What are the Safest Countries in the World​ in 2025?

Safety is one of the most important factors when choosing where to live, work, or travel. So, if you plan to move abroad or are just curious about global peace trends, knowing which countries are the safest can help you make smarter decisions. Let’s see what the safest countries in the world​ in 2025 are based on the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Top 5 Safest Countries in the World 2025

According to the latest Global Peace Index, these are the top 5 safest countries in the world for 2025:

These countries consistently rank high in areas like overall peace score, low crime rates, stable governments, strong healthcare systems, and peaceful international relations.

Top Safest Countries in the World 2025

Here is a more complete ranking of the safest countries in the world in 2025, based on the Global Peace Index (GPI). This list compares each country’s GPI score for 2025 and 2024. A lower score means greater safety.

What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)?

The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a report that ranks the most peaceful and safest countries in the world. It is published every year by the Institute for Economics and Peace, a non-profit group that focuses on using peace as a way to measure progress and well-being.

The report includes 163 countries and gives each country a safety score. This score is based on 23 different indicators that show how peaceful or dangerous a country is. These indicators look at things like:

• How many conflicts the country is involved in
• Levels of violence and crime
• Political instability and trust in government
• Risk of terrorism
• Number of homicides
• Military spending as a share of the economy

These factors are grouped into three main categories:

• Ongoing International Conflict
• Societal Safety and Security
• Militarization

Each country gets a final score. The lower the score, the safer the country. Countries at the top of the list are considered the most peaceful places to live, travel, or invest.

The Safest Continent in the World

Europe remains the safest continent in the world, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index. Most of the top 25 safest countries are in Europe, including Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, and Finland. These countries consistently rank high in peace, safety, and political stability.

The Nordic region, including Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, is especially secure. These countries also have some of the lowest homicide rates, averaging around 0.8 per 100,000 people, and regularly rank among the top 10 happiest nations in the world.

Asia is the second-safest continent. Countries like Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Bhutan all ranked in the top 25. Both Europe and Asia report homicide rates under 3 per 100,000.

Qualities the World’s Safest Countries Have in Common

The safest countries in the world need to have:

• Strong rule of law, including low crime and high trust in the justice system
• Stable, low-corruption governments, transparent institutions, and good governance
• High education levels, which means better awareness, critical thinking, and civic responsibility
• Strong economies, such as higher GDP per capita and less income inequality
• Universal healthcare and social support which reduces poverty and unrest
• Low levels of militarization and a focus on diplomacy over force
• Cultural homogeneity or social cohesion and fewer internal conflicts
• Gender equality and human rights protections that promote overall safety
• Low homicide and violent crime rates
• Good relationships with neighboring countries and fewer international conflicts

Profiles of the Top 10 Safest Countries in the World

If safety is at the top of your list, read the section to learn about the top 10 safest countries in the world 2025. According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, they have the lowest crime, stable governments, and some of the most trusted police forces anywhere:

Iceland

Iceland has been at the top of the list of the safest countries in the world for over 15 years. It has no military, and its police don’t carry guns. The crime rate is extremely low. People trust the police, and social inequality is rare. Iceland also supports equal rights for everyone, including laws for same-sex marriage and equal pay. It’s a calm, fair, and peaceful place to live.

Denmark

In Denmark, people feel safe at all hours of the day. Corruption is almost non-existent. Healthcare and university education are free, and even elderly citizens get at-home care. Denmark also has one of the highest levels of trust between the government and the public, which makes people feel secure.

Ireland

Ireland jumped into the top three safest countries in the world recently. Outside of a few city neighborhoods, crime is very low. There’s almost no political unrest or danger from terrorism. It’s one of the safest places to live or visit, especially if you stay alert in busy tourist areas.

New Zealand

New Zealand is peaceful, friendly, and has almost no violent crime. Tourists are usually safe, and police don’t carry guns. Unlike neighboring Australia, New Zealand has no dangerous animals. The government protects freedom of speech and individual rights.

Austria

Austria is calm and safe, with very few serious crimes. While it occasionally sees protests, they are easy to avoid. There have been no recent terror attacks, and the country has strong public safety systems. It’s a clean and peaceful place to live or visit.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world with one of the lowest crime rates. Even small crimes have serious penalties. Guns are strictly controlled, and violent crime is very rare. Most people say they feel very safe, and trust in law enforcement is high. Singapore also ranks as one of the safest cities globally for digital and infrastructure security.

Portugal

Portugal has climbed in the peace rankings over the last decade. Police carry guns, but crime is low, and their presence adds to public safety. The country’s economy is growing, unemployment is down, and it’s become a top choice for retirees. People live well and feel secure here.

Slovenia

Slovenia scores well in safety, healthcare, and travel security. Roads are safe, and hospitals are reliable. The country became a democracy in the 1990s and now focuses on building a peaceful and sustainable future. It’s calm, clean, and great for families.

Japan

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime and almost no internal conflict. People rarely own guns, and police are respected. Tokyo was recently ranked the safest city in the world for cybersecurity and health services. Even with its location near unstable regions, Japan remains very stable.

Switzerland

Switzerland is peaceful, neutral, and well-organized. It stayed out of both world wars and is trusted worldwide. Its cities are clean, safe, and home to major peace groups like the Red Cross and the United Nations. Tourists love its beauty, but it’s also a secure place to live.

Safety Tips for Moving Abroad

If you want to visit a new place, be sure to:

• Learn about local laws, safety risks, and areas to avoid.
• Understand customs, dress codes, and social norms to avoid misunderstandings.
• Always lock doors and windows. Keep valuables out of sight.
• Check if vaccines or health screenings are required before entry.
• Get international health insurance and know who to contact in emergencies.

Safest Countries in the World in 2025: Let’s Recap

The world’s safest countries in the world share a common thread: peace, trust, and strong systems that protect their people. If you’re looking for a secure place to live, invest, or explore, the 2025 Global Peace Index offers a reliable guide. From Iceland to Singapore, these nations lead by example.

Still, have questions about moving to a safe country? Drop them in the comments or get expert help with Visa Library’s FREE consultation through the link in our bio.

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