What is the safest country in the world?

As a domain expert in global safety and security, I often engage in discussions about the safest countries in the world. The concept of "safety" can encompass a range of factors, including crime rates, political stability, healthcare systems, and natural disaster risks. It's important to note that no country is entirely free from risk, but some consistently rank higher in terms of safety and security. The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a well-regarded source that ranks countries based on their level of peace, which can be a good proxy for safety.

When considering the safest countries, it's crucial to look at both subjective and objective indicators. Subjective indicators can include the perception of safety among residents, while objective indicators might involve crime rates and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Additionally, the economic stability of a country, the quality of its healthcare system, and its preparedness for natural disasters are also important factors.

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the safety and security of countries worldwide. According to the WEF, the following countries are often cited as some of the safest:


1. Finland - With a rating of 6.65, Finland consistently ranks at the top for safety. It has low crime rates, a strong welfare system, and a high level of trust among its citizens.


2. UAE (United Arab Emirates) - Scoring 6.6, the UAE is known for its strict law enforcement and low crime rates. It also has a robust economy and a focus on maintaining security.


3. Iceland - With a score of 6.57, Iceland is often lauded for its low population density and high levels of social trust, contributing to its safety.


4. Oman - Ranking with a 6.49, Oman is recognized for its political stability and low crime rates.


5. Hong Kong - Scoring 6.47, Hong Kong benefits from a strong legal framework and a low crime rate, despite its high population density.


6. Singapore - At 6.45, Singapore is renowned for its strict laws, efficient law enforcement, and low crime rates.

7.
Norway - With a score of 6.41, Norway is known for its social welfare programs, low crime rates, and high standard of living.

8.
Switzerland - Also scoring 6.41, Switzerland is famous for its neutrality, strong economy, and high quality of life.

It's worth mentioning that the perception of safety can vary greatly among different groups of people and can be influenced by personal experiences. Furthermore, safety metrics can change over time due to various factors such as political changes, economic shifts, and global events.

When evaluating the safety of a country, it's also important to consider the context of different types of safety. For instance, personal safety, which includes the risk of violent crime, is different from environmental safety, which might involve the risk of natural disasters. Additionally, infrastructure safety, which pertains to the reliability of a country's transportation and communication systems, and health safety, which involves the country's preparedness for health crises, are also significant.

In conclusion, while the WEF's ratings provide a snapshot of safety based on various indicators, it's essential to approach the concept of safety with a nuanced understanding that takes into account a wide range of factors. The safest countries are those that maintain a balance between strong law enforcement, low crime rates, economic stability, and robust social systems.

The world's 20 safest countries, according to the WEFFinland - rating: 6.65.UAE - 6.6.Iceland - 6.57.Oman - 6.49.Hong Kong - 6.47.Singapore - 6.45.Norway - 6.41.Switzerland - 6.41.More items...