Predominant indicator of national peacefulness in the world, Global Peace Index (GPI) has released its ranking of top 10 safest countries based on levels of danger, safety and explores various political, social and economic factors paramount to a country’s security and stability.

Investigating a number of political, social, and economic variables that are crucial to a nation’s security and stability, both at the local and global levels, the Global Peace Index (GPI) has ranked 163 independent states and territories according to their levels of safety and danger. Considered as the most widely used indicator of national peacefulness in the world, GPI indicates that the majority of the safest places to live are still in European countries and Iceland holds the top spot for a record-breaking 12 years. Here is a look at GPI’s top 10 safest countries to live in the world.

10 Japan

According to the GPI, the 10th safest country in the world is Japan. Its strict gun control laws as well as zero tolerance to knife crime and the government’s heavy investment in tight security measures such as CCTV cameras, as well as high levels of security personnel at businesses and banks accord it the prestigious GPI status. Further, Japanese culture also places great importance on respect for others, high morals and a commitment to peace. Such values are ingrained into society and play a huge role in contributing to the overall order and safety of the country.

9 Singapore

Singapore is not only the ninth safest country in the world but also the safest in all of Asia due to its reputation for political security, low crime rates, and an overall high standard of living. With law enforcement officials working tirelessly to keep the streets safe and harsh sentences to anyone breaking laws, the country is well-organised and kept clean. Singaporeans, much like the Japanese, have respect for authority and law firmly ingrained into their culture which contributes to the overall safety of the country, says GPI.

8 The Czech Republic 

Not only is it breathtakingly gorgeous, but also wonderfully safe for the entire family to live. In addition, it has superior water and food quality and a healthy living environment and is ranked sixth safet country in Europe. The Czech Republic has a long history of peace, stability, and extremely low rates of crime, particularly violent crime. It also receives favourable reviews for having safe neighbourhoods, restricted access to firearms, and a nearly zero-terrorist environment, according to the GPI.

7 Slovenia

While a small country with a population of just over 2 million, Slovenia has a lot to offer. Positioned with Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy as its neighbours, Slovenia is far from any place of unrest. According to the World Population Review, Slovenia has a crime rate of 22.28, which is much low compared to the United States’ 47.81 rate. The low crime rates, along with the stable political environment, contribute significantly to the overall safety of Slovenia.

6 Portugal

Portugal is not only a beautiful nation with an idyllic environment and welcoming people; the GPI ranks it as the sixth safest nation in the world. It is now the fourth-safest nation in Europe. Portugal benefits from a strict legal system that safeguards property rights and reduces public corruption. With its neighbours, it has a long history of peace, and it hasn’t been involved in a significant battle in more than two centuries.

5 Austria

Austria, the 5th safest country in the world according to the GPI, boasts a rich culture and history and holds its ranking due to several factors, including a strong economy and low crime rate. Violent crime in Austria is one of the lowest in the world and is almost non-existent, in fact, making it another ideal European spot to live, work and raise a family. Rates of other crimes such as assault, kidnapping and armed robbery are also very low.

4 Denmark

One of the safest places to live is often mentioned as being in Denmark. It is ranked as the fourth-safest nation in the world by the GPI. Only 39 homicides were reported in 2021, compared to 22,900 in the USA. The welfare system and economy in Denmark are robust, minimising inequality and social instability. Because of its tiny size and relatively close-knit community, it is considerably simpler to uphold law and order here.

3 Ireland

The GPI ranks Ireland as the third safest country in the world. It conjures up images of hospitable inhabitants, busy pubs with hearty food and Guinness, as well as rolling green hills. Ireland has a low homicide rate, with just a few cases being reported in 2021. This is largely due to the tight firearms restrictions and well-resourced police force in the nation. Despite its troubled background, Ireland is relatively free of terrorism and hasn’t experienced any significant events recently. Due to its military neutrality stance, it stays out of any ongoing hostilities, as per the Global Peace Index.

2 New Zealand

New Zealand comes in at 2nd place on the GPI. There are many reasons why New Zealand is such a safe place to live. With a relatively small population, a stable government and little political unrest, New Zealand has relatively low crime rates rendering it the second spot in the GPI. Due to its isolation and lack of bordering nations, New Zealand is less vulnerable to outside attacks. Tight building regulations assist prevent damage from earthquakes, and the majority of New Zealanders are well-prepared for any potential catastrophes.

1 Iceland

A college degree in Iceland costs less than one month’s rent owing to the country’s excellent education system and close-knit, family-oriented culture. High employment rates, a population that is highly educated, and like-minded people with a class-free social structure assembler for a happier community and fewer reasons for criminal activity. For the 12th consecutive year, Iceland takes the top spot as the safest location in the world to live. With about 80 pc of the nation uninhabitable, Iceland has the lowest population in all of Europe. A large portion of it is made up of mountain peaks, deep fjords and glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and steamy, otherworldly lava fields. It has no neighbouring countries, just like New Zealand meaning it is less susceptible to external threats, adds GPI.