Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, world travelers often based their decisions about where to go on the safety of the destination. In today’s almost-post-COVID world, how to measure safety means different things to different people. It may mean the rate of COVID-19 infections in a given country. It may mean political unrest. It may mean murder rate.  It may mean violent crime rate, petty crime rate and homicide rate. It may mean safety of female solo travelers.

In a world that the Institute for Economics and Peace concludes is less peaceful than it was just a year ago, these are very real considerations when journeying outside our hometown bubble. These are uncertain times, made even more so with the pandemic.

The ranking of which countries are the most peaceful in the world – the Global Peace Index – does provide us with some constants. Iceland has achieved top marks for years. The United States came in at 121, the same as it did last year. When we look at these safe, peaceful countries, there are common threads: levels of wealth, access to healthcare, social welfare, education, effective criminal justice systems and transparent communications between government and citizens.

So, what are the all-time safest countries in the world to travel? To help in your travel research and to assuage your concerns, we answer a few pressing questions here:

What Is the Number 1 Safest Country in the World?

As mentioned above, the number 1 safest country in the world, for more than a decade, is Iceland. The homicide rate is consistently low, there are very few terrorist events and there is a low jailed population.

So, what are the other top 10 safest countries in the world to visit?

Number 2 is New Zealand, with little to no violent crime or political unrest. Next is uber-safe Portugal. Number 4 is Austria, where elections remain peaceful and there are low weapon imports. Denmark, with its self-proclaimed happy citizens, is number 5. Canada comes in at number 6, followed by Singapore, which scored low in domestic and international conflict and high on societal safety. The Czech Republic is number 8 and has a low crime rate. Number 9, Japan, bans weapons and has a low homicide rate, and number 10, Switzerland, has a low crime rate.

Which Country Has the Lowest Crime Rate in the World?

It can be difficult to pinpoint one particular country in the world as having the very lowest crime rate as it typically varies year to year. However, we can safely say that the most consistent low-crime countries include Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Japan and New Zealand. How does this happen? In Switzerland, for example, the country is divided into 26 different regions, each one overseen by a different authority. This means more law officials watching over local businesses and homes. There’s also a higher general wealth in Switzerland, so less need for robberies.

Which European Country Is the Safest Country?

Iceland consistently ranks on the Global Peace Index as the most peaceful country in Europe – and the world. It also ranks as the safest. Iceland has the lowest crime rate in the world and such a low homicide rate that the police officers rarely carry guns. Iceland attributes its low crime rate to its smallish population (340,000), trust in the police force, no tension between social and economic class, no military and laws that guarantee equality in terms of same-sex marriage, same-sex adoptions, religion and pay for men and women.

What Are Some Other Safe European Countries?
Portugal is currently ranked third in most peaceful countries, rising significantly in the past several years. The country does have an armed police force, but that presence seems to have led to a decreased crime rate. The unemployment rate has also decreased considerably.

Austria remains a safe country due to a low crime rate, no major acts of terrorism and increases to UN Peacekeeping funding. Denmark is next, a country where residents report feeling safe by day and night. There is a very real sense of equality here, as well as a common responsibility for social welfare. All citizens have access to healthcare and tuition-free education.

Slovenia ranks in the top-ten safest countries in the world, thanks to demilitarization and a decline in military funding, a low violent crime rate and a low terrorism risk. It’s also considered one of the safest destinations for female solo travelers.

The tenth safest country in the world is the Czech Republic, where violent crime has dropped and there is low terrorism risk. In the large cities, like Prague, you’ll still want to wary of your surroundings and watch out for pickpocketing and petty theft.

What Is the Most Dangerous Country for Travel?

Presently, Pakistan ranks as the most dangerous country for travel. Number 2 is Afghanistan, number 3 is the Central African Republic and number 4 is Iraq. These countries don’t necessarily have a high homicide rate, but they do have active terrorist organizations. Comparatively, number 5 El Salvador and number 9 Honduras, the two Latin American countries in the top ten most dangerous places to visit, have high homicide rates. Joining the Central African Republic in the list of Sub-Saharan African countries considered dangerous are number 6, Somalia, and number 7, Mali. These countries have terrorist activity, a high homicide rate, unstable governments, riskier transportation networks and poor healthcare.

Syria and Yemen rank as very dangerous as well, with ongoing civil wars and general political unrest.

Where are the Most Dangerous Countries in the World Located?

It appears that the most dangerous countries for travel are located in two main regions of the world: the Near East and Sub-Saharan Africa. In the Near East, there has long been a history of terrorism and civil war. In Sub-Saharan Africa, countries are burdened with violence, terrorism, high risk of disease, poor infrastructure and limited access to clean food and water. A third region – Central America – has risen in the polls, with El Salvador and Honduras both having high homicide rates.

