how political stability translates into everyday safety for residents and visitors alike. Austria is another European country that has emerged among the safest countries in the world with extremely low rates of domestic and international conflict in addition to very stable societal safety and security, making it one of the best places to live and work. Serious crimes are uncommon in Austria, contributing to its overall safety.
While violent demonstrations in the wake of ongoing social unrest remain a concern, these are relatively easy to avoid, and otherwise, Austria is a very safe country to visit. Serious crimes are uncommon (with the usual caveat to watch for pickpockets and purse-snatchers). Additionally, Austria has been spared any major acts of terrorism in recent years.
Portugal: Europe’s Hidden Safety Gem
Portugal has transformed itself into one of Europe’s safest destinations, often surprising visitors with its peaceful atmosphere. Portugal ranked as the 7th safest and most peaceful country in the world and the 5th safest in Europe. Portugal has a low crime rate, a reasonably stable political system, and a high level of social cohesion. The country ranks as one of the least military-heavy states in the world right below Iceland.
In recent years, Portugal has experienced an economic resurgence, decreasing its unemployment rate from over 17% to under 7%. Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries for retirement, due in no small part to its high level of safety.
Oman: Middle Eastern Tranquility
Oman offers a peaceful Middle Eastern experience that contrasts sharply with regional stereotypes. Muscat secures its spot in the top ten once again after first appearing in 2021. Oman’s long-standing political stability, combined with its low rates of violent crime, positions Muscat as one of the region’s safest cities. Law enforcement in Muscat emphasizes both proactive and community-centered policing, while social programs help reduce the risk of crime across various neighborhoods.
Andorra secured the top position with a score of 84.7, while Qatar ranked third at 84.2, followed by Taiwan and Oman in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations dominated the rankings, with Oman joining Qatar in the top five and Saudi Arabia securing the 14th spot.
Walking through these countries feels like stepping into a parallel universe where safety isn’t a luxury but a basic expectation. While New York and Paris certainly have their charms, they can’t compete with places where children play freely at midnight and tourists never think twice about their personal security. These nations prove that true safety isn’t about more police on every corner – it’s about building societies where crime simply doesn’t make sense.