Iceland: The Unshakable Champion of Global Safety
For the past seventeen years, Iceland has remained the undisputed leader in global safety rankings, claiming the top spot on the Global Peace Index since 2008. Since 2008, Iceland, a Nordic island nation, has held the highest position in the Global Peace Index and continues to maintain this prestigious position in 2025.
What makes Iceland truly remarkable isn’t just its stunning landscapes but its extraordinary safety record. Iceland consistently records the lowest violent crime rate globally, with near-zero incidents of murder, assault, or armed robbery. The island nation operates without a standing military and maintains police forces that don’t carry firearms, relying instead on community trust and social cohesion.
Monaco: The Microstate with Maximum Security
Monaco consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest destinations, thanks to its low crime rate and strong police presence. According to the 2025 Safety Index by Global Residence Index, Monaco ranks fourth in the world for safety, though other sources place it even higher. The principality’s safety index reaches an impressive 0.94 out of a maximum 1.0, measured across multiple security indicators.
Recent crime statistics from Monaco paint an encouraging picture. While general crime rates rose slightly, up by 0.9% in 2023, petty crimes fell by 17% to just 49 incidents. Other drops in crime rates included a 100% drop in theft by trickery, while incidents of car theft fell by 75%. The city-state’s zero-tolerance approach to crime, combined with extensive surveillance systems, creates an environment where serious crimes are virtually non-existent.
Ireland: Europe’s Peaceful Emerald Isle
Ireland has emerged as a standout performer in global safety rankings for 2025. Ireland, a popular tourist destination, has emerged this year as the second most peaceful country in the world. The country ranks 7th on the ongoing domestic and international conflict sub-index and 13th on the societal safety and security domain sub-index.
The effectiveness of Ireland’s approach to safety becomes clear when examining its crime trends and social stability. Ireland’s low crime rates and strong judicial system reinforce its peaceful environment. Personal safety: While serious crime remains rare in Austria, petty crime has seen a slight increase, particularly in urban areas like Vienna. What sets Ireland apart is its combination of strong economic stability, minimal internal conflicts, and welcoming policies toward migrants that contribute to social harmony.
New Zealand: The Pacific Paradise of Peace
New Zealand is the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region and ranks 4th globally. Notably, the region remains the second most peaceful region in the world, a position it has held since 2017. This achievement reflects the nation’s consistent commitment to maintaining low crime rates and fostering social cohesion.
The country’s safety credentials are particularly impressive when examined through specific crime statistics. 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. New Zealand’s stable political environment and transparent governance contribute significantly to both internal peace and its stellar global reputation.
Singapore: The Fortress City-State
Singapore represents perhaps the most impressive example of how strict law enforcement can create exceptional public safety. Despite ranking 5th on the global peace index, Singapore ranks first globally in the safety and security domain, right above Iceland. Singapore is also recognized as one of the most digitally secure countries in the world.
The effectiveness of Singapore’s approach becomes evident in its crime statistics. In fact, Singapore reports one of the lowest intentional homicide rates globally – just 0.2 per 100,000 people, according to the UNODC. The city-state’s comprehensive approach combines tough anti-corruption laws, severe penalties for drug trafficking, and world-class infrastructure to maintain order. The city-state enforces some of the toughest laws on corruption and drug trafficking, contributing to its exceptional public order.
Denmark: The Scandinavian Safety Standard
Denmark consistently demonstrates why Scandinavian countries are synonymous with safety and quality of life. 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.
The Danish model of safety relies heavily on social cohesion and shared responsibility. Denmark has a high level of equality and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare – two qualities that contribute to its citizens’ feelings of safety and happiness. This approach creates a society where crime prevention happens naturally through community engagement and mutual support.
Austria: Central Europe’s Stable Haven
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.
Austria’s safety profile demonstrates consistent performance across multiple indicators. The country benefits from robust social structures, effective law enforcement, and economic stability that collectively contribute to low crime rates. While some urban areas have experienced slight increases in petty crime, serious violent crimes remain remarkably rare throughout the country.
Switzerland: The Neutral Nation’s Security Model
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. The nation’s approach to safety extends beyond mere law enforcement to encompass social rehabilitation and prevention.