Comparatively, Western Europe is the safest region to travel – the majority of the 20 safest countries in the world are located there.

What Is the Happiest Country in the World?

How does one measure happiness? Let the World Happiness Report count the ways. According to the 2021 report, every Nordic country made the list of happiest countries in the world, with the top spot going to Finland. The report is compiled by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network in which approximately one thousand people in each UN member state ranks their quality of life. The results are added to data on GDP, life expectancy, social support, trust and corruption, perceived freedom to make life decisions and generosity.  

After Finland, the other top ten happiest countries in the world are Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Austria. Among the factors that appear to contribute to this unabashed happiness are natural resources, bike transportation, high salaries, a strong social security system, paid family leave, trust in government, commitment to the environment and reverence for teachers and the educational system.

Don’t confuse cheapness of travel to cheapness of experience. Many of the world’s most intriguing destinations are inexpensive or reasonably priced and allow you to stretch your vacation dollar.

The cheapest countries for travel are:
 
Asia: Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines
 
Europe and surrounds: Baltic States, Romania, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Turkey
 
Americas: Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, Cuba, Bolivia, Cuba
 
Africa: Morocco, Cape Verde
 
Others to consider to make your vacation budget last longer: Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia

What Is the Safest Country for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo female travel is on the rise with more and more women exploring the world how, when and where they wish. Safety remains a top concern for solo female travelers. The Women’s Danger Index was created to rank the 50 most-visited destinations in the world for safety when it comes to female travelers going it alone. The study looked at intentional homicide rates, non-partner and intimate partner sexual violence, legal discrimination, gender gap, gender inequality and attitudes toward violence against women.

Based on this index, the top ten safest places for solo female travelers are Spain, Singapore, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Portugal, Croatia, Canada and Poland. Alternatively, the top ten most dangerous countries for solo female travelers are South Africa, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Iran, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Morocco, India and Thailand.

How Can I Stay Safe When Traveling in Europe? 

While several European countries – think Denmark, Iceland, Czech Republic, Portugal –  have rated high on the safety index, it doesn’t mean you will never encounter violence or crime. Here’s how to travel safely and take the necessary precautions to ensure a successful, enjoyable trip.

1. Learn the Language: You certainly don’t need to be fluent, but it’s smart to learn a few common phrases in the language of your destination. You never know when you may have an emergency and have to speak to the police or doctors.

 

2. Do Your Research: Learn about where you’re going, what areas are safe and which are to be avoided and which are the best neighborhoods to stay in.

 

3. Always Watch Your Belongings: Particularly at busy tourist attractions and on public transportation, but really throughout your travels – day or night – keep a close eye on your belongings. Consider leaving valuables locked up in your hotel room. In this same vein, carry your passport and credit cards close to your body.

 

4. Withdraw Money at Banks Only: To avoid skimming – in which data from your card is stolen at ATMS – withdraw cash from banks.

 

5. Don’t Flash Your Valuables: Did you get a fancy new camera (or other expensive tech) for your trip? Tuck it away when not in use.

 

6. Research Scams: Scams happen worldwide, so do some poking around online or ask fellow travelers what they have experienced in the destination you’ll be visiting.

 

7. Enjoy the Nightlife, with Friends: If you’re out on the town, it’s best to travel in a group, particularly after dark. Do not drink in excess, otherwise you might be an easy target for criminals. And watch your cocktail so it’s not tainted with drugs when you’re not looking.

 

8. Use Registered Radio Taxis: The safest taxi option in most countries is registered radio taxi. You can call them yourself or ask your hotel, restaurant or club to do it for you. Muggings are more common on private, unregistered taxis.

 

9. Trust Your Instincts: If your surroundings don’t feel right or something feels off, leave the area or seek help.

 

10. Avoid Strikes and Protest Marches: These can be quite common in some European cities, but it’s best for visitors to stay away.

 

11. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): This way the embassy can alert you in times of unrest or trouble. It’s free for US citizens and you’ll receive a travel advisory if there is a situation of which you should be aware.

 

12. Look Up Emergency Numbers: Know the emergency numbers of the countries you are visiting. In European Union countries, the number is 112.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Traveler

In addition to the safety practices outlined above, there are additional guidelines that solo female travelers can adhere to, whether they’re headed to one of the safest countries in the world or a country that ranks more moderately on the peacefulness and safety indexes.

• Practice self-defense, carry pepper spray or a heavier object (even a laptop) that can be used as a weapon.
• Join group tours.
• Consider carrying two phones in case one gets stolen. Divide up cash so if you are robbed, you don’t lose it all.
• Blend in as much as possible. Wear modest clothing and dress according to local customs.
• Make friends with the locals. Chat with food and craft sellers. Having a short conversation or seeing someone every morning, say, to get your coffee, may help you if you need help or have an emergency.