However, the reason why it stands out is it focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment for offenders in its judicial system. This progressive approach, combined with Switzerland’s traditional neutrality in international conflicts, creates an environment where both domestic and external threats remain minimal. The policy of neutrality has played a critical role in maintaining Switzerland’s safety, political stability, and distance from violence. The Swiss have long experienced a peaceful environment, free from the threat of war or turmoil.
Portugal: The Southwestern European Success Story
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’s remarkable transformation from economic struggles to safety leadership represents one of Europe’s most impressive turnarounds.
Portugal’s journey to safety excellence involved significant improvements in law enforcement and economic stability. Unlike Iceland and New Zealand, Portugal has armed police; however, an increased police presence has resulted in a decreased crime rate in the country. In recent years, Portugal has experienced an economic resurgence, decreasing its unemployment rate from over 17% to under 7%. This economic recovery has directly contributed to reduced crime rates and improved social stability.
Slovenia: The Balkan Beacon of Safety
One of the former constituents of Yugoslavia, Slovenia has a high safety ranking that can be attributed to its excellent scores in three categories: travel security, medical risks, and road safety. Like many Slavic states, Slovenia installed a democratic government in the mid-1990s and is now focused on improving quality of life in many areas, including safety and sustainability.
Slovenia’s success story demonstrates how effective governance and strategic focus on safety can transform a nation’s security profile. The country’s commitment to democratic values, combined with investments in infrastructure and law enforcement, has created a stable environment where both residents and visitors feel secure.
Japan: The East Asian Model of Social Harmony
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. Despite being one of the world’s most densely populated countries, Japan maintains exceptional safety standards.
Japan’s approach to crime prevention emphasizes social responsibility and community engagement. Japan is known for citizens having limited access to firearms, as the Japanese do not view carrying a firearm as an individual’s right. This cultural approach to weapon control, combined with strong social norms and respect for authority, creates an environment where violent crime remains exceptionally rare. 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.
Luxembourg: The Small Nation with Big Safety Achievements
Luxembourg consistently appears among the world’s safest countries, benefiting from its stable political system, robust economy, and effective law enforcement. Luxembourg City ranks highly among the world’s safest cities, reflecting the nation’s overall commitment to public safety and security.
The Grand Duchy’s success stems from its combination of economic prosperity, social stability, and strategic location in the heart of Europe. Despite its small size, Luxembourg maintains sophisticated security infrastructure and benefits from close cooperation with neighboring countries in addressing cross-border security challenges. The nation’s low unemployment rates and high living standards contribute to minimal social tensions and correspondingly low crime rates.
Liechtenstein: The Alpine Principality’s Perfect Safety Record
Top 40 Safest Cities in the World 2025 1. Vaduz, Liechtenstein represents the pinnacle of urban safety according to recent rankings. This tiny Alpine principality demonstrates that size doesn’t limit a nation’s ability to achieve exceptional security standards.
Liechtenstein’s safety achievements reflect the advantages of small-scale governance where community cohesion remains strong and law enforcement can maintain close relationships with residents. The principality benefits from Switzerland’s security umbrella while maintaining its own high standards of public order and safety. Economic prosperity, combined with traditional values and effective governance, creates an environment where serious crime is virtually unknown.
Andorra: The Pyrenean Paradise of Peace
Andorra la Vella, Andorra consistently ranks among the world’s safest locations, with the entire principality maintaining exceptional security standards. Conversely, numerous countries like Isle Of Man, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino reported a zero homicide rate, thereby echoing their high national safety levels and effective crime prevention strategies.
This tiny nation nestled between France and Spain benefits from its unique position and governance structure. Andorra’s co-principality system, shared between French and Spanish heads of state, provides stability while allowing the country to maintain its own security forces and judicial system. The combination of mountain geography, small population, and economic prosperity creates natural barriers to crime while fostering strong community bonds.
The Czech Republic: Central Europe’s Democratic Success
Next in line, the Czech Republic and Singapore stand at eighth and ninth positions, with GPI scores of 1.318 and 1.326. The Czech Republic holds the eighth position, with high levels of societal safety and low ongoing domestic and international conflict. The country’s transition from communist rule to democratic governance has been accompanied by steady improvements in public safety.
The Czech Republic’s safety achievements reflect successful institutional reforms and economic development following the Velvet Revolution. Prague and other major cities maintain low crime rates while the country’s strategic location in Central Europe allows it to benefit from EU security cooperation. Strong educational systems, growing economic opportunities, and effective law enforcement contribute to the nation’s continued improvement in safety rankings